Elections Director of Comm & Outreach

Job Title

Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Office

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in business administration, public administration, public relations, or a related field, and three years of progressively responsible experience in elections or public relations; or any equivalent combination of related training and experience.

A Valid Florida Driver License is required and a Motor Vehicle Record that meets the requirements of Alachua County policy #6-7; Motor Vehicle Records will be reviewed prior to employment. If, in the past 24-month period, the applicants Motor Vehicle Record has more than three (3) moving traffic infractions or three (3) or more at fault motor vehicle accidents (or combination of both and/or a conviction/pending charge for driving under the influence) or is in violation of any standard mandated by Federal or State Law or Regulation, the minimum qualifications are not met for the position.

Successful completion of a criminal history background investigation is required prior to employment.

Position Summary

This is highly responsible professional, administrative work overseeing and managing relationships with the community at-large, including media, businesses, community organizations and other institutional partners for the Alachua County Supervisor of Elections Office.

Examples of Duties

Supervises and coordinates the activities of subordinate employees including determining work procedures and schedules; issuing instructions and assigning duties; reviewing work; recommending personnel actions; conducting performance reviews; and conducting departmental training and orientation. Assists in the recruitment of polling workers and conducts training workshops on procedures used in elections. Trains employees, including temporary, in election processes, dealing with the public and phones; and provides input for performance evaluations and cross-training schedules. Conducts demonstrations of Audio-Enhanced Voting Equipment, determines audience, and makes new contacts. Creates public relations materials for dissemination among the public, including County-wide mailers. Provides print, digital graphic design, editing, and copywriting services for the Supervisor of Elections Office. Serves as spokesperson and public information officer, providing on-camera support to the Supervisor of Elections when responsibilities are delegated, while maintaining relationships with local and statewide media. Selects new and/or alternate registration sites for County-wide registration through contacts with schools, businesses, and other organizations. Liaises with businesses, other governmental entities, citizens, and other Outreach representatives. Supervises and manages the internship program for the Supervisor of Elections Office, with separate internship opportunities during the spring, fall, and summer, providing internships for five to ten students each year. Manages the Supervisor of Elections social media accounts, responsible for the continued expansion of reach among social media users in the community. Oversees the Supervisor of Elections' website, working in conjunction with other staff members to ensure that information is being communicated accurately and in a visually appealing manner. Drafts press releases and emails to be released to the media and the general public. Creates and edits a monthly newsletter for the Supervisor of Elections Office. Conducts voter registration outreach and public programs by contacting various community agencies and enlisting their assistance in reaching groups with a history of low voter participation and the community at-large. Develops and implements programs to recruit voters; develops and implements programs designed to encourage those registered to vote. Directs and coordinates the County's high school voter registration program by working with high school administrators and student body officers to educate and inform young voters and potential voters of their role in the election process. Directs and coordinates election-related activities at Alachua County elementary and middle schools, including mock elections, classroom presentations, and civic education activities. Directs and coordinates University and College voter registration program by working with college administrators, student government officers, and student organizations to educate and inform college students and potential voters of their role in the election process. Provides training and guidance to Voter Registration Agencies. Assists adult living facilities with voter registration and absentee ballot request needs. Trains, educates, and coordinates third-party voter registration organizations (3PVRO) on voter registration processes in Alachua County and the State of Florida. Coordinates the purchase of voter registration-related office and election supplies; ensures sufficient supplies are available and that all bills for supplies are paid. Maintains and coordinates all paperwork associated with the registration process, excluding permanent voter records. Develops and carries out biennial elections marketing campaign for federal election cycles. Creates semi-annual press kits, packets, brochures and training materials and disseminates in hard copy and electronically as required. Distributes quarterly newsletter to poll workers and interested public. Provides leadership to employees on communication-related topics, along with ensuring all communication is coordinated through the communications team prior to being released to the public. Conducts analysis and provides recommendations on enhanced and improved communication methods. Participates in strategic planning. Maintains and updates media contact list and office calendar of events and deadlines. Drafts correspondence for the Supervisor of Elections. Drives a County and/or personal vehicle in order to perform required responsibilities for the Supervisor of Elections. Performs related duties as required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Thorough knowledge of the laws, rules and regulations governing the qualifications and registration of voters. Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of state and local election laws. Considerable knowledge of precinct boundary lines and districts for the state and Alachua County. Knowledge of appropriate community contacts for developing outreach programs. Ability to understand and explain local, state, and federal regulations as they relate to the electoral process. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the general public. Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Ability to type and operate standard office equipment, including a personal computer. Ability to develop and maintain effective public relations campaigns for increasing voter participation, including public speaking skills.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is occasionally required to stand; walk; sit; talk or hear, and use hands to finger, handle or feel. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.