DOLA State Demographer (Management)

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. 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.