Application Guide
How to Apply for Data Associate
at Organized Power In Numbers
🏢 About Organized Power In Numbers
Organized Power In Numbers (OPIN) uniquely combines data-driven technology with grassroots organizing to amplify worker power and social movements. Unlike typical tech companies, OPIN's mission focuses on tangible social impact—helping campaigns reach millions and win concrete victories for workers and communities. This makes it ideal for data professionals who want their technical skills to serve a progressive social justice mission.
About This Role
As a Data Associate at OPIN, you'll be the technical backbone supporting digital organizing campaigns by managing data infrastructure, writing SQL queries to analyze movement data, and training staff on tools and security. This role is impactful because you'll directly enable organizers to scale their reach and make data-informed decisions that win campaigns for workers' rights.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with writing SQL queries to analyze campaign engagement data from BigQuery, then troubleshooting a technical issue reported by an organizer using a digital platform. In the afternoon, you could draft a workshop on data security best practices for field staff, followed by a meeting with partners to design a new data pipeline for an upcoming worker outreach initiative.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Organized Power In Numbers Is Looking For
- Has hands-on SQL experience (beyond basic SELECT statements) including writing complex joins, cleaning messy datasets, and optimizing queries without relying on AI tools like ChatGPT or Copilot.
- Understands data warehouse concepts, preferably with BigQuery exposure, and can discuss schema design trade-offs (e.g., star vs. snowflake schemas) relevant to organizing data.
- Is a collaborative problem-solver who enjoys teaching others, as shown by experience creating training materials or workshops on technical topics for non-technical audiences.
- Demonstrates interest in OPIN's mission, possibly through volunteer work, prior roles at advocacy organizations, or projects analyzing social/economic data.
📝 Tips for Applying to Organized Power In Numbers
In your resume, quantify SQL achievements: mention dataset sizes (e.g., 'cleaned 500K+ records'), query performance improvements, or specific analysis outcomes (e.g., 'identified 20% engagement boost via cohort analysis').
Highlight any experience with digital security or data privacy protocols, as OPIN handles sensitive movement data—mention tools like encrypted databases or access controls.
If you lack BigQuery experience, emphasize transferable skills from other data warehouses (Redshift, Snowflake) and express eagerness to learn; OPIN values mission-alignment over exact tool matches.
Showcase collaboration skills with non-technical stakeholders: describe a time you translated data insights into actionable recommendations for campaigners or organizers.
Tailor your application to OPIN's mission: use language like 'worker power,' 'movement building,' or 'digital organizing' to show you understand their unique tech-for-good approach.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Explain why OPIN's mission resonates with you—reference specific campaigns or values from their website to show genuine interest in worker advocacy.", "Detail a SQL project where you cleaned/organized complex data, emphasizing how it supported decision-making (avoid generic statements like 'I wrote queries').", 'Describe experience creating trainings or documentation, especially for diverse audiences (e.g., teaching organizers to use dashboards).', 'Mention any exposure to scripting (Python/R) or data warehouses, even if basic, and express enthusiasm to grow these skills at OPIN.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore OPIN's website and social media for recent campaigns (e.g., worker strikes or policy wins) to understand their organizing focus.
- → Research digital organizing tools they might use (e.g., Action Network, Spoke) to discuss how data integrates with outreach platforms.
- → Learn about worker advocacy movements they support (e.g., Fight for $15, union drives) to contextualize how data drives these efforts.
- → Review their tech stack mentions (BigQuery, SQL databases) and consider how you'd apply prior experience to their infrastructure.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using AI-generated SQL examples in your portfolio or interview—OPIN explicitly requires ability to write SQL without AI tools.
- Focusing solely on technical skills without connecting them to OPIN's mission (e.g., discussing data projects only in commercial contexts).
- Overlooking the training/communication aspect: failing to highlight experience teaching others or creating documentation.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Organized Power In Numbers!