Senior Demographer

Company: San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG)
Location: San Diego
Posted on: May 15, 2022

Job Description:

SANDAG's DSA, DAM, and RPM Departments support regional planning and decision making by collecting, managing, and analyzing data. Specifically, the teams are responsible for collecting original data to inform regional forecasts, models, and planning; compiling and ensuring the integrity of data from other sources for the same uses; meeting the software and database
needs of the agency, as well as local, state, and federal public safety agencies; develop and manage a suite of transportation and socioeconomic modeling software platforms, completing regional demographic and economic forecasts; modeling the transportation needs of the region in the short- and long-term; serving as the regional Criminal Justice Clearinghouse and
conducting action research for public safety stakeholders; formulating actionable and transparent business intelligence strategies and implementing valuable initiatives related to big data, open data, data analytics, and economic research; and disseminating data and information to stakeholders in a clear and concise way that can inform policy and other decisions.

The Economic and Demographic Forecasting and Modeling team has one open position for a Senior Demographer.

The Senior Demographer is SANDAG's subject matter expert on all aspects of the demographic data used and released by the agency. This role is responsible for the methodology by which the agency's annual estimates and demographic forecast are created. This role includes planning, implementing, and managing projects and project teams as well as effective communication of results to internal users of the data and external committees and agencies. This person will manage a small team of demographers and analysts but will also perform and deliver ad-hoc statistical analyses as needed.

Salary is dependent upon skills and experience: $96,677 - $149,850

Experience and Qualifications
Numerous factors contribute to an individual's ability to be successful in any given role. For this position, we are searching for a candidate with an aptitude for analytical thinking and problem solving who is organized, flexible, and can be relied upon to meet deadlines while working on multiple projects. Excellent communication skills, the ability to work collaboratively with a variety of end-users to build consensus, and the use of sound judgment are important.

The minimum education, training, and experience qualifications include a bachelor's degree with major course work in national and local demographic analyses, land use/real estate economics, statistics, migration, immigration, public policy, or related fields, and five years of recent experience in applied demography, socioeconomics, or related research field. A graduate degree is preferable.

The following information describes the specific types of career experiences that are most relevant to this position.

--- Experience analyzing data from the US Census Bureau, including decennial census, ACS and PUMS data.
--- Experience analyzing data from other federal and state agencies such as the BLS, BEA, California Department of Finance or Economic Development Department, as well as local agencies such as regional economic development agencies, water authorities, and health and human services.
--- Experience using data from commercial third-party data providers such as Acxiom, AGS, Claritas, Corelogic, Costar, Data Axle, Dun & Bradstreet, ESRI, Experian, IRI, MRI, Scarborough or others, as well as knowledge of how they are created and any differences between sources.
--- Demonstrated experience developing and applying integrated demographic models, preferably at a small area in a regional planning environment; ability to effectively interpret and explain model outcomes.
--- Knowledge of advanced statistical techniques and the ability to use statistical software to analyze survey data and estimate parameters for demographic models.
--- Demonstrated experience with relational database management (SQL), statistical analysis (Python, R or SAS). Familiarity with GIS software a plus.
--- Knowledge of a variety of machine learning techniques and experience with their practical application including supervised learning such as multi-variate linear regression, and various classification techniques.
--- Experience keeping complex projects on track, managing competing demands, and effectively communicating impact of changes to schedule.
--- Experience leading a team and providing administrative and professional leadership and direction for assigned personnel.
--- Experience preparing reports that document research procedures; effectively present, analyze, and interpret research findings; and make conclusions and recommendations for consideration by decision makers.
--- Ability to communicate highly technical information effectively, both orally and in writing; ability to prepare and deliver public presentations and recommendations regarding various program elements to upper management, community groups, and other audiences.
--- Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of work including local, state, and federal agencies, other government officials, community groups, and the public; ability to gain cooperation and consensus through discussion and persuasion.

Job Responsibilities
This position is ideal for an experienced demographer with a strong interest in furthering their expertise in regional demographic and socioeconomic issues. We anticipate career development will occur while completing the types of duties and responsibilities described below and through mentoring and close collaboration with senior staff. Examples of primary responsibilities include:

--- Be the leader in all aspects of demographic data from outside agencies including from the Census Bureau, the California Department of Finance and other government and commercial third-party providers. This includes understanding the methodologies used to create this data and its appropriate use within SANDAG.
--- Own the methodology by which SANDAG's annual estimates are created, including the use of outside data, creation of a wide range of demographic variables, from the region level down to the block level.
--- Be the advocate within the agency on the proper use of Census and demographic data and the benefits of this type of information. Develop effective written communication and function as the agency's premier presenter of this type of data, applications, and benefits.
--- Develop the methodology by which long-range forecasts are created for demographic characteristics such as age, race/ethnicity, and income at the region and block levels of geography.
--- Manage a small team of analysts, setting appropriate goals and objectives, and providing training, feedback, and supervision to ensure their professional development.
--- Perform ad-hoc analyses requiring the accessing of data from a relational database, analysis of the data to support a conclusion, and delivery of results via written summation and data visualizations such as dashboards.
--- Create all end user documentation on the methodology, process, and contents of all agency demographic data. These would include documents such as detailed white papers, complete data product documentation, to meta-data and summaries for use in web-based applications.
--- Prepare written technical, analytical, and policy reports and present findings and recommendations to technical and policy committees, the SANDAG Board of Directors, other elected and appointed officials, and SANDAG clients.
--- Coordinate and/or participate on inter-departmental and inter-agency teams assembled for modeling, analyses, and planning related projects; foster collaborative working relationships with local jurisdictions, Caltrans, and other public agencies.
--- Develop successful long-term networks and business relationships with private and public sector organizations; engage in business development activities that lead to greater awareness of the agency's socioeconomic programs, services, and resources throughout the region.
--- Apply for and respond to grants, develop RFP's, evaluate competitive project proposals, and make recommendations for consultant selection; manage project consultants and ensure projects are completed on schedule, within the prescribed budget, and with a high-level of effectiveness.

Keywords: San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), San Diego , Senior Demographer, Accounting, Auditing , San Diego, California