Commissioner of Elections Department

Overview

Under general policy direction from and at the will of the Mayor, the Commissioner of the Elections is responsible for municipal, state, and federal elections within the City of Boston. This position also oversees the annual census of residents aged 17 and older. The Commissioner of the Elections serves as chair of the Board of Election Commissioners, which ensures compliance with election laws and the equitable delivery of services. As a public and senior official responsible for a key government function, the Commissioner will embody character and impartiality as an election administrator. 

 

The Commissioner is responsible for managing, directing, and integrating the functions, programs, and activities of the Elections Commission. The Commissioner communicates effectively to senior City management, community partners, regulatory authorities, and other department stakeholders to ensure City elections are accessible, fair, and administered effectively in accordance with all applicable laws. 

 

The Elections Commissioner is responsible for managing the 30+ full-time employees of the Election Department, part-time seasonal employees, and approximately 2,000 part-time poll workers. The Commissioner will work with staff to document policies, practices, and procedures. The Commissioner will practice continuous improvement related to the complex operations of the Department.

Responsibilities

• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Mayor, City Commissioners, department directors, managers, elected and appointed officials of other governmental agencies, City employees, business and community leaders, the media, and City residents encountered in the course of work.
• Ensure that municipal, state, and federal elections conducted within the City of Boston are properly managed in accordance with City, state, and federal laws.
• Conduct an annual census of City residents aged 17 and older through mailed surveys, online surveys, and citywide door-to-door canvassing; compiles census data and submits resident information to the State Jury Commissioner.
• Interact with the Massachusetts Secretary of State, the Election Advisory Committee, State Jury Commission, and State Legislature to provide notification of polling locations or precinct related changes, voter registration services, and an annual census information.
• Plan and execute activities and initiatives to facilitate and encourage all eligible persons to register to vote; partners with community organizations to encourage voter participation.
• Oversee the recruitment, assignment, training, and compensation of approximately 2,000 diverse election day volunteers for each election; ensures multi-lingual volunteers are provided where needed.
• Provide civic education to public school students through the Student Poll Worker Initiative and voter registration drives; enhances civic engagement and career development for students.
• Administer Absentee and Early Voting services as required by law.
• Oversee the operations of the Elections Commission, including preparation of the budget, hiring, contracting, and personnel management; participates in programs and activities that promote workplace diversity and a positive employee relations environment.
• Manage the Elections Department budget, including election activities and the annual census.
• Run an organization which prioritizes efficient and courteous customer service. 
• Exercise seasoned management and political acumen, tact, and diplomacy in dealing with complex, sensitive, and confidential issues.
• Develop policy and programmatic solutions to evolving issues; integrate such solutions with other municipal goals. 
• Plan, direct, manage, and integrate a broad program of centralized management, finance, human resources, and administrative services.
• Analyze, interpret, and explain proposed legislation and programs in terms of their implications and impacts on City programs, operations, and sources of revenue. 
• Lead efforts to collect feedback, operational data, and develop programs to evaluate policies and operations, and apply principles of continuous improvement.

Minimum Entrance Qualifications

• At least five (5) years of full-time, or equivalent part-time, progressively responsible experience organizing large events and managing multiple employees; or an equivalent combination of training and experience. Experience in a governmental setting is preferred.
• A Bachelor's degree in public administration, business administration, or a related field. 
• Knowledge of theory, principles, practices, and techniques of public administration, including budgeting and financial planning, financial management, human resources, purchasing, risk management, operations management, an