Elections Specialist I

Are you ready to play a vital role in our democratic process while working in a dynamic, supportive environment? We’re looking for a detail-oriented and tech-savvy Elections Specialist I. This position offers an incredible opportunity to be part of an innovative team committed to excellence, transparency, and community engagement. We offer 

• Amazing benefits that support you and your family

• A collaborative, friendly team that values your input

• Strong work-life balance so you can thrive both at work and home

• The opportunity to be part of a growing county that embraces new technologies and innovative approaches to elections management

If you’re passionate about elections, eager to contribute to your community, and ready to grow professionally in an exciting role, apply today!

Performs administrative and technical support in the office of the Chatham County Board of Elections. The employee is responsible for maintaining voter databases, providing quality customer service, processing voter forms and other duties as apparent or assigned. Work is performed under the supervision of the Director of Elections and the Deputy Director of Elections.The following essential functions serve as a general guide for this position. Position functions are subject to change based on departmental needs and external factors including, but not limited to, regulatory requirements.

• Serves as receptionist by answering telephone, transferring calls, taking messages, and directing visitors;
• Provides information regarding elections, voter registration, and related policies; assists the public in person, via mail, email, and phone; answers questions regarding election laws;   

• Performs administrative tasks related to the voter registration system including assisting with verification, processing and scanning of new voter information including changes of address, party affiliation and name of currently registered voters and researching transactions with missing or incomplete information; 
• Processes incoming and returned mail; contacts voters as needed; prepares outgoing mail to voters for incomplete or invalid applications; assists in generating and mailing of voter cards; 
• Drafts correspondence and records voter registration denials;  
• Researches, verifies and counts provisional ballots; 
• Scans, enters, and maintains voter registration applications and records; reviews voter registration applications for compliance with statutory election requirements;
• Assists with the recruitment of new precinct officials for 16 polling places, 5 early voting sites, 10 Site Managers and a unit of Emergency backup poll workers to ensure that all locations are adequately staffed, and officials are adhering to laws regulating elections; 
• Inventories and orders office and election supplies and materials and prepares invoices; 
• Assists with the preparation of statistical and data requests for citizens, candidates, and political parties; 
• Assists with preparing supplies for election site deliveries;
• Assists Deputy Director of Elections with processing absentee ballots;
• Attends meetings and online webinars to ensure awareness of election law and policy updates;
• Assists with auditing the ballots cast in elections; processes provisional applications;
• Assists with filing of candidates and collection of fees; assists Deputy Director of Elections with campaign finance audits;
• Assists with preparation of training materials for election officials before every election;
• Issues photo identification cards upon request pursuant to North Carolina Law;
• Assists at voter outreach events and
• Perform other duties as assigned. 

Associate’s degree with coursework in business or related field and at least two years experience working in an office setting, or equivalent combination of education and experience

• Thorough knowledge of standard office practices, procedures, and equipment;
• Thorough knowledge of the Microsoft Office suite;
• Ability to communicate professionally in written and verbal English; ability to proofread written documents for spelling and grammar; and ability to perform basic arithmetic;
• Ability to learn thorough knowledge of the organization and functions of the department and of general administrative policies and practices; 
• Ability to learn thorough knowledge of federal, state and local election and voting registration laws and regulations; 
• Ability to learn thorough knowledge of registration and voting procedures and of the maintenance and protection of voting registration lists and records;        
• General knowledge of county and department programs and policies preferred; 
• Ability to solve problems within scope of responsibility; 
• Ability to multi-task;
• Ability to read and understand basic state policies and procedures and clearly explain those policies and procedures to others; 
• Ability to type accurately and efficiently; 
• Ability to operate both standard and specialized office and computer equipment; 
• Ability to work in a political environment in a non-partisan manner at all times; 
• Ability to exercise considerable tact and courtesy and
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Board of Elections, elected officials, media, associates, and the general public. 

Physical Requirements
This work can require the exertion of up to 50 pounds of force; work regularly requires sitting and repetitive motions, frequently requires speaking or hearing and use of hands and fingers, handle or feel and occasionally requires standing, walking, climbing or balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching or crawling, reaching with hands and arms, pushing or pulling and lifting; work has standard vision requirements; vocal communication is required for expressing or exchanging ideas by means of the spoken word; hearing is required to perceive information at normal spoken word levels; work requires preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operating machines and observing general surroundings and activities; work occasionally requires exposure to outdoor weather conditions; work is generally in a moderately noisy location (e.g. business office, light traffic).

Special Requirements
**Must be fingerprinted and successfully pass a Criminal History Record Check with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigations (NCSBI)**

Must complete Mandatory Campaign Finance Compliance Training within six (6) months of hire date. 

Irregular hours, nights, and weekends are required during election times. 

Must possess a valid North Carolina driver's license.