Course Description
Do you have what it takes to manage data for a top-tier political campaign or issue organization? Modern organizing increasingly relies on data and technology to inform action strategies. This spring, NOU will offer the opportunity for aspiring political data managers to learn the tools of the trade. From setting goals and measuring progress, to targeting voters for field programs, to using data to drive decision-making, this NOU course will equip students to manage data programs for electoral or advocacy organizations. This online course covers the same content as our intensive Data BootCamps, and is a perfect opportunity for those who want the skills but who are unable to attend a week-long training.
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the course is filled.
This course will primarily be taught from the electoral standpoint, though tools and examples will be equally applicable to issue advocacy or civic engagement organizations.
The course is designed for students seeking full-time positions as data managers in the 2012 political cycle.
Outcomes:
By the end of this course, students will:
- Be familiar with a variety of data sources
- Know how to use data to craft strategic goals, measure progress, and drive campaign decision-making
- Become proficient in the use and administration of VAN, the Voter Activation Network software
- Know how to use Microsoft Excel to clean, manipulate, and analyze data sets
- Become familiar with the design and use of relational database tools (such as MySQL) for list management, matching, and reporting
- Use geographic, demographic, and micro-targeting considerations to target voters and volunteers
- Understand the "politics" of working with political data, including working with other campaign departments, how to present information, controlling access, etc.
- Be prepared to train other staff and volunteers on using data
Prerequisites: Basic understanding of U.S. politics and political campaigns. Desire to work as a political data manager in the 2012 campaign cycle.
Students will need Microsoft Excel to participate in this course. A free trial can be downloaded for those who do not have the program. Other downloads may also be required.
Criteria for Admissions: Students will be admitted through a thee-step process of an application, interview, and test. This course is most appropriate for students looking to be placed on campaigns or in organizations as data managers for the 2012 cycle.
This course runs for 12 weeks, from Sunday, February 19 through Sunday, May 6, 2012.
Course Schedule
Classes take place Sunday nights from 6:00-9:00 PM ET
Want to learn about our other courses? Visit the New Organizing University home page.
The cost of this course is $700, and scholarships are available to qualified students. For more information on cost, scholarship, course credit, and other common questions, visit our FAQ and/or Policy pages.
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