Talk about your experience using data to assess need. How did this data contribute to actionable change?
Leveraging accurate data to inform decision-making is an important skill in any professional environment. For nonprofits, data not only helps procure funding but also contributes to the growth and improvement of programs. At UNICEF, a large amount of data is gathered through field research and used to implement programs helping millions of children. Therefore, the interviewer wants to know that you have experience in gathering and analyzing data.
"I prepared a brief report to share with you that tracks the number of active and one-time-only volunteers I recruited this past fiscal year. It includes information about the programs they served, the number of hours they served, and their impact on each program in terms of clothing units dispersed and clients aided. I have shared the estimated in-kind value of all their hours given and tracked the number of volunteers that became inactive over a year. By following these numbers, I can see which programs are the most popular amongst volunteers and use that knowledge in my recruitment efforts. I can also analyze trends in volunteer inactivity to discover patterns related to the time of year and perhaps available opportunities. Analyzing this data regularly helped me boost the volunteer program and ensure it was sustainable in the future."
"A deceased donor made a large bequest to our organization that enabled us to pursue expanding our program options serving seniors living in our community. As Client Advocacy Officer, I spearheaded an initiative to visit the homes of our registered clients and listen to their ideas for resources the community wants and needs. After collating the data, I determined that the majority of seniors living in the neighborhood were unable to find transportation for doctor appointments, hospital visits, and grocery runs. We used a portion of the bequest to purchase three minibusses and began running regular routes between client homes and these essential locations."
Bring metrics to the interview table to answer this question. It might help to bring a one-sheet that shows data resulting from your research, program assessments, service numbers, etc. Explain what the data shows and how you were able to use it to make a positive difference in your organization's work.
Community answers are written by other candidates practicing this set. Reading how others frame the same question is one of the fastest ways to sharpen your own.
Anonymous Answer
MPH THESIS
SBC INTERVENTIONS TO IMPROVE MATERNAL MORTALITY
Jaymie's Feedback
If you can speak in more depth about your experience, that will help the interviewer understand your skill set. Be sure to answer the second half of the question regarding how this data contributed to actionable change and improved outcomes.
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