> Case Study: Candidate Directory for Run For Something
Challenge
Run For Something needed a more efficient way to manage and publish candidate data. The original website listed endorsed candidates, but every candidate profile had to be created and updated manually. For a fast-growing organization, this workflow was too slow and too fragile, and the Communications team spent significant time maintaining it.
Context
The first version of the site was built before RFS had a large program. It relied on WordPress custom post types with no connection to the internal data system. As the number of candidates grew, the existing workflow slowed everything down. The organization needed a directory that could scale and keep pace with its growth.
Solution
Fox Digital Labs led a rebuild of the directory as a stand-alone GatsbyJS application, hosted on AWS S3. The new system preserved the strong visual design but replaced the manual data entry process with a direct connection to RFS’s internal datastore.
Product work
- Conducted meetings with every department to learn how the directory supported their work and where it fell short.
- Synthesized feedback into a clear alignment document that outlined the shared goals and the optional features.
- Worked with leadership to prioritize requirements and connect them to the organization’s broader vision.
Engineering work
- Wrote project requirements, established workflows, and coordinated development with an external senior engineer.
- Built an efficient development pipeline with shared tasks, version control, and regular check-ins.
- Implemented structured data ingestion so that new candidate information automatically appeared on the site.
Outcome
The directory became a fully automated application that synced directly with RFS’s internal system. Every candidate page, segment page, and subpage had a shareable URL, which strengthened communications, publishing, and marketing. The Communications team no longer had to manually build or update profiles, and the organization gained a scalable tool that matched its growth.
Client Feedback
“Justen was the perfect partner for me during my time volunteering with RFS. As a part-time stay-at-home-parent in the early days of COVID, the time I was able to give to volunteer work was both precious and irregular. And yet, Justen always made sure I was focused on the right tasks, with clear direction that focused on the big picture. His feedback was clear and helpful. He made my work as efficient as it can be and I was proud of what we built together.”
– Nate Weiner, Volunteer Project Engineer
Project URL
