Elections Specialist

Job Class Code: 6546

Grade: 16

Salary: $18.21-$25.23

Opening: June 27, 2024

Closing: July 25, 2024

Are you looking for a rewarding career in elections with an opportunity for advancement? Do you enjoy working as a member of a team and analyzing and implementing policy? If you are committed to nonpartisan work to ensure Maine's elections remain accessible, accurate and secure and strengthen and protect our democracy, we want you on our team!

Apply Now, we offer superior benefits (highlighted below) including: 13 paid holidays, 12 sick days and 3+ weeks vacation to start!

The Department of Secretary of State is seeking candidates for an Elections Specialist (Office Specialist I) to provide support for or carry out every aspect of state-level elections administration including determining voter and candidate eligibility, preparing for state and federal elections, and advising municipal officials, candidates, campaigns and members of the public on election laws, rules and procedures.

A typical day involves:

• Independently review, examine and record, voter registration applications, absentee ballot applications, and candidate/initiative petitions, after ensuring completeness, accuracy and determining compliance to applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

• Independently compose, review and edit written assistance notices to municipal elections officials and the public to provide instruction and guidance on compliance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations.

• Respond to inquiries about election laws and procedures from municipal elections officials, attorneys, candidates, elected officials and the public.

• Prepare and process documents, forms and petitions for use in elections.

• Research, analyze and compile complex information about changing state and federal election laws, rules and policies.

• Collect, review, enter, proofread and/or test the accuracy of data from the Central Voter Registration system (CVR), using various Excel and Access databases and test election programming for voting equipment, following established rules and regulations.

In order to be successful, you must have:

• Experience or demonstrated ability in public service.

• Ability to make voter eligibility determinations using established criteria or regulations.

• Ability to conduct research, gather information and analyze results to reach a conclusion and/or make recommendations.

• Knowledge of or ability to learn computer systems including the central voter registration system.

• Strong written and oral communications skills.

• Demonstrated ability to pay close attention to detail and accuracy.

• Experience and comfort working in teams.

• Experience with elections preferred.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Training, education, or experience in office and administrative support work.

• Demonstrates competency in applying a proficient knowledge of modern office practices to perform advanced administrative support tasks requiring specialized skills.

• The ability to use independent judgment, initiative, and discretion to make determinations on varied matters.

For more information or questions, please contact: Jennifer Wilson or call (207) 624-9012.

Why join our team?

No matter where you work across Maine state government, you find employees who embody our state motto-"Dirigo" or "I lead"-as they provide essential services to Mainers every day. We believe in supporting our workforce's health and wellbeing with a valuable total compensation package, including:

• Work-Life Fit

• Rest is essential. Take time for yourself using 13 paid holidays, 12 days of sick leave, and 3+ weeks of vacation leave annually. Vacation leave accrual increases with years of service, and overtime-exempt employees receive personal leave.

• Health Insurance Coverage

• The State of Maine pays 85%-100% of employee-only premiums ($10,523.28-$12,380.40 annual value), depending on salary. Use this chart to find the premium costs for you and your family, including the percentage of dependent coverage paid by the State.

• Dental Insurance

• The State of Maine pays 100% of employee-only dental premiums ($350.40 annual value).

• Retirement Plan

• The State contributes the equivalent of 13.41% of the employee's pay towards the Maine Public Employees Retirement System (MainePERS).

State employees are eligible for an extensive and highly competitive benefits package, covering many aspects of wellness. Learn about additional wellness benefits for State employees from the Office of Employee Health and Wellness.

Note: Benefits may vary somewhat according to specific collective bargaining agreements and are prorated for part-time employment.

There's a job and then there's purposeful, transformative work. Our aim is to create a workplace where you can learn, grow, and continuously refine your skills. Applicants demonstrate job requirements in differing ways, and we appreciate that many skills and backgrounds can make people successful in this role.

As an Equal Opportunity employer, Maine State Government embraces a culture of respect and awareness. We are committed to creating a strong sense of belonging for all team members, and our process ensures an inclusive environment to applicants of all backgrounds including diverse race, color, sex, sexual orientation or gender identity, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry, national origin, familial status or genetics.

If you're looking for a great next step, and want to feel good about what you do, we'd love to hear from you. Please note reasonable accommodations are provided to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request.

Thinking about applying?

Research shows that people from historically excluded communities tend to apply to jobs only when they check every box in the posting. If you're currently reading this and hesitating to apply for that reason, we encourage you to go for it! Let us know how your lived experience and passion set you apart.