This position functions as the Director of the State Data Center (SDC) within the Demographic Research Unit. The SDC was established to disseminate census data, improve public access to census data products, and serve as a resource to the regional and local affiliate centers throughout California. The SDC Director is the state expert in census data products and their use in policy. The position manages the relationship with the data center network, will be closely involved in the preparation and operation of the decennial census of 2030, and the dissemination and usage of that data.
The SDC Director reports to the Chief Demographer and oversees research staff engaged in demographic and statistical analysis. The position also provides oversight of the city population and housing estimates, including its planning, methodology, and production, through direct supervision of the program's Research Data Supervisor.
The SDC Director works closely with the Assistant Chief Demographer and the staff of Economic and Revenue Research to ensure that the best available research data are used, forecasting assumptions are as accurate as possible, and that policy and budgeting implications of demographic change are understood by appropriate staff in the Department of Finance and throughout the state.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.
Additional Documents - Job Application Package Checklist
- Duty Statement
Position Details Job Code #:
JC-538236
Position #(s):
300-320-5740-003
Working Title:
Research Data Manager
Classification:
RESEARCH DATA MANAGER $10,050.00 - $11,410.00
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
1
Work Location:
Sacramento County
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Special Requirements Finance currently has a hybrid telework model, which requires employees to work in the office a minimum of four days during the workweek with additional in office days required as needed and sometimes on short notice, for reasons such as hearings, site visits, or required in-person meetings or trainings.
In July 2025, the State of California implemented the Personal Leave Program 2025. This program reduces employees' monthly base pay in exchange for paid leave credits. This position is subject to PLP 2025 and will have a monthly base pay reduction of 3% in exchange for 5 hours of leave credits for the duration of the program. The salary ranges shown on this job posting do not reflect the reduced amounts.
Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States and maintain valid employment authorization throughout their employment with the Department of Finance.
The Department of Finance does not:
- Provide employment-based visa sponsorship
- Participate in E-Verify
- Participate in the STEM OPT extension program
Applicants with temporary employment authorization may still be eligible for employment, provided they meet the position's requirements and can maintain work authorization without requiring the department to provide employment-based visa sponsorship or participate in E-Verify.
Application Instructions Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 11/17/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Individuals who are eligible for a Training and Development assignment may also be considered for this position(s). Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Finance
DOF Human Resources Office
Attn: Nguyet Nguyen
915 L Street, Suite 1480
Sacramento , CA 95814
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Finance
DOF Human Resources Office
Nguyet Nguyen
915 L Street, Suite 1480
Sacramento , CA 95814
Human Resource Office is closed from 12:00pm-1:00pm (PST), Monday-Friday.
08:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:
- Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
- Resume is required and must be included.
- School Transcripts
- Statement of Qualifications - The Statement of Qualifications (SOQ) serves as documentation of each candidate's ability to present information clearly, in writing. The SOQ must be no more than three (3) pages in length, typed using no less than 12-point Arial font. The SOQ must include the following questions and in order listed below, a single, narrative response will not be accepted. Each response must include the number of years of experience you have and must include specific examples to support your response.
- Describe your experience managing complex research or data-related projects, including how you provided technical guidance, coordinated staff and resources, and ens ured the quality and timely completion of work.
- Describe your knowledge of and experience working with demographic and U.S. Census Bureau data. Provide examples of how you have used these data to support research, policy analysis, or decision-making.
- Describe your experience leading and motivating staff, promoting diversity and inclusion, enhancing morale, and fostering accountability in a constantly changing work environment.
- Other - Names and contact information of three references, at least one that can speak to management experience.
Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
- Knowledge of methods of administrative problem solving, and personnel management experience.
- Knowledge of demographic methods and their application.
- Knowledge of and experience working with U.S. Census Bureau data products, including the decennial census, American Community Survey, and Current Population Survey.
- Knowledge of principles, practices, and trends of public administration, organization, management, and policy formulation and development, including the rulemaking process.
- Knowledge of Census Bureau partnership programs and decennial census operations such as the Local Update of Census Addresses (LUCA) program, Participant Statistical Areas Program (PSAP), and Count Question Resolution (CQR).
- Knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and spatial data analysis.
- Knowledge of statistical software and programming languages, such as Stata, R, or Python.
- Knowledge of the Department's Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Program objectives, the manager's role in the EEO Program, and the processes available to meet EEO.
- Ability to communicate complex issues and explain demographic concepts using simple language, in written and oral form.
- Ability to plan, organize, and direct the work of multi-disciplinary professional staff.
- Ability to write clear and understandable memos and reports.
- Ability to analyze administrative policies, organization, procedures, and practices.
- Ability to develop cooperative working relationships with representatives of all levels of government, the public, and the Legislative and Executive branches.
Benefits For general information related to benefits with the State of California, please click here: State Employees - CalHR Benefits Website .
Finance employees are excluded from collective bargaining and are eligible to receive the following enhanced benefits:
- Enhanced medical, dental, and disability benefits
- Employer paid Life Insurance
- Additional hour of Vacation/Annual Leave
- Excluded employees are not subject to State Disability Insurance payroll withholding
For more details about employee benefits, visit the Department of Finance's website here .
Contact Information The Human Resources Contact is available to answer questions regarding the application process. The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position.
Department Website: http://www.dof.ca.gov
Human Resources Contact:
Nguyet Nguyen
(916) 323-4071
Nguyet.Nguyen@dof.ca.gov
Hiring Unit Contact:
Walter Schwarm
(916) 323-4086
Walter.Schwarm@dof.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
Larissa Murphy
(916) 445-3368
Larissa.Murphy@dof.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.