Disclaimer: This illustration is for entertainment purposes only. I am not a professional data analyst.
My training, such as it is, is heavily skewed toward qualitative methods; at the same time, I have a lot of respect for quantitative analysis. However, my favorite form of research consists of staring off into space and letting ideas float into my head. Sometimes I validate my findings by engaging in conversations in which I talk louder and louder until everyone agrees that I’m right. It seems to work.
Lately, I’ve had a little time to stare off into space and let ideas float into my head; by this, I mean that I traveled to Austin, Texas for the Nonprofit Technology Conference (also known as #15ntc) and had some down time on the plane. By the time I arrived in Austin, I had become convinced that “Data Analyst” would be this year’s standout job title in the field of nptech. At the conference, I was able to confirm this – by which I mean that I didn’t meet anyone there who talks more loudly than I do.
What are the take-ways? It depends on who you are:
- For data analysts who are now working in the field of nonprofit technology: prepare to be appreciated.
- For data analysts now working in other sectors: think about whether this is a good moment to make a career shift in which you use your geek powers for good. But make sure you know what you’re getting into.
- For nonprofit executives: don’t kid yourselves. Brilliant data analysts who want to work in the nonprofit sector aren’t going to be attracted by job announcements that indicate that the successful candidate will also be responsible for network administration, hands-on tech support, social media, and web development.
- For workforce development professionals: this is your cue. It’s time to put together a program for training computer science graduates to be nonprofit data geeks.
- For donors, grantmakers, and other funders: if you want reports from nonprofits are based on reliable and valid methods of analysis, then you will need to underwrite data analysts at nonprofits. That means money for training, for salaries, and for appropriate technology.
If you don’t agree with my findings, please take a moment to share yours in the comments section.
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Deborah Elizabeth Finn 
I love this post! We are certainly seeing more people with “data” in their title or job description (as noted in the annual Tech Staffing & Investment reports!) and I met more people at this year’s NTC with the title “data analyst” or even “data scientist” than I have ever before. I really appreciate that in your points you didn’t only highlight what this means for organizations but also that those financially supporting nonprofits need to be looking for opportunities to invest in this area (staffing + training), too.