Data Engineer & Analyst

Reports to: Executive Director, Wisconsin Democracy Campaign

Organization Description: 

Founded in 1995, the Wisconsin Democracy Campaign (WDC) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan watchdog that tracks and exposes money in politics in Wisconsin. We provide the premier searchable database of campaign contributions in the state. The Wisconsin Democracy Campaign is a leader among good-government, non-profit organizations that champion voting rights, ballot access, and independent nonpartisan redistricting reform. We advocate for transparency and other reforms that level the electoral playing field. We defend our civil rights and liberties. We offer a vision of a real democracy with equal participation, racial equity, and economic justice.

Position Overview:

The Wisconsin Democracy Campaign is seeking a data engineer and analyst to build and maintain our existing data infrastructure, as well as help the organization build a new database system and pipeline that meet the needs of our growing organization. This position will also provide data analysis through identifying trends and providing insights to support research goals.

Primary Responsibilities (100%)

Data Collection, Processing, and Management (45%)

• Update candidate, election, PAC, and individual contributor tables
• Maintain data infrastructure for collection and processing through pulling and cleaning data
• Run queries, assign identification codes, and standardize information from reports and records
• Write queries that produce summary tables for website use, as well as generate links to provide information to the general public
• Migrate existing data to a cloud-based platform to improve scalability, security, and accessibility. Proven success with large data storage migrations.
• Oversee the migration of historical campaign finance reports from the existing MS Access database 

 Data Analysis (30%)

• Provide insights and reporting based on database numbers, giving real-time updates and advanced analytical findings
• Identify trends and patterns in campaign finance data, such as donor behaviors and spending shifts
• Develop dashboards and reports that provide insight into campaign financing activities
• Support stakeholders with data-driven recommendations that inform fundraising strategies and policy decisions

Research and Reporting Support (15%)

(In collaboration with Research and Campaign Finance Director)

• Manage and update the organization’s “Hijacking Campaign” election feature, tracking independent expenditures and dark money influence in elections
• Collaborate with RCF Director to ensure transparency in political spending information.
• Write and prepare campaign finance and ethics complaints involving legislative and statewide officeholders and candidates, and freedom-of-information requests
• Help handle research inquiries from staff, media, policymakers, and the public using WDC’s in-house campaign finance database and state and federal public records

Communications & Digital Strategy Support (10%)

(In collaboration with Communications and Digital Director)

• Website management
• Assist the Communications & Digital Director in compiling data and pulling numbers for media requests
• Manage office digital needs and troubleshoot technology issues that may arise

Key Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree (Software Engineering, IT, Data Management, Computer Science or similar field strongly preferred)
• Prior working knowledge of Wisconsin’s campaign finance regulations
• Strong news judgment and knowledge of the political media landscape
• Proficiency with SQL, Excel, data visualization platforms, Python, Access, and cloud-based databases
• Conversant with data analytics, with the ability to draw actionable insights
• Appreciation for and commitment to nonpartisanship
• Self-motivated and self-directed
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment 
• Applies innovative, creative thinking to support the organization’s goals
• Experience working with data, research, and reports
• Able to multitask and excel under deadlines
• A growth mindset that seeks and applies constructive feedback

Preferred Qualifications:

• Data pipeline development and database migration skills
• Cloud database architecture and data querying
• API integrations knowledge
• Statistical analysis and trend identification ability for campaign finance or political data analysis
• Reside in Wisconsin

Note: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. The employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the needs of the organization. We recognize that many excellent candidates may not have all these experiences and qualifications, and we will provide support for the successful candidate to acquire additional skills.

Location: Wisconsin Democracy Campaign operates on a hybrid schedule out of Madison, Wisconsin. Remote work is possible for the right candidate.

Annual Salary and Benefits: This is a full-time position with a negotiable salary range of $85,000- $115,000. Competitive health insurance (including eye care), dental insurance, and long-term disability insurance premiums are provided through the organization. The company contributes to an employee retirement fund. Paid time off is 15 vacation days for the first two years, 20 days thereafter; 12 sick days; and 10 holidays.

To Apply: Go here -- https://bit.ly/WisDCJobApplication_DataEngineer_Analyst -- to upload a cover letter, resume, and at least three professional references, preferably combined into one PDF document. 

Deadline: Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until a candidate has been selected. The selection committee will begin reviewing applications on Monday, December 1, 2025.

If you have difficulty completing this application, contact us at mail@wisdc.org. 

Wisconsin Democracy Campaign is an equal opportunity employer. We value a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of arrest or conviction, race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status, citizenship, disability, or veteran status. We encourage applicants with disabilities who need accommodation in the application process to contact us in advance.