Elections Coordinator

JOB SUMMARY

The Municipal Elections Office is responsible for planning, implementation and administration of municipal policies and programs for municipal elections as set out in the Municipal Elections Act, 1996, and related municipal election activities conducted to the highest standards of fairness, accessibility and accountability.

You are responsible for coordinating, monitoring and providing guidance on technical and administrative activities in relation to the conduct of municipal elections for the offices of mayor and ward councillors on City Council and for trustees on the four District School Boards; by-elections to such offices and any recounts arising from such elections consistent with all legislative requirements of the Municipal Elections Act, Municipal Act, Education Act, Assessment Act and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act; and the conduct of any ward boundary review and associated appeals to the Ontario Municipal Board.
You participate on the Elections Management Team in a support role and provide professional leadership and coordination in the planning, implementation, and administration of assigned municipal policies and programs for municipal elections.  

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of 4 year university degree in Business Administration, Public Policy, Political Science or other related field.

Minimum of 4 years of experience within a large municipal setting with specific emphasis on the administration of municipal elections is required, including 3 years of in-depth work experience preferably supplemented with project management and supervisory experience 

Experience with corporate software and creating an election management database is required

Preference will be given to candidates with experience developing business cases for new programs and projects

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENCES

KNOWLEDGE

• General knowledge of the City of Ottawa and of corporate and departmental policies and procedures
• Legislation, policies, regulations, guidelines and operational procedures relevant to the operational area
• Contract document preparation, the tendering process and supervision of field services
• Supervisory experience and motivational techniques. Working knowledge of corporate human resource policies, practices and collective agreements related to managing in a unionized environment, including hiring, dismissal, performance management and the grievance procedure
• Financial management practices and budget processes
• Methods used to deal with the media in a professional manner
• Standards specific to specialty area
• Project Management principles
• Equipment operation specific to elections, including vote counting equipment.
• Computer applications, including MS Office, MS Project, and election management systems.  
• Must be familiar with all applicable health and safety legislation, have knowledge of any potential or actual danger to health or safety in the work place, and have knowledge of appropriate actions to be taken in order to ensure the health and safety of staff in accordance with applicable legislation and City policies and procedures.

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, at all levels of the organization and with external stakeholders
• Demonstrated ability to interpret legislation
• Ability to develop projects, policies and procedures applicable to the program area
• Demonstrated political and organizational acuity, including relationships between staff, media, the public, elected officials, and candidates for elected office.  
• Excellent analytical ability and strong decision making skills
• Ability to function well under pressure in a fast-paced environment
• Results oriented and ability to achieve goals by setting challenging but realistic targets and deadlines and managing work effectively
• High level of competency in interpersonal relations and communication with strong customer service and results driven orientation
• Highly organized and strong attention to detail