Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Data and Technology Manager
at Popular Democracy
🏢 About Popular Democracy
Popular Democracy is a unique organization that works at the intersection of technology, data, and grassroots organizing to advance racial, economic, and social justice. Unlike many tech roles, this position directly supports base-building organizations and progressive unions, making your work tangible in campaigns for pro-worker and pro-immigrant policies. The remote, collaborative culture and commitment to equity make it a standout employer for mission-driven technologists.
About This Role
As Senior Data and Technology Manager, you will be the technical backbone for Popular Democracy's network, administering critical tools like EveryAction and BigQuery while training staff across affiliates. Your work ensures data integrity and system capacity, directly enabling organizers to run effective campaigns. This role is impactful because you'll bridge technical expertise with grassroots power, helping to build a progressive infrastructure for lasting change.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with checking system alerts for EveryAction and BigQuery, then responding to staff requests for custom reports or data pulls. You could spend the afternoon leading a virtual training for affiliate organizers on data entry best practices, followed by a meeting with the data team to plan a migration or system upgrade. Throughout the day, you'll collaborate with campaign staff to ensure data integrity and troubleshoot issues, all while contributing to a justice-driven mission.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Popular Democracy Is Looking For
- Has deep, hands-on experience with EveryAction or NGPVAN MyCampaign, not just as a user but as an administrator who can configure systems to meet organizing goals.
- Possesses strong data management skills, including SQL for BigQuery, and a track record of cleaning large datasets and ensuring data quality.
- Excels at translating complex technical concepts into accessible training for non-technical staff, with experience creating materials and leading sessions.
- Is bilingual in Spanish and English, deeply committed to social and racial justice, and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced nonprofit environment.
📝 Tips for Applying to Popular Democracy
In your resume, explicitly list your experience with EveryAction/VAN as an administrator, including specific configurations or integrations you've managed.
Mention any experience with CARTO or GIS mapping, as it's listed in the job description and can set you apart.
Provide concrete examples of trainings you've delivered, especially to non-technical audiences, and include links to any materials or recordings if possible.
Highlight your commitment to social justice in your cover letter, but tie it to specific data or tech projects you've worked on that advanced equity.
If bilingual, state your Spanish proficiency clearly and give an example of using it in a professional context, such as training Spanish-speaking staff.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Emphasize your hands-on experience with EveryAction and how you've used it to support organizing campaigns, not just administrative tasks.", 'Showcase your ability to train and empower others, especially those with limited technical backgrounds, to use data effectively.', 'Connect your data management skills to the mission—describe a time you ensured data integrity to support a justice-oriented campaign or initiative.', "Express genuine passion for Popular Democracy's work, referencing specific campaigns or values that resonate with you."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read Popular Democracy's latest reports or blog posts on racial and economic justice to understand their current campaigns and data needs.
- → Familiarize yourself with EveryAction's latest features, especially those relevant to nonprofit organizing and CRM integration.
- → Review the landscape of progressive data tools—know the differences between EveryAction, ActionNetwork, and Salesforce in the context of grassroots organizing.
- → Understand the structure of Popular Democracy's affiliate network—who are their partner organizations and what are their key issues?
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't emphasize corporate or political campaign experience without connecting it to social justice organizing—this is a nonprofit with a specific mission.
- Avoid being vague about your EveryAction/VAN skills—be specific about your role, such as 'administered VAN for a statewide campaign with 50+ users.'
- Don't overlook the training aspect—this role requires teaching others, so don't just list technical skills without showing how you've shared them.
📅 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 Popular Democracy!