Data Investigator Jobs

The Foundation for Government Accountability (FGA) is seeking a data-savvy, well-organized, detail-oriented data investigator with a passion for using the power of data to drive policy change. This unique opportunity offers the chance to use Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) and public-records requests, as well as large data sets, to hold the government accountable.

If you are eager to kick-start your career with a data-driven impact, FGA provides an enriching environment to contribute to this meaningful cause, while growing and enhancing your own skills. This opportunity could be right for you—if you:

• Think the idea of finding a needle in a bureaucratic haystack sounds like a fun challenge, not a tedious task.
• Are comfortable pushing back against bureaucrats who are trying to bury or hide information the public needs to know.
• Already know what “FOIA” stands for without it being spelled out for you.
• Are proud of your investigative skills—that you can find things in data that no one else can.

CULTURE AND FIT

The people who consistently succeed at FGA are those whose actions and behavior reflect our five Core Values. If you adhere to these values and answer “yes” to each of the following questions, you may be a fit.

1) Candid to Solve: Being willing to have tough conversations in order to solve issues and build trust.

• Do you seek out constructive feedback—and provide it to others—to solve issues and build trust with coworkers?

2) Grow or Die: We don’t have a neutral gear; we must consistently challenge ourselves and each other to grow in our talents and skills.

• Are you aware of your strengths and weaknesses, and do you seek out complementary skills and growth in order to mitigate your weaknesses?

3) Politically Savvy: Policy doesn’t change in a vacuum, but in a political reality that we must understand and account for.

• Do you agree that embracing the realities of politics is necessary to change public policy?

4) Partnership-Oriented: Internal and external relationships are not transactional. That starts with our team members and the perspective that we need the rest of the team to succeed in order to win personally.

• Are you comfortable creating your own structure for work, such as setting work hours, your own priorities, and creating clarity and a workplan from a broad goal? Do you tend to be the one who initiates conversations with colleagues, rather than waiting for them to come to you?

5) Bought in to Win: We’re at FGA because we want to change policy. No one is counting hours or widgets, we are here to get results, and sometimes that will require going the extra mile or doing a job that isn’t technically ours.

• Do you wholeheartedly agree with the policies that we advocate and the underlying principles that people’s lives are made better through work, not government welfare, and that a free market creates greater freedom and equality than any command-and-control government system?

The vast majority of those who don’t get hired (or don’t last) at FGA are due to a lack of fit with these values. Be prepared to have very candid conversations about them in our interview process.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The Data Investigator will have four primary roles, broken down into key responsibilities. They are:

Project Manager: FOIA Projects

• Initiate new ideas for FOIA and open-records projects to uncover and untangle information that bureaucrats would rather keep hidden.
• Take ownership of FGA-initiated FOIA and open-records projects, using data in the pursuit of research and policy goals.

Database Manager: FOIA Projects

• As needed, complete audits and spot checks of existing databases.
• Manage, clean, and continually update FGA’s FOIA and open records databases—including those related to FOIA points of contact and FOIA regulations.

Project Manager: Other Data Collection Projects

• Execute or initiate non-FOIA data collection efforts (as needed), including publicly accessible or government data at the federal, state, and local levels.

Data Strategist & Innovator

• Assist in brainstorming best (or new) uses for FOIA results and other data-related ideas that could generate new insights or policy reforms.

REQUIREMENTS

• Substantial work experience may be considered a substitute for a bachelor’s degree.
• This job is ideal for a recent graduate or someone looking to dive into policy-related or government-related data management.
• Candidate must match all of FGA’s Core Values (described above).
• Knowledge of FOIA or open records projects, politics, and regulations is a significant plus.
• Candidate should be comfortable working with Excel.

TIMING, LOCATION, AND COMPENSATION

FGA is seeking to fill this position with the right candidate as soon as possible. FGA’s headquarters are in Naples, FL, but nearly all of FGA’s staff (including this position) work remotely. FGA has built a highly successful remote work culture over the past decade with systems and structures designed for clarity, flexibility, and great communication. Key elements of the environment include:

• Visit FGA’s careers page to apply. Applicants must submit a resume and cover letter.
• An intensive 90-day orientation to familiarize you with the FGA team, our policies, and how we operate.
• FGA offers a competitive salary and benefits package, including a six percent retirement match, health benefit, and generous paid leave plan. Approximate salary range: $50,000 - $65,000.
• Home office setup, including equipment and communication tools you need to hit the ground running.
• Quarterly in-person team meetings at which you’ll build deeper relationships, set clear goals aligned with FGA’s big vision, and brainstorm how to seize new opportunities.