Data Acquisition Specialist

About the role

This role plans and executes civic data acquisition so the team maintains a comprehensive database that informs the public and supports voter registration.

Data roles turn raw information into decisions. Analysts query databases and build dashboards. Data scientists build models that predict outcomes. Data engineers build the pipelines that move and store data. All three work closely with business teams and need a mix of statistics, coding, and communication. Nearly every modern company runs on data teams, from startups to banks. A strong portfolio of past analyses matters more than degrees in many hiring decisions.

Key facts

What you'll do

The team maintains a comprehensive civic database by collecting information from digital sources and public records.

Complex research projects are organized so timelines, scope, and staffing align with project goals.

Public records requests are filed and responses are coordinated to gather data for civic datasets.

Web scrapers for static and dynamic sources are built and applied with technical staff to ensure data accuracy.

Data is extracted, cleaned, explored, and uploaded using internal data platforms, SQL, and Google Sheets.

Data issues are resolved, findings are documented, and improvements are applied to enhance data quality and user experience.

Research progress is monitored and solutions are coordinated so projects meet tight deadlines.

Requirements around timeline, scope, and staffing are defined and communicated to stakeholders for new research projects.

Datasets are maintained with attention to detail so they remain current, well-structured, and useful for downstream tools.

Requirements

7+ years of professional experience in data acquisition and project management.

Strong written and verbal communication skills for coordinating with partners and technical collaborators.

SQL proficiency to query, transform, and validate data.

Experience collecting data from static and dynamic sources using web scrapers.

Experience managing public records requests and related workflows.

Experience maintaining complex datasets and data quality processes.

Strong attention to detail and excellent time management to handle fast-paced, multi-track research.

Commitment to leveraging technology and data products to increase civic participation and support democratic engagement.

Practical notes

Typical interview steps

Data interviews commonly include a SQL or coding exercise, a statistics question, and a case study. Candidates may be asked to design a metric, interpret an experiment, or build a small model. Some companies give a take-home analysis. Expect questions about past projects and the business impact of your work. Interviewers often evaluate how you communicate uncertainty and business impact, not only the math. Bringing a clean write-up of a past analysis to the interview is well received.

Good to know

Work in the civic technology space centers on data that supports democratic participation and candidate support.

Common tools include SQL, web scrapers, and data platforms for large volume civic datasets.

Roles in this area combine data acquisition, project management, and close collaboration with technical teams.

Clear communication and data practices help maintain reliable civic information.

Projects may involve tight deadlines and require independent planning and delegation.

Questions to ask

Worth asking in any interview: how the team measures success, who the role works with daily, what the onboarding looks like, and what the company is trying to achieve this year. Asking what past hires did well is a strong final question. Keep the list short and pick the questions that matter most to you.

Career growth

Data careers grow toward senior analyst, staff data scientist, or data engineering lead. Many professionals specialize in machine learning, analytics, or infrastructure. Cross-functional work with product and engineering teams becomes more important at senior levels. The field changes quickly, so continuous learning is part of the job. Professionals who can translate numbers into decisions tend to advance fastest.