MAPS Data-Driven Storytelling and Impact Reporting

Course Overview

Course Description

Data and insights are only as powerful as the stories they tell. This course equips leaders with the skills to transform complex organizational datasets into compelling, accessible narratives. Participants will learn to utilize accessible design tools like Canva alongside fundamental data analysis techniques to create impactful reports, dashboards, and presentations. We will focus on moving beyond spreadsheets to visualize community impact, track strategic plan progress, and effectively communicate return on investment to boards and external stakeholders, elevating the organization's overall public affairs strategy.

Intended Audience

Intended for communications staff, program managers, analysts, and local government officials who are responsible for reporting outcomes to boards, funders, or the public. Beginner to intermediate experience with data analysis is appropriate. The course addresses the critical need to transparently communicate community impact and justify resource allocation in a way that builds public trust.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

• Translate data into compelling stories that capture stakeholder and decisionmaker attention and influence their behaviors
• Apply visual design fundamentals to create charts and graphics that communicate effectively for busy audiences
• Develop informative and actionable narratives such as executive summaries appropriate for public-facing uses
• Formulate stakeholder communications that masterfully represent organizational strategic priorities and activate data storytelling best practices, such as board presentations, annual reports, and digital campaigns
• Create a custom data-translation framework, a finalized infographic template, and strategies for elevating the organization's public affairs strategy

Course Materials

A workbook will be provided in class.

Please bring a laptop or tablet for hands-on activities during class. A laptop is recommended for the best experience, but a tablet may also be used.

Access to Canva and Claude is recommended. These tools will be used for demonstrations and activities; however, you are welcome to participate using other generative AI tools, such as ChatGPT, Google Gemini, or similar platforms. Instructions for creating free Canva and Claude accounts are below.

To get the most from the course, please check with your organization's IT department beforehand to ensure you have access to Canva, Claude, or another generative AI platform.

While hands-on practice provides the best experience, participants who cannot access Canva or Claude will still gain useful knowledge, ideas, and strategies from the course.

Instructor

Kim Ratcliff
MPA, APR, pHCLE

Kim is a dynamic leader with 25+ years of experience in strategy for non-profit, public, and private organizations. She is vice president of engagement at Experience Management Institute, focusing on the people-centered engagement of clients and employees. Her priority is to enrich the overall experience of work by transformational moments. Kim’s areas of interest include organizational development, change leadership, data-driven insights, culture, qualitative research, and strategic marketing and communications. 

Her previous position was vice president of strategy and culture at public relations agency Slide Nine. Prior to that, she was managing director of marketing and communications at Battelle for Kids, where she served for nine years after performing in leadership roles with two public relations and public affairs agencies, as well as the Ohio Department of Education.

In 1995 Kim earned her MPA from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, and in 2018 she received her Accreditation in Public Relations (APR). She also earned her Professional Human Capital Leader in Education (pHCLE) certification in 2023.

Kim currently serves on the Legislative and Governmental Committee for the American Association of School Personnel Administrators. She has also been on the board for Heartland High School, the first recovery high school in Ohio, and was previously president and a founding member of the John Glenn College of Public Affairs Alumni Society Board and a director on the Central Ohio Public Relations Society Board. Since 2012, she has taught graduate- and undergraduate-level policy and nonprofit communications courses at The Ohio State University's John Glenn College of Public Affairs.

She has a U.S. Marine son, a daughter who works in customer service, and a teacher daughter—and she is a proud grandmother to a fourth grader. In her spare time Kim camps, hikes, and visits our wonderful state and national parks.

FAQ's

Follow these steps to make a cancellation:

1. Refer to your registration confirmation email
2. Scroll down to "Cancellation Policy"
3. Follow link in email
4. Enter the confirmation number from the registration email
5. At the top of the page, click on “Cancel Registration” button
6. Click Finish

Follow these steps to make a substitution: 

1. Refer to your registration confirmation email
2. Scroll down to "Substitutions"
3. Follow link in email
4. Enter the confirmation number from the registration email
5. At the top of the page, click on the “Substitute Registrant” button
6. Enter the name and email of the new registrant
7. Click Next
8. Click Confirm

Waitlist
What happens if I am on a waitlist for a course? You will receive an email confirming you have been added to a waitlist. If a spot becomes available, you will be notified by email.  

CEU and CPE Policy
Attendance in this course can earn:

• 0.6 Continuing Education Units (CEUs)
• 7.2 Continuing Professional Education Units (CPEs)

Attendance is recorded at check-in at the start of the day, and full CEU or CPE credit is awarded based on an honor system, with the expectation that participants are present and actively engaged for the full MAPS course.

Course Certificate
Your course certificate will be emailed to you following the course. It will reflect your Continuing Education Units (CEUs) and Continuing Professional Education Units (CPEs) earned and your attendance of the course. 

Photography
The Ohio State University may occasionally take pictures during educational events for use in program communication. If you do not want to be photographed during this course, please email the MAPS team at glenn-training@osu.edu.

MAPS Membership 
A MAPS member receives a discounted rate of $250 for each course with the initial purchase of at least 12 credits. Each credit equals one course for one individual.

To inquire about becoming a MAPS member, please fill out the MAPS Membership Form. A Glenn College Professional Development team member will reach out to you.

Questions or want to learn more?