Consultant: Montana Nonpartisan Observation Network Manager

Consultant: Montana Nonpartisan Observation Network Manager

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, Montana portfolio.

This position requires up to 15 days of work per month.

Start date: As soon as possible.

Location: Montana with some travel to Atlanta, Georgia

Pay: Commensurate with experience

Length of Assignment: Through August 31, 2025, with a 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 principles for trusted elections.

For the 2024 general election, in partnership with the Maureen & Mike Mansfield Center at the University of Montana, The Carter Center supported a seminal, statewide observation network in Montana named the Montana Election Observation Initiative (MTEOI). Nonpartisan observation efforts were implemented across sixteen counties, supported by a cross-partisan Advisory Board. The goal of this observation, differing from existing partisan poll watchers and election protection, was to provide credible and transparent information on the conduct of elections in Montana through public reports. You can find MTEOI’s reports here with summarized findings of observation data and several key recommendations.

To ensure the network continues engaging with in-state stakeholders and plans for future local election observation in municipal and midterm elections, The Carter Center is looking for an experienced professional with knowledge of the U.S. electoral system (preferably Montana’s) that can manage MTEOI’s targeted efforts as we work to increase transparency in the electoral process and support election officials.

Nonpartisan Observation:

  • Execute an observation methodology that is appropriate for the legal and electoral context. Identify appropriate financial, staffing, logistical, etc. supports to ensure its successful implementation.
  • Enhance established 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.
  • Liaise closely with and make recommendations to MTEOI partners on the development of internal policies, procedures, scopes of work, etc. as needed to facilitate execution of election- observation related tasks.
  • Assist MTEOI to develop 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, 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 of documents for public and private use on key issues related to various aspects in 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 MTEOI personnel, represent MTEOI 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 MTEOI personnel in building and maintaining relationships with election officials, advocacy organizations, voter engagement coalitions, and similar stakeholders around the state;
  • Identify key events for MTEOI to engage with election officials around the country

Advice and Guidance:

  • Provide advice and guidance to MTEOI personnel on developments of election administration processes and procedures in Montana;

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:

  • 5+ years proven experience with election administration practices, political/legislative affairs, community engagement, nonprofits, or a related field;
  • Proven project management experience;
  • Proven management skills;
  • Excellent understanding of the election and voting process in the U.S., Montana is a plus;
  • 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:

  • Knowledge of election observation, poll watching, or election protection practices is a plus;
  • 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 visualization software.

To apply, please fill out the form at the link below and attach a CV and Cover Letter. https://filerequestpro.com/up/uselectionsrecruiting

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.