Consultant: Michigan Nonpartisan Observation Program Advisor

The Carter Center is guided by a fundamental commitment to promoting human rights, alleviating human suffering, enhancing freedom and democracy, and improving health conditions. The Center seeks a highly qualified, motivated, and energetic consultant for the Center’s US Elections, Michigan portfolio.

This position requires up to 20 days of work per month.

Start date: As soon as possible.

Location: US state of Michigan, travel throughout state required

Pay: Commensurate with experience

Length of Assignment: Through January 30, 2027, with a 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 good election administration in the United States. There are multiple aspects to this project: expanding nonpartisan observation efforts, bolstering the electoral dispute resolution process, tracking disinformation and dangerous speech, contributing to electoral reform, election accessibility, and promoting a set of principles for trusted elections.

In Michigan, the Carter Center is advancing nonpartisan observation efforts for the 2026 primary and midterm elections. Nonpartisan observation efforts implemented and/or supported by The Carter Center will differ from existing partisan pollwatchers and election-protection groups. The goal of nonpartisan observation is to provide credible and transparent information on the conduct of elections in each state through public reports.

The Carter Center is looking for an experienced professional with knowledge of the U.S. & Michigan’s electoral system that can design, implement and track work plans as we work to increase transparency in the electoral process and support election officials. In consultation with Carter Center staff and other consultants with relevant expertise, the Program Advisor will have the following responsibilities:

Nonpartisan Observation:

In close coordination with Atlanta headquarters, design and oversee the execution of a nonpartisan election observation methodology appropriate for the legal and electoral context. Identify appropriate financial, staffing, logistical, etc. supports to ensure its successful implementation.
Develop observer training plan and materials based on review of state election laws and existing guidelines/best practices for nonpartisan election observation; advise and direct the execution of the plan by training staff and volunteers.
Review insights from previous work related to accessibility in elections in Metro Detroit; develop recommendations for any follow on 2026 programming.
Develop recommendations for any additional areas of programming or in depth thematic analysis on election issues such as campaign finance, digital threats to elections, and inclusion.
Identify and develop partnerships with local partners and community based organizations; track and engage with broader landscape of election focused civil society organizations in Michigan
Meet with and establish working relationships with various stakeholders, potentially including community organizations, media, elections officials, and government representatives.
Remain abreast of major proposed and/or adopted changes to election administration in the state.
Ensure the quality of reported observer data, including by establishing a team able to provide data cleaning, logical checks, and external validation of findings as needed.
Lead the development of internal policies, procedures, scopes of work, etc., as needed to facilitate the execution of election observation-related tasks.
Lead development of communications scenarios and protocols for reporting on and after election day; oversee drafting of any official statements, reports, or external communications products.
Remain abreast of major political developments in the state and make recommendations for adjusting programming as needed.
Manage the work of consultants assigned to the project, providing assignments, guidance, coaching, and support as necessary and appropriate to ensure the success of the observation program and the success of supporting consultants.

Election Administration Expertise and Support– Research and Analysis:

Contribute to research and drafting documents for public and private use on key issues related to various aspects of election administration.
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, public reports, public statements, op-eds and articles, and talking points

Outreach and Representation:

As requested by Carter Center staff, represent the program 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 The Carter Center in building and maintaining relationships with election officials, advocacy organizations, voter engagement coalitions, and similar stakeholders around the state;
Identify key events relevant to furthering program objectives

Advice and Guidance:

Provide regular and timely report outs to staff on the news and changes in the political and electoral landscape within the state

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 to 10 years proven experience with election administration practices; knowledge of election observation, poll watching, and election protection practices;
Knowledge of Michigan election procedures and experience communicating this information to a diversity of stakeholders; sound political judgment and ability to maintain a reputation for strict nonpartisanship throughout the duration of the program.
Experience in community outreach or community engagement; experience in voter engagement or civic engagement is preferred.
Experience in the recruitment, training, mobilization and retention of volunteers.
Previous experience with coalition-building and management, including development of policies and standard operating procedures, budget tracking and oversight, and support to internal and external communications.
Proven project management experience;
Excellent understanding of the election and voting process in the U.S., Michigan; Existing relationships with election administration and civil society in Michigan
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.
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.

Preferred Qualifications:

Experience with data analysis and data visualization software.
Expertise on election accessibility.
Written and oral fluency in Spanish or Arabic is a plus.

To apply, please fill out the form at the link below and attach a CV and Cover Letter including three references:

https://thecartercenter.formstack.com/forms/application_michigan_state_lead

This position is contracted through The Carter Center. Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Only applications submitted to the link above will be considered.

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.