Elections Director

New Hanover County, located on the North Carolina coast with a population of over 240,000 and approximately 183,400 registered voters, is seeking an Elections Director to become part of a dynamic, professional county organization with a clear vision as a vibrant, prosperous, diverse coastal community, committed to building a sustainable future for generations to come. The Elections Director will be responsible for planning and directing overall operations of the office of the New Hanover County Board of Elections in the preparation for and execution of all federal, state, and municipal elections in New Hanover County. The next Director will possess extensive knowledge of electoral procedures and policies as set forth in the NC General Statutes and will demonstrate critical thinking skills along with analytical and problem-solving abilities.

At fewer than 200 square miles, New Hanover is the 2nd smallest of the 100 North Carolina counties, but one of the most densely populated. In addition to being a great place in which to live, New Hanover County is a great place in which to do business. Tourism, film production, healthcare, the service and retail sectors are the engines that power its economy. New Hanover County is committed to progressive public policy, superior service, courteous contact, judicious exercise of authority, and sound fiscal management to meet the needs and concerns of our citizens today and tomorrow. To serve the citizens of this progressive regional urban center, New Hanover County operates under a county-wide strategic plan guided by a clear vision, mission, and a set of shared values that shape how decisions are made. These shared values are professionalism, equity, integrity, innovation, stewardship, and accountability.

Key responsibilities:

• Plan, direct, and oversee all operations of the New Hanover County Board of Elections Office, including voter registration, records management, absentee ballot procedures, candidacy filing, poll worker recruitment and training, equipment maintenance, and the administration of early voting and Election Day activities.
• Ensure full compliance with all election laws, policies, and procedures as established by the North Carolina General Statutes and the State Board of Elections.
• Recruit, train, and supervise full-time staff, temporary workers, and volunteers, fostering a professional, inclusive, and high-performing workplace culture.
• Provide administrative and operational support to the Board of Elections, including making recommendations and preparing agendas, ballots, reports, and meeting materials.
• Manage voter education and registration drive programs in cooperation with candidates, political parties, and civic organizations.
• Obtain legal opinions and advise on various election procedures.
• Communicate and interact with candidates, political parties, civic organizations, the media, and the general public, and represent the Elections department as a non-partisan position promoting understanding, confidence, and trust in the electoral process,
• Administer department operations, including monitoring polling place accessibility, preparing voting machines, maintaining maps of all precincts, and making recommendations via the County Board of Elections to the State Board of Elections regarding precinct boundaries.
• Report unofficial election results to media, and assists the Board with canvassing official results.
• Develop and implement departmental policies, procedures, and technical improvements to enhance efficiency and service delivery.
• Prepare and manage the departmental budget, oversee expenditures, and coordinate contracts for election services and equipment.
• Lead strategic initiatives to enhance voter accessibility, leverage technology, and expand community engagement and voter education efforts.
• Serve as the primary liaison with the North Carolina State Board of Elections, county departments, municipalities, and other agencies on election-related matters.

The mission of the New Hanover County Board of Elections is to provide the highest level of professional standards to ensure accurate, honest, and fair elections through accountability and integrity and to provide all citizens our services in the most efficient, effective, and timely manner. The New Hanover County Board of Elections administers elections with the highest commitment to accuracy, integrity, and public trust. The department oversees all aspects of election administration, including voter registration, polling site operations, ballot preparation, and election result certification while ensuring compliance with all applicable election laws. With an annual operating budget of approximately $2,123,000, the department maintains a strong focus on transparency, collaboration, and voter confidence, working closely with local, state, and federal partners to ensure fair and accessible elections for all citizens.

Bachelor's Degree in Political Science or a related field and 7 years of progressively responsible elections experience which demonstrates sufficient management knowledge/skills to successfully perform the functions of this position; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Knowledge of state and federal voter registration and election laws, codes, rules, regulations, and guidelines and of budget and management principles. Demonstrated skill in establishing and maintaining effective working relationships with a variety of groups and individuals; preparing and making presentations to groups; using a computer and relevant software applications; analyzing statistics or problems and coming to a sound conclusion/resolution; and analyzing service delivery and implementing improvements.

• Certification as a NC Election Administrator preferred at application, but must be obtained within 3 years of employment.
• CERA - Certified Elections/Registration Administrator (National Recognized Auburn
  University Election Center Accreditation Program) preferred.

Applicant Information:

This position is open until filled; however, priority consideration will be given to applications received through Tuesday, December 2, 2025. After the closing date for this position, applications will be screened by Human Resources. Applicants referred to the department will receive an email requesting important information pertinent to the position applied for.All updates regarding an application can be viewed through your applicant portal.

Compensation: The current salary range for this position is $79,291 - $134,795. Salary is negotiable within the range, depending on qualifications.

Hours: 8:00AM - 5:00PM weekdays; must be available varied hours during elections, special events, and emergency response incidents.

New Hanover County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.