Data Director Role at Battleground Alliance
IllinoisProgressiveNetwork
Hi Everyone,
I'm the HR director at Battleground Alliance, and we're hiring a Data Director to lead voter file management, targeting, and reporting across roughly 40 congressional districts in support of our 2026 field program.
Please note this is a temporary position expected to run through the end of the 2026 cycle -- remote ok. We're looking for someone with 8+ years of political data experience and expert-level VAN/Votebuilder skills. Job description is below - please share with anyone in your network who might be a fit.
Happy to discuss further, feel free to reach out at hir...@battlegroundalliance.org
Allison Belville
________
Data Director
Job Description
Position Overview
Battleground Alliance is hiring a Data Director to build and manage a national data, targeting, and reporting strategy in support of our field program. Primary responsibilities include targeting and voter file management, designing, implementing, and managing data systems and analytics infrastructure, and building robust reporting across approximately 40 congressional districts in support of Battleground Alliance's field operations. This role reports to the National Field Director and works closely with campaign management, vendors, and national and state organizational partners to ensure data integrity, accessibility, and strategic application in support of our 2026 goals.
About Battleground Alliance
With a $50 million fundraising goal, we work across congressional districts to build coalitions, support grassroots organizing, and drive strategic voter engagement. We strengthen democratic institutions and civic participation in competitive political environments through data-driven field operations, strategic communications, and coordinated partnerships.
Key Responsibilities
Manage and maintain voter file databases across approximately 40 congressional districts, ensuring data accuracy, completeness, and accessibility for field staff and partners
Develop and implement data management protocols and best practices for voter contact, volunteer recruitment, and field program tracking
Create and maintain targeting universes for door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, digital outreach, and voter mobilization programs
Generate regular reports and dashboards tracking field program metrics, volunteer activity, voter contact goals, and program performance across districts
Train and support field staff, state partners, and coalition members on data systems, VAN/Votebuilder, and reporting tools
Coordinate with data vendors and consultants to acquire, process, and integrate additional data sources including enhanced voter files, modeling scores, and survey data
Manage data sharing agreements and coordinate data access with state party committees, allied organizations, and partner campaigns
Conduct data quality audits and troubleshoot data issues across multiple systems and user groups
Support National Field Director with data-driven strategic planning, resource allocation decisions, and program evaluation
Develop and maintain documentation for data systems, processes, and protocols
Analyze field program results and provide actionable insights to optimize voter contact strategies
Collaborate with campaign management on cross-functional projects requiring data analysis, reporting, or technical implementation
Manage data team staff
Collaborate with America Votes data team; and manage staff to help implement this
Required Qualifications Education & Experience
Bachelor's degree in data science, political science, statistics, mathematics, computer science, or related field, or equivalent combination of education and experience
Minimum 8+ years of data management experience in political campaigns, organizing, or advocacy organizations
Demonstrated experience managing voter file data across multiple states or congressional districts
Proven track record supporting large-scale field programs with data infrastructure and analytics
Experience training non-technical users on data systems and tools
Understanding of 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and PAC compliance requirements as they relate to data management and voter file usage
Core Competencies
Strategic thinking and ability to translate programmatic goals into data infrastructure and targeting strategies
Strong analytical skills with ability to derive insights from complex datasets
Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to data quality and accuracy
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, particularly ability to explain technical concepts to non-technical audiences
Project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously
Proficiency with delegation of complex tasks and creation of guidance for subordinate support staff
Problem-solving orientation and ability to troubleshoot technical issues independently
Reliability and responsiveness, particularly during high-intensity campaign periods
Manage and train additional data team members internally and externally.
Technical Skills
Expert-level proficiency with VAN/Votebuilder or NGP VAN, including VAN administrative functions
Advanced skills in Microsoft Excel including pivot tables, VLOOKUP, data manipulation, and analysis
Experience with SQL for database queries and data extraction
Familiarity with data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Google Data Studio, Power BI)
Experience with Google Workspace (Sheets, Docs, Drive) and collaborative data management
Knowledge of mapping tools and GIS applications (e.g., QGIS, ArcGIS, or similar)
Programming or scripting experience (Python, R, or similar) strongly preferred
Experience with predictive modeling, statistical analysis, or data science applications a plus
Interpersonal Skills
Collaborative approach to working with diverse teams across field operations, fundraising, communications, and partner organizations
Customer service orientation with commitment to supporting field staff and partners' data needs
Patience and clarity when training users with varying levels of technical expertise
Adaptability to changing campaign priorities and ability to work in fast-paced, high-pressure environments
Strict confidentiality in handling sensitive voter data, strategic information, and partner relationships
Professional judgment and discretion in managing data access and sharing agreements
Strong relationship management skills for coordinating with state parties, vendors, and coalition partners
Compensation
$90,000-$135,000 depending on experience
Benefits included
Remote ok
This is a temporary position expected to run through the end of the 2026 cycle
Application Process
To apply, please submit the following materials to hir...@battlegroundalliance.org:
Current resume highlighting relevant data management and campaign experience
A brief email or cover letter noting your years of experience with VAN/Votebuilder (or NGP VAN), and whether you've managed voter file data across multiple states or districts
AI Usage Disclosure: If using an AI tool for any part of your application, please include the following disclosure language as it applies:
This cover letter utilized [AI Tool Name, e.g., ChatGPT-4] for [example: brainstorming initial themes and refining sentence structure]. Prompts included: '[List your key prompts here].' The AI-generated output was then significantly edited, fact-checked, and personalized by me to reflect my unique experience and ensure it meets the Battleground Alliance requirements. I am accountable for all information presented.
Application Deadline: Applications accepted on a rolling basis.
The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, marital status, sexual orientation, disability or any other category prohibited by local, state or federal law. We encourage qualified candidates of diverse backgrounds, including candidates of color, women, veterans, and LGBTQ individuals to apply.