Department Information

Who can Apply

This opportunity is only open to residents of the State of Colorado.

About the Colorado Department of Local Affairs

The Department of Local Affairs (DOLA) serves as the primary interface between the State and local communities. The Department provides financial support to local communities and professional and technical services (including training and technical assistance) to community leaders in the areas of governance, housing, and property tax administration. While all state governments provide such services through various Departmental structures, Colorado’s approach is unique in that these local community services are gathered into one Department of “Local Affairs,” which has a central focus on strengthening Colorado communities and enhancing livability.

Vision

The Department of Local Affairs is responsible for strengthening Colorado's local communities through: accessible, affordable, and secure housing; implementing property tax law; capacity building; strategic training, research, and technical assistance; and funding to localities.

Mission

Our mission is to help strengthen Colorado’s communities.

Why work for the Colorado Department of Local Affairs?

The work we do matters greatly. It matters to us and it matters to the citizens of the great state of Colorado. We love our communities and are passionate about supporting our communities. We value the diversity that Colorado offers. If your goal is to build a career that makes a difference in communities across the State, consider joining the dedicated people of the Department of Local Affairs.

In addition, we offer a great location and great benefits, which include:

Medical and Dental Plans
Strong, secure, yet flexible Retirement Plans including PERA Defined Benefit Plan or PERA Defined Contribution Plan plus pre-tax and ROTH 401K, and 457 plans
Employee Wellness Programs
Paid Life Insurance
11 paid Holidays per year plus Vacation and Sick Leave
Short and Long-Term Disability Coverage
RTD Eco Pass to all eligible State Employees
Flexible work schedule options and hybrid work options
Some positions may qualify for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Training opportunities
A variety of Free discounts on services and products available through the State of Colorado's Work-Life Employment Discount Program

Please see the Benefits Overview video for details on the benefits offered to employees.

Description of Job

State Demographer's Office

Join the State Demography Office of Colorado, where your work will shape the future of our communities! We are a dynamic team dedicated to providing accurate, insightful data that guides policy and planning decisions across the state.

The State Demography Office (SDO) is a nonpartisan state office located within the Department of Local Affairs. The office serves as the primary state office on demographic information (C.R.S. 24-32-204). In addition, SDO acquires, develops, analyzes, and disseminates demographic, housing, economic, and related information for Colorado and its sub-areas.

The State Demography Office serves as a crucial support to decision makers including the Governor, the Legislature, State agencies, local governments, universities, and countless other organizations each year. You will collaborate with decision-makers and organizations to provide critical data and projections that inform long-term planning and strategic initiatives. As the director of the State Demography Office, you will be part of a team of dedicated professionals who work hard every day to provide the vital data and information to serve the people of Colorado.

SDO provides economic, housing, and demographic estimates and forecasts. The office is committed to carrying out its work with considerable local input and participation, including local review of population change variables, as its estimates have practical implications for local governments, such as the distribution of state lottery funding. In addition, the office provides and interprets large sets of data to state, local governmental, and supportive agencies. These activities require the staff to process large amounts of data and apply statistical techniques to varied data sets for specific uses.

The SDO is also Colorado’s State Census Data Center, serving as a partner to the Census Bureau in delivering accurate and timely information, providing training and assistance on Census Bureau data products, and communicating with the bureau on data usability, data user needs and operational issues. Historically, SDO has served as the primary contact for state-level decennial census efforts with the Census Bureau and with local governments.

Position Summary

The State Demographer is the head of the State Demography Office and acts as the leading authority on population data and the causes of population change for the State of Colorado. By statute, C.R.S. 24-32-204, the Office is designated as “the primary state agency of demographic information.” The data produced by the Office are used to define problems, such as conditions, incident rates, numbers of persons impacted, and to establish the need for facilities or program services. Often small differences in population result in very large expenditures for state agencies, namely Education, Higher Education, Corrections, Public Health, Human Services, and Transportation.

The individual in this position designs the SDO’s programs, directs and supervises the staff, and determines the use of resources for the preparation of the statutorily required population estimates and forecasts for the state. This position oversees and directs daily activities of the program to include direction and control of operations and performs all legal or administratively required functions. This position is accountable for setting SDO’s organizational goals and objectives, directing and approving the course of action for the operations, and effectively managing the delivery of services and reporting mechanisms through the supervision of subordinates.

The position also relates to the U.S. Census Bureau and other agencies involved in preparing population information or information related to population change to ensure the methods and sources of their work are most appropriate for the different areas and populations of the State.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the State Demography Office: Set strategic goals, manage staff, and oversee day-to-day operations to fulfill statutory obligations for demographic data production and dissemination.
Deliver Expert Analysis: Provide subject matter expertise on demographic trends, population changes, and economic conditions to local and state agencies, government officials, and the public.
Collaborate with Local Governments: Engage with local communities and governments to review and refine variables used in population forecasting, ensuring input from a wide range of stakeholders.
Data Management & Forecasting: Oversee the acquisition and analysis of large datasets, applying statistical techniques to create accurate demographic estimates and forecasts.
Represent Colorado on State and National Platforms: Collaborate with state agencies, local governments, and the U.S. Census Bureau and other organizations to ensure Colorado’s demographic needs are met at both state and national levels. Present on demographic and economic topics at state and national conferences.
Engage in Census 2030 and Future Decennial Census Campaigns: Act as the lead for the State Data Center by engaging in data mapping and planning for the U.S. Census, and collaborate with the U.S. Census Bureau and any state and local-level communities in Colorado focused on accurate Census counts.
Ensure Compliance: Ensure that the State Demography Office delivers accurate and timely demographic information to be used for local decision making and meets all statutory reporting and other requirements.
Fiscal and Strategic Oversight: Manage budgets, set program objectives, and ensure efficient use of resources in alignment with department goals.

Minimum Qualifications, Substitutions, Conditions of Employment & Appeal Rights

Class Code & Classification Description

H6G8XX MANAGEMENT

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Experience Only: Ten (10) years of experience in demographic or economic analysis which must have included:

Proven experience in demographic and/or economic analysis and research, and statistical analysis techniques, and the ability to use them independently in an applied demographic and/or economic environment to resolve complex and difficult issues.
Experience conducting analysis with data from the U.S. Bureau of the Census and other population and economic data sources.
Proficiency in at least one statistical software program such as SAS, R, Python, STATA, or Eviews, and the ability to use that software to independently devise methods and processes to resolve complex or difficult issues.

Two (2) of these years must have included experience with public or business administration, establishing goals and objectives, as well as developing and managing a budget to achieve program goals and objectives.

OR

Education and Experience: A combination of related education in Applied Demography, Economics, Statistics, Statistical Analysis, Mathematics, Business Analytics, Sociology or a closely related field (as determined by the agency) AND experience as described above equal to ten (10) years. There is no substitution for the two years experience with public or business administration, establishing goals and objectives, as well as developing and managing a budget to achieve program goals and objectives

Ensure that the 'Work Experience" section of the application is complete and contains all relevant work experience related to the position that you are applying for.

Applicants must upload their unofficial college transcripts that include the student name, college name, courses completed and/or degree with date conferred with this application, in order to receive credit.

Under the Job Application Fairness Act (SB 23-058), applicants may redact information from certifications and transcripts that identify their age, date of birth or dates of attendance from an educational institution.

Required Competencies

Advanced skills with Microsoft Office products: Word, Excel, Powerpoint, and database software.
Advanced skills in one or more statistical software programs, such as SAS, R, Python, STATA, or Eviews.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Strong oral presentation skills with experience presenting to large audiences using Microsoft Powerpoint or similar presentation materials.
Senior Level Experience presenting complex ideas and information to a variety of audiences in both written and presentation formats and explaining complex or technical information using plain language.
Comprehensive knowledge of U.S. Census Bureau data sources.
Ability to independently problem solve.
Strong attention to detail.
Strong analytical skills.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Ability to effectively collaborate with internal and external customers and stakeholders.
Ability to remain non-partisan in partisan environments.
Ability to adapt communication appropriately for purpose and audience.
Ability to provide clear, concise, and objective responses to complex program questions.
Highly organized, with experience in project or task management.
Competency in Google Suite.
Ability to create accessible documents and technical content that follows plain language guidelines.

Preferred Qualifications

State of Colorado government experience.
Expert knowledge in demographic and/or economic analysis and data.
A master’s degree in Applied Demography, Economics, Statistics, Mathematics, Sociology, Business analytics, or a closely related field.
7+ years of documented professional experience post-graduation in applied demographics, economics, or statistical analysis.
Experience in applied quantitative research and multivariate statistical analyses.
Demonstrated proficiency in data management.
Experience contributing to published reports or articles in applied research.
Familiarity with Google Suite products.
Experience responding to media inquiries.

Conditions of Employment

You MUST be a Colorado resident (at the time of application) to apply for this position.
Pre-employment criminal background checks will be conducted as part of the selection process.
Applicants must be legally eligible to work in the United States to be appointed to this position. DOLA uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. DOLA does not sponsor non-residents of the United States.
MUST have a valid, unrestricted Colorado drivers license with a safe driving record. A safe driving record requires the following:
- No convictions within the last seven (7) years for Reckless driving; Vehicular manslaughter; Driving under the influence (DUI); Two (2) or more driving while ability impaired (DWAI) convictions; One (1) conviction related to bodily injury or death to another person as described in C.R.S. 42-4-239. Eluding the police; or Street racing.
- No convictions within the last five (5) years for: Three (3) or more careless driving convictions; or Speeding 20 mph over the speed limit. Two (2) convictions related to distracted driving or use of a mobile electronic device as described in C.R.S. 42-4-239.
- No convictions within the last three (3) years for: Three (3) or more moving violations with a total of more than seven (7) points assessed on the license; or Suspension or revocation of driver license (unless for unpaid child support or other suspension not related to a moving violation).
- No requirement of a breath monitoring device, also known as Interlock, to operate a motor vehicle.

Only complete applications submitted by the closing date for this announcement will be given consideration. Failure to submit properly completed documents by the closing date of this announcement will result in your application being rejected.

Applicants may submit a resume, and/or cover letter/letter of interest detailing how their experience and background address the stated minimum and preferred qualifications/competencies of the job, and attach to the online application. Applications left blank or marked “See Resume” will not be accepted. Please address every requirement for the position with your experience in your application.

The application may include the following documents that MUST be uploaded at the time of application:

A resume (this is not a substitute for the online application demonstrating work history)
Cover letter / letter of interest
Transcripts (if using education to meet the minimum qualifications)
DD214 (member-4 form) from applicants that may be eligible for veteran’s preference

Comparative Analysis

Current and former employees (transfers, voluntary demotions, and reinstatements) are required to participate in the comparative analysis process through this job posting.

Applications will be reviewed to determine if you meet the Minimum Qualifications (MQs) for the position. Applicants that meet MQ’s will be included in the Comparative Analysis process. Colorado Revised Statutes require that state employees are hired and promoted through a comparative analysis which may include, but is not limited to, a suitability screening, training and experience review, eSkills Assessment, oral assessment, written performance assessment or it may include a review of your application and your responses to any supplemental questions by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) to assess and rank applicants. Be sure your application specifically addresses the requirements as listed in the minimum qualifications. Address your specialized experience, work products, and accomplishments as they relate to the position duties, required competencies and preferred qualifications in order to establish an eligible list for referral to the hiring manager for final consideration.

Supplemental Information

The State of Colorado strives to create a Colorado for All by building and maintaining workplaces that value and respect all Coloradans through a commitment to equal opportunity and hiring based on merit and fitness. The State is resolute in non-discriminatory practices in everything we do, including hiring, employment, and advancement opportunities.

DOLA is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, our agency will assist individuals who have a disability with any reasonable accommodation requests related to employment, including completing the application process, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, participating in the employee selection process, and/or to perform essential job functions where the requested accommodation does not impose an undue hardship. If you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to ensure you have a positive experience applying or interviewing for this position, please direct your inquiries to Melissa Bellew, DOLA ADA Coordinator at melissa.bellew@state.co.us.

Email Address: All correspondence regarding your status in the selection/examination process will be conducted via email. Include a working email address on your application; one that is checked often as time sensitive correspondence such as exam information or notification will take place via email. Please set up your e-mail to accept messages from "state.co.us" and "info@governmentjobs.com" addresses. It is your responsibility to ensure that your email will accept these notices and/or review your junk mail and spam filtered email.

Biweekly Pay: As of July 1, 2023, all DOLA new hires, including transfers of current state employees and reinstatements of former state employees, will be placed on the biweekly pay schedule. This means you will be paid every other Friday for a total of 26 pay periods over the course of a year. Biweekly pay is also lag pay, meaning you will be paid two weeks after the end of each pay period. Please click here for more information about the move to biweekly payroll.

Technical Assistance: If you experience technical difficulty with the NEOGOV system (e.g. uploading or attaching documents to your online application) please contact NEOGOV technical support at 855-524-5627 Mon-Fri between 6 am and 6 pm (Pacific Time). Helpful hints: if you are having difficulty uploading or attaching documents to your application first, ensure your documents are PDF or Microsoft Word files, and second, close the document before you attempt to upload (attach) it.

Appeal Rights: An applicant who has been removed from an employment list or removed from consideration during the selection process may request a review by the State Personnel Director. As an applicant directly affected by the results of the selection or comparative analysis process, you may file a written appeal with the State Personnel Director.

Review of the completed, signed and submitted appeal will be timely on the basis of written material submitted by you, using the official appeal form signed by you or your representative. This form must be completed and delivered to the State Personnel Board by email at dpa_state.personnelboard@state.co.us within ten (10) calendar days from your receipt of notice or acknowledgment of the Department’s action. For further information on the Board Rules, you can refer to 4 Colorado Code of Regulations (CCR) 801-1, State Personnel Board Rules and Personnel Director's Administrative Procedures, Chapter 8, Resolution of Appeals and Disputes, at spb.colorado.gov/board-rules.

For questions related to this job posting, please reach out to Danielle Milone via email at danielle.milone@state.co.us.

Department of Local Affairs

About Company

DOLA State Demographer (Management)