Arena Careers

For over 19 years, Catalist has been a leader in civic data and data science innovation. Our mission is to provide progressive organizations with the data, software, and services needed to better identify, understand, and communicate with the people they need to engage and mobilize. Our clients include the largest, most influential organizations in the U.S. active in civic engagement, advocacy, and political campaigns.

Catalist is home to a dedicated, creative team of technologists, data scientists, and campaign experts committed to using our talents and technology to nurture a vibrant and growing progressive community.

As a Data Operations Engineer, you will have a leading role in providing data sets and solutions in a timely and efficient manner for use by a wide array of Catalist clients and partners. The position will also be responsible for conducting research into election administration, political trends, and new data sets to help meet the needs of Catalist and our clients.

The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated individual with a strong attention to detail, a desire to learn new skills, and an interest in progressive politics. Catalist values creativity and problem-solving. Our work is on the cutting edge of data-driven politics, and your support will help Democratic candidates and progressive organizations conduct successful advocacy and electoral campaigns.

This position reports to the Director of Data Acquisition. While Data Operations Engineers work with the Client Services, Analytics, and Tech teams, they are a part of the growing Data team that supports all underlying work at Catalist.

Principle Duties & Responsibilities

• • Research, collect, and work with data from various sources, such as voter file, absentee/early vote, geographic, and aggregate level data in a timely and efficient manner
  • Fulfill various administrative tasks such as preparing required forms, letters, and check requests, as well as working with Catalist’s legal counsel to ensure compliance with federal, state, and local regulations
  • Build and foster relationships with points of contact at various data sources to stay informed about data changes as well as monitor information on elections and regulations
  • Track ongoing and future internal operations, including but not limited to, acquisition calendars, budgeting documents, and data element listings
  • Execute and help develop the process that sees all data acquired by Catalist is both handled and stored in a secure manner, in keeping with best practices
  • Respond to all correspondence in alignment with company values and objectives while handling confidential information with the utmost maturity, discretion, and diplomacy
  • Utilize programming languages as well as other internal resources to process data sets as well as answer questions internally and externally about data and data processing
  • Plan, manage, and execute special projects as directed by the Director of Data Acquisition

Requirements

• • One to two years of some previous administrative work
  • Background check required

Preferred Skills & Abilities

• • Experience with political campaigns or progressive organizations
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills, including ability to multitask
  • Effective problem solving and troubleshooting abilities in a fast-paced environment
  • Able to focus on details and make productive suggestions on ways to improve processes
  • Willingness to be creative and personable, work with internal teams, and articulate ideas clearly in both written and oral communication
  • Capacity to become an internal subject matter expert on various datasets and support other Catalist departments/teams on usage of those datasets
  • Ability and willingness to learn new skills quickly