The Carter Center is guided by a fundamental commitment to promote human rights, alleviate human suffering, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health conditions. The Center seeks a highly qualified, motivated, and energetic consultant to the Center’s US Elections Project.
This position requires up to 24 days of work per month.
Start date: October 15, 2023
Location: Remote, with some travel to Atlanta and other states The Carter Center will be working in
Pay: Commensurate with experience
Length of Assignment: Through August 31, 2024, with high likelihood of extension or contract renewal depending on performance
The Democracy Program at The Carter Center works globally to support and strengthen participatory democracy, consistent with human rights. Beginning in 2020, The Carter Center began efforts to support elections in the United States. There are multiple key aspects to this project: establishing nonpartisan observation efforts, bolstering the electoral dispute resolution process, tracking disinformation and dangerous speech, contributing to electoral reform, and promoting a set of candidate principles for trusted elections.
The Carter Center plans to advance nonpartisan observation efforts in two states among several currently under assessment, including: California, Michigan, Mississippi, Montana, New Mexico, North Dakota, and Virginia. Nonpartisan observation efforts implemented and/or supported by The Carter Center will differ from existing partisan poll watchers and election protection groups. The goal of this observation is to provide credible and transparent information on the conduct of elections in each state through public reports. To support this work, The Carter Center also provides analysis and resources on various aspects of the electoral process and election administration such as, poll worker recruitment & training and tabulation & audit procedures. The Carter Center is looking for an experienced professional with knowledge of the U.S. electoral system that can support our targeted efforts in select states as we work to increase transparency in the electoral process and support election officials.
With Carter Center staff and consultants, the Nonpartisan Election Observation and Election Administration Advisor will:
Nonpartisan Observation:
- Assist Carter Center staff and consultants in developing state-level strategies for the implementation of nonpartisan election observation in priority states for 2023 and in advance of 2024.
- Assist in the finalization of observation methodology that is appropriate for the legal and electoral context of identified states. Identify appropriate financial, staffing, logistical, etc. supports to ensure successful implementation.
- Finalize observer training plan and materials; advise and direct execution of plan by training staff and volunteers.
- Ensure quality of reported observer data, including through establishment of a team able to provide data cleaning, logical checks and external validation of findings as needed.
- Assist coalition partners to develop communications scenarios and protocols for reporting on and after election day; assist in drafting any official statements, reports, or external communications products.
- Remain abreast of major political developments in identified key states and make recommendations for adjusting programming as needed.
Election Administration Expertise and Support – Research and Analysis:
- Contribute to research and drafting of documents for public and private use on key issues related to election administration of the 2023 and 2024 elections, including post-election audits.
- Contribute to project related outputs including curricula for observer training programs; voter education materials on key aspects of the electoral process; toolkits and written products of electoral stakeholders; policies and procedures to identify examples of good practice as well as areas where additional steps could be taken to promote transparency in the electoral process or the overall improvement of election integrity.
- Contribute to a range of written outputs by the Carter Center study team to include public reports, public statements, voter education materials and scripts, curricula for training programs, op-eds and articles, talking points and other internal briefing documents.
Outreach and Representation:
- As requested by Carter Center staff, represent The Carter Center at public events, webinars and other fora and in public speaking engagements; Liaise with state election officials and others on key issues to support project goals.
- Assist Carter Center staff and consultants on building and maintaining relationships with election officials around the country.
- Identify key events for TCC to engage with election officials around the country.
Advice and Guidance:
- Provide advice and guidance to Carter Center staff on election administration processes and procedures in the United States.
Coordination:
- Participate in regular coordination meetings with other consultants, other Carter Center programs, Carter Center staff, and project partners on key aspects to ensure successful implementation of the project.
Qualifications:
- 7+ years proven experience with election administration practices; knowledge of election observation practices is a plus;
- Proven project management experience;
- Proven management skills;
- Excellent understanding of the election and voting process in the U.S.
- Excellent understanding of key political dynamics around elections in the U.S.;
- Experience implementing data collection methodologies;
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
- Knowledge and experience with the Microsoft suite of tools.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, as part of a diverse and inter-disciplinary team.
- Flexibility and ability to adapt to changing project demands.
- Experience with data analysis and data visualizations software.
To apply, please fill out the form at the link below and attach a CV and Cover Letter. https://filerequestpro.com/up/uselectionsrecruiting
Only applications submitted at the above site will be considered.
Deadline for submissions:
Applications accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Interested parties are encouraged to submit their application as soon as possible.
Only those candidates selected for an interview or additional consideration will be notified by the Center. No separate emails, phone calls, or in-person contacts, please.