Associate, Data Operations

The CAFE' Group•Chicago, IL

1d•$60,000 - $70,000•Hybrid

About The Position

We're seeking a detail-oriented and technically savvy Data Operations Associate to serve as a vital steward of our organizational data and systems. In this role, you'll be the foundation that enables our entire team to make data-informed decisions, operate efficiently, and ultimately support the visionary leaders we serve. This role is perfect for someone who thrives on creating order from complexity, takes deep pride in accuracy, and finds satisfaction in knowing their behind-the-scenes work directly supports transformative social impact. You'll maintain our data integrity across Salesforce and other critical systems, partner with colleagues across departments, and build the infrastructure that helps our Impact, Communications, Development, and Finance teams work at their best. Working closely with the Data Operations Manager, you'll execute key data management tasks, ensure clean and accessible information, and continuously identify opportunities to make our systems work harder for us. We're looking for someone who: Gets the details right: You have an eagle eye for accuracy and data integrity. Nothing falls through the cracks on your watch, and you take genuine pride in maintaining clean, reliable systems that your colleagues can trust. Sees projects through: You have a strong sense of ownership and completion. When you start something, you finish it—whether it's a complex data cleanup, a routine report, or responding to an urgent request. Partners with grace: You're a natural collaborator with a strong customer service orientation. When teammates need support, you help them navigate with patience and clarity, meeting people where they are and empowering them to work more effectively. Stays curious and proactive: You don't just wait for problems to appear; you spot opportunities for improvement, ask thoughtful questions, and suggest smarter ways to work. You're resourceful and love learning new tools and systems.

Requirements

Minimum of 2 years in an operations, data management, or similar administrative role, preferably within a nonprofit, social impact, or philanthropic organization.
Experience working with a CRM database is required; Salesforce experience is strongly preferred.
Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint); experience with data and operations software (Salesforce, FormAssembly, Asana) strongly preferred.
A proactive and resourceful problem-solving mindset, with the ability to work both independently and respond immediately to team needs.
Meticulous attention to detail and commitment to data integrity and accuracy.
Exceptional organizational skills with the ability to independently manage multiple projects simultaneously and deliver high-quality results under pressure.
Excellent communication skills and cultural competency.
Proven track record of planning, starting, and delivering fully complete projects.

Responsibilities

Serve as the guardian of our organizational data, performing regular integrity processes (deduplication, record cleanup, updates) and ensuring Impact, Communications, Development, and Finance teams can rely on accurate information across all systems.
Support setup, testing, and implementation of new tools and integrations connected to Salesforce including FormAssembly, marketing platforms, and program management systems, handling routine administrative tasks and troubleshooting minor technical issues.
Proactively identify opportunities for process improvement and system optimization, suggesting ways to make our data infrastructure work more efficiently and effectively for the entire team.
Generate and distribute reports and dashboards from Salesforce and Excel, collaborating with the Knowledge team to forecast reporting needs and ensure data is clean, reliable, and ready for team-wide strategic decision-making.
Provide flexible operational support to the Knowledge team including meeting coordination, materials preparation, and Asana task monitoring, demonstrating adaptability and completion-focused mindset across various projects and priorities.
Provide core operational support for projects owned by other departments through report and form construction, data gathering, contact filtering, and similar supportive tasks.
Provide responsive support for staff questions about Salesforce and other operational systems, helping colleagues navigate challenges, learn new features, and onboard to key platforms with confidence. Raise larger or system-wide issues to the Data Operations Manager.
Maintain and update our internal knowledge base including SharePoint documentation, ensuring process documentation, SOPs, and guidance materials are clear, accurate, and accessible while supporting proper filing structures and naming conventions.
Facilitate system adoption by gathering user feedback, supporting training sessions, tracking needs and issues in the project management backlog, and performing proactive outreach to help staff maximize their effectiveness with organizational tools.