Asst. Data and Tracking Consultant, ISSI

Posted: 2/19/08

ISSI is a not-for-profit corporation established to provide on the ground state-based data management, targeting and coalition-building advice and services to a variety of clients, including advocacy groups, charities and political organizations. These services are interconnected and while each team member may specialize in a particular area all staff collaborate extensively on a range of projects for disparate clients such as the America Votes coalition (including extensive work with some of the largest progressive organizations in the country http://www.americavotes.org/coalition/), the Civic Engagement Fund, the Wellstone Action Fund, and the Center for Civic Participation.

We seek individuals across the country for full-time junior and senior positions within our Data and Targeting operations (including Michigan). Strong candidates should have a combination of technical and interpersonal skills to successfully work with state and national organizations improving the function and efficiency of their partisan or nonpartisan electoral programs.

Job Functions (depending on specific state or national position): *Conduct general voter targeting; research and identify cost-effective voter contact strategies.

  • Provide specific voter targeting and analysis (emphasis on modeling, micro-targeting, demographic and geographic factors) to progressive organizations.
  • Administer distinct America Votes and CEF voter file systems using Catalist (http://www.catalist.us/) and the VAN (http://www.voteractivationnetwork.com/).
  • Ensure that users of the VAN voter file system receive appropriate training and support for effective and appropriate use.
  • Manage a state-based Voter Targeting Workgroup consisting of individuals interested in building in-state capacity for targeting and research.
  • Work with partners to establish best practices and standards for data collection (e.g., IDs), data acquisition and preservation in the shared voter file.
  • Coordinate large-scale voter contact programs utilizing the VAN Planned Communications tool or subsequent technology.
  • Assist partners in conducting real-time voter contact field tests as well as turnout and post-election analysis to measure program effectiveness.
  • Identify technological challenges facing organizations doing electoral work; seek solutions; and, work with those groups to implement solutions.
  • Participate in national data and technology teams dedicated to building a permanent shared national technological infrastructure.
  • Understand and implement internal protocols to maintain client confidentiality and provide services that are consistent with each client’s particular legal status.

Key Qualifications:

  • A strong commitment to progressive and charitable causes is a must.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills including the ability to communicate technical subjects to non-technical individuals.
  • Candidates should have a basic understanding of common direct voter contact programs (phone, mail, canvass, etc).
  • Familiarity with online electoral tools including the VAN (Voter Activation Network) system is highly desirable.
  • Candidates should have experience in the use of data and analytics to drive effective decision-making.
  • Strong Excel skills are required and candidates should have some experience (or the ability to quickly learn) database management and operations using a desktop-scale platform such as Microsoft Access or more advanced SQL and query construction.
  • Diplomatic, professional approach to problem solving and the ability to think independently and creatively.
  • Ability to manage several tasks/projects concurrently and prioritize work effectively.
  • Must exercise good judgment and discretion and be able to work independently and as a member of a group
  • Must be a self-starter; willing to work sometimes long, irregular hours and to travel as needed. Salary is commensurate with experience. Benefits include health, dental, vision and 401K.

To apply: please email a copy of your resume, a cover letter and three references to spontoni[at]infoservicesgroup.net

ISSI is an equal opportunity employer.