Duties

Summary

The primary purpose of this position is to serve as the Senior Research Program Specialist for assigned research-related matters within the U.S. Election Assistance Commission's (EAC) mission. The incumbent assists the Director for Research with administering and maintaining various research contracts and studies undertaken by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission and with the tasks related to the creation of new research studies and products.
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Responsibilities

The incumbent also assists the Director of Research and other staff in maintaining relationships with stakeholders and represents EAC to state and federal legislative groups, advocacy groups, the elections community and other agencies as assigned; and performs related work on various issues pertaining to elections.

Major Duties

Projects/Initiatives

• Serves as project manager for the overall management, control, coordination and execution of specified projects for the Research Division. This includes the biennial Election Administration and Voting Survey (EAVS) and the National Mail Voter Registration Application Form state-requested updates process.
• Plans, coordinates, and directs assigned projects, events and reports on project activity in support of business operations and initiatives for research activities.
• Provides proposals, cost estimates and updated schedules, funding expenditure and reports pertaining to the various projects in the Research Division.
• Ensures that written and electronic products are developed to meet or exceed EAC's quality standard and are delivered at the right time.
• Serves as Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) or Alternate Contracting Officer's Representative (ACOR) for specified projects. This includes the contract for the biennial national Election Administration and Voting Survey (EAVS).

Research/Analysis

• Applies an analyst-level knowledge of analytical, statistical and evaluative methods to identify research topics, issues and solutions.
• Applies critical thinking skills to determine the effectiveness of projects or operations in meeting established goals and objectives of the Research Division.
• Prepares written products (best practices, manuals, training materials, templates, whitepapers, etc.) to convey election and research-based knowledge and information to a variety of audiences. This includes products related to the EAC's biannual Election Administration and Voting Survey.
• Rewrites technical information for new audiences while maintaining accuracy; and maintains strict control over all versions of documents under development.
• Employs high-quality editorial skills in the review of written materials developed by the Division and recommends edits and modifications to avoid misinterpretation by the target audience.

Travel Required

Not required

Supervisory status
No

Promotion Potential
None

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Major Duties, continued

Stakeholder Guidance/Outreach

• Attends and/or presents at meetings, conferences and other events to represent the Division and the EAC as requested.
• Provides testimony to Commissioners and other entities on behalf of the Division and/or the EAC as requested.
• Applies high level of knowledge of election administration to Division projects and activities to enhance quality and utility of disseminated information.
• Assists the Director for Research with communicating with key stakeholders, including, but not limited to, election officials and the public.
• Serves as PRA/ROCIS administrator for the Division.
• Point of contact for all UOCAVA/FVAP work and stakeholder requested research.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Knowledge of and skill with interpreting and analyzing various established election laws (including HAVA), NVRA regulations and Title III provisions related to the administration of Federal elections.

Knowledge and skill in applying analytical, statistical, and evaluative methods and techniques to issues or studies concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of election-related research areas and program operations. Research experience in a related field of public policy.

Knowledge of program planning and contract management to assist with the EAC's long-range and short-range research planning.

Knowledge and understanding of the EAC mission, goals and objectives, programs, and functions to identify significant research issues. Related knowledge of Federal and State election laws and procedures.

Knowledge of election laws and procedures, policy and administration variation among key governmental and non-governmental stakeholders in the field.

Knowledge and skill in federal acquisition regulations to mitigate risk for the federal government in all phases of the acquisition cycle.

Ability to research and analyze complex public policies in order to assist with creating policy proposals and to help interpret legislative directives that will be converted to practical policies, processes and procedures.

Ability to identify and keep abreast of legislation, public policies, and trends that affect the development of the division's annual program goals and objectives.

Skill in helping to effectively communicate technical material or highly complex issues that may have controversial findings, using language appropriate to technical and /or non-technical audiences.

Skill in operating a personal computer and related peripheral equipment (e.g., printers, copiers and fax equipment).

Knowledge of capabilities and limitations of various software packages (e.g., Microsoft Windows, Calendar, Microsoft Word, Access database management, PowerPoint and Microsoft Excel) to create and revise a wide range of documents, automated records, databases, and slides.
Knowledge of grammar, spelling punctuation and required formats and skills utilized in the preparation and distribution of correspondence.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

You must submit all required information by the closing date. If materials are not received, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible. The materials you send with your application will not be returned.

Send only those materials needed to evaluate your application.

If you use public transportation, part of your transportation costs may be subsidized. Our human resources office can provide additional information on how this program operates.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume/application will be made to ensure you meet the qualifications and job requirements for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the basis of your level of knowledge, skills, abilities, and/or competencies:

Knowledge of and skill with interpreting and analyzing various established election laws (including HAVA), NVRA regulations and Title III provisions related to the administration of Federal elections.

Knowledge and skill in applying analytical, statistical, and evaluative methods and techniques to issues or studies concerning the efficiency and effectiveness of election-related research areas and program operations. Research experience in a related field of public policy.

Knowledge of program planning and contract management to assist with the EAC's long-range and short-range research planning.

Knowledge and understanding of the EAC mission, goals and objectives, programs, and functions to identify significant research issues. Related knowledge of Federal and State election laws and procedures.

Knowledge of election laws and procedures, policy and administration variation among key governmental and non-governmental stakeholders in the field.

Knowledge and skill in federal acquisition regulations to mitigate risk for the federal government in all phases of the acquisition cycle.

Ability to research and analyze complex public policies in order to assist with creating policy proposals and to help interpret legislative directives that will be converted to practical policies, processes and procedures.

Ability to identify and keep abreast of legislation, public policies, and trends that affect the development of the division's annual program goals and objectives.

Skill in helping to effectively communicate technical material or highly complex issues that may have controversial findings, using language appropriate to technical and /or non-technical audiences.

Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Other

Drug test required
No

Required Documents

Required documents include a resume and the supporting documents as described in the "How to Apply Instructions" section of this announcement.