SUMMARY OF POSITION
The County Elections Administrator plans, organizes, coordinates, and manages Federal, State and County elections and all facets of the voter registration process in accordance with the Texas Election Code, and other applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations, including administrative direction from the Texas Secretary of State. The Administrator also conducts elections for other governmental entities that may contract with the County for election services. The Administrator is responsible for maintenance of voter registration databases, training and supervision of poll workers, staffing and logistical preparations for voting, administration of early voting in person and early voting by mail, supervision of balloting, supervision of tabulation, and preparation of final canvassing reports. The Elections Administrator preserves voter registration applications, official election documents, and candidate campaign disclosures. This position is strictly in-person and cannot be done remotely.
ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIPS
This position reports to the Guadalupe County Elections Commission. This position supervises the staff/employees of the elections office, as well as any temporary/seasonal employees. This position has frequent contact with all county department heads, Local, State, and Federal Elected officials and agencies, news media, service organizations, charitable, non-profit, not-for-profit, community service organizations, neighborhood and special interest groups, the general public, members of court-appointed boards and commissions.
EXAMPLES OF WORK
Essential Duties:
- Implements election laws and procedures as necessary; develops written procedures and policies; monitors existing procedures for compliance with state and federal laws; maintains files of all laws and updates pertaining to elections.
- Reviews existing and proposed legislation to determine the impact on the administration of elections and serves as a liaison between the department and the Federal Elections Commission and Secretary of State regarding election matters.
- Works with local and county officials to change precinct boundary lines as necessary and coordinate legal matters pertaining to any changes. Prepares and submits required documentation of any changes related to the conduct of elections, especially boundary changes.
- Responsible for coordinating the design and technical setup of joint elections with overlapping jurisdictions, as well as jurisdictions that cross county lines.
- Makes presentations to the public, media, elected officials, and political candidates to provide information regarding the election code and the conduct of elections.
- Monitors and manages the security of election records, ballot boxes, voting equipment, and other items used in the election process.
- Manages the preparations for elections, including the selection of polling locations, the procurement of election ballots and other election supplies and equipment, and the distribution and allocation of all required voting supplies and equipment as necessary to all polling/voting locations.
- Manages early voting, including serving as early voting clerk and conducting early voting at the Elections Office and other appropriate branch locations.
- Selects staff, establishes performance standards, reviews and evaluates staff performance, and identifies the need for and provides training for staff in elections procedures.
- Recommends election judges and alternates to Commissioners Court and notifies appointees in a timely manner.
- Manages the development and the proper administration of the department’s operating budget, including federal and state funding the may be provided by the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), and funding earned through contracted elections.
- Interprets and applies the Texas Election Code provisions to election process procedures.
- Serves as the custodian of election records and filing agent for Candidate and Office holder Title 15 reports.
- Acts as service provider for Election Services contracts for political subdivisions within the County.
- Takes appropriate action to protect the voting rights of all County citizens.
OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Regular attendance is essential. Employee must arrive at work on time, prepared to perform assigned duties, and work the assigned schedule. This position is strictly in-person and cannot be done remotely. Incumbent must have the ability to work well with others. Incumbent must be able to perform the essential functions of the position without posing a direct threat to the health and safety of themselves and others. Requested accommodations to work hours and schedules are considered on an individual basis.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
A bachelor’s degree in public administration or a related field, or any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities, plus at least three (3) years of government experience relating to election law and the conduct of elections, and managerial and supervisory experience. The administrator must be a registered voter of the state (Sec. 31.034 Election Code). May not be a candidate for public office, hold a public office, or hold an office or position in a political party. Other restrictions apply. (See Sec. 30.035 of the Election Code). Expert knowledge of concepts, practices and procedures of department and related functional areas is expected from the incumbent.
Extensive knowledge of the Election Code and all other laws, rules and regulations, and guidelines relating to the conduct of elections and voter registration; political subdivisions within Guadalupe County; and knowledge of software and voting equipment.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS
A Valid Texas Driver’s license is required. Employee must be insurable by Guadalupe County insurance company in order to operate County vehicles. This employee must be bondable.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands and work environment characteristics 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 of perform the essential functions.
Must be able to work long hours under stress during election cycles, including successive weeks of 40+ hours each week in general elections.
While performing the duties of this position, the incumbent is regularly required to sit, stand, walk, bend, stoop, climb, lift, push and pull.
COMMENTS
Guadalupe County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the County will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective employees and incumbents to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $85,000.00 - $99,400.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
Experience:
- Elections Administration: 2 years (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
