Application Guide

How to Apply for Chief Operating Officer

at Data for Progress

🏢 About Data for Progress

Data for Progress is a fast-moving progressive research organization that uses polling and data analysis to support progressive causes and candidates. It's unique for its dual 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) structure, enabling both educational and advocacy work. Working here means contributing to evidence-based progressive change in a dynamic, mission-driven environment.

About This Role

As COO, you will lead internal operations and people systems across both entities, overseeing everything from capacity planning and financial management to labor relations and vendor relationships. This role is impactful because you'll ensure the organization runs smoothly, enabling its research and advocacy to reach maximum effectiveness.

💡 A Day in the Life

Your day might start with a check-in with the finance team on budget tracking for both entities, followed by a meeting with the HR director about a staffing plan. After lunch, you could review a vendor contract for administrative services and then join a call with the union representative to discuss upcoming negotiations. You'd end the day by reviewing capacity projections for the next quarter.

🚀 Application Tools

Generate Cover Letter

AI-powered, tailored for Data for Progress

Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Data for Progress Is Looking For

  • Has 5+ years of senior leadership in nonprofit operations, people ops, HR, finance, compliance, or labor relations.
  • Proven experience building or improving internal systems in a mission-driven organization.
  • Strong judgment on personnel matters and excellent project management skills.
  • Experience in a unionized workplace or supporting labor relations is highly valued.

📝 Tips for Applying to Data for Progress

1

Highlight your experience with dual-entity structures (e.g., 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4)) and how you've navigated compliance and financial management across both.

2

Emphasize any direct experience with unionized workplaces, collective bargaining, or labor relations—this is a key requirement.

3

Showcase specific examples of building or scaling internal systems (e.g., HR platforms, financial tracking, capacity planning) in a fast-paced nonprofit.

4

Tailor your resume to reflect outcomes: use metrics like reduced costs, improved efficiency, or increased staff retention.

5

Mention your familiarity with progressive politics or data-driven advocacy, even if tangential, to show cultural alignment.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for progressive causes and how your operational leadership can amplify Data for Progress's impact.", 'Specific examples of improving internal systems in a mission-driven organization.', 'Your experience with labor relations and unionized workplaces, if applicable.', 'How you will balance the needs of both the 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) entities.']

Generate Cover Letter →

🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Data for Progress's recent polling and research reports to understand their work and impact.
  • → Read about their dual 501(c)(3) and 501(c)(4) structure and any public statements on labor practices.
  • → Look into their leadership team and any recent news about organizational changes or growth.
  • → Familiarize yourself with the progressive data and polling landscape, including key competitors and allies.
Visit Data for Progress's Website →

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Walk me through a time you improved an internal system. What was the process and outcome?
2 How would you handle a labor relations issue between staff and management?
3 Describe your experience with financial management in a nonprofit with multiple entities.
4 What's your approach to capacity planning in a fast-growing organization?
5 How do you ensure compliance across different legal structures while maintaining efficiency?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing too much on for-profit experience without connecting it to nonprofit mission-driven work.
  • Downplaying the importance of labor relations or union experience—this is critical.
  • Being vague about your role in system improvements; provide concrete examples and metrics.
  • Ignoring the dual-entity complexity; failing to address how you'd manage both structures.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Data for Progress!

← Back to Job Listing Apply Now →