Description

The Minnesota State Demographic Center (SDC) is the main provider of demographic data and analysis for the state. The Center creates yearly population estimates and long-term projections and analyzes data from the federal government and other sources to monitor key demographic trends. The SDC serves as a liaison to the U.S. Census Bureau and as a resource to Minnesotans to find the demographic data they need to make informed decisions.

In this position, you will assist the State Demographer in carrying out the duties and responsibilities set forth in the enabling legislation. As a researcher and subject matter expert, you will work independently to develop and review population projections for Minnesota and its 87 counties and prepare forecasts of related population characteristics, including births, deaths, migration, race and ethnicity, labor force participation, households, and other characteristics relevant to emerging policy considerations. You will also assist the State Demographer in preparing for the decennial census in Minnesota.

On-site work in St. Paul, Minnesota, is required 50% of the time. Permanent residence in Minnesota is also required. Newly hired employees are given 6-12 months to relocate to the state, if needed.

Apply online by April 1, 2026. 

Requirements

Minimum Qualifications

The following qualifications are required of all applicants seeking consideration for this position. Only applications whose application materials clearly demonstrate fulfillment of each of these minimum qualifications will be considered for the position.

• Three (3) years of experience with collecting, analyzing, and interpreting demographic data.
  
  • A bachelor's degree in economics, planning, public health, statistics, sociology, or another field related to demography may substitute for one (1) year of experience as described.
  • A master's degree as specified above may substitute for 18 months of experience as described.
  • A PhD as specified above may substitute for two (2) years of experience as described.
• Proficiency in statistical or data analysis tools, such as Excel, R, SPSS, SAS, Stata, or similar software.
• Knowledge of core demographic concepts, including fertility, mortality, and migration.
• Experience preparing technical reports, documentation of methods, or public-facing research products.
• Interpersonal and human relations skills to effectively relate and work with a wide variety of people from different backgrounds.
• Effective communication skills to present complex information to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with data providers and users, including the U.S. Census Bureau, other state agencies and departments, local government officials, statewide communities, co-workers, and the general public.

Preferred Qualifications

• PhD in public health, economics, sociology, geography, or another field related to demography.
  Advanced knowledge of demographic methods used to produce population projections, including cohort-component models, fertility, mortality, and migration analysis.
• Demonstrated experience preparing, analyzing, and evaluating population projections at state, regional, or local levels.
• Experience working with Census Bureau programs, such as the Federal State Cooperative for Population Estimates, the State Data Center Network, the Boundary Annexation Survey, Count Review, and Local Update of Census Addresses.
• Experience conducting demographic research and writing demographic research or policy papers.
• Ability to make independent judgments without prior review.
   

Additional Requirements

Successful applicants must pass a criminal background check and license verification through American DataBank and employment reference checks prior to employment. A criminal history does not automatically disqualify an applicant, and each case will be reviewed individually in alignment with fair hiring practices.

Applicants must possess a valid driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record or have reliable transportation.