Elections Deputy Director

Pima County; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 111,000 - 166,000; Full time

Job summary

Pima County Elections Department seeks a Deputy Director of Elections to lead policy development, program implementation, and cross‑department collaboration. This role drives budget planning, staff management, and high‑level engagement with County leadership and stakeholders.

Ideal candidates will have a strong background in governmental elections, compliance awareness, and a commitment to accessible, transparent voting processes.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a policy/administration field is required.
• Five years of professional experience including three years in governmental elections and two years in management/supervision.
• Valid driver license required; AZ election officer certification as soon as possible.

Responsibilities

• Directs the development and implementation of county-wide election policies and procedures.
• Directs the department plans and programs; reviews effectiveness and identifies operational improvements.
• Manages subordinate managerial and supervisory staff.
• Represents the Elections Department in high-level meetings with County management and outside agencies.
• Directs the budget, expenditures, and fiscal matters for the department.
• Plans and implements staff training programs and supervises election scheduling and material preparation.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Policy development

Stakeholder communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in political science, public administration, or related field

Tools

Tenex ePollbooks

ES&S voting equipment

Job description

Deputy Director Elections

Job Description Summary Department - Elections Job Description OPEN UNTIL FILLED Job Type: Unclassified Job Classification: 1078 - Deputy Director Elections Salary Grade: 19 Pay Range Hiring Range: $110,593 - $152,089 Annually Pay Range: $110,593 - $165,921 Annually Range Explanation: Hiring Range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity. Pay Range is the entire compensation range for the position. The first review of applications will be on 08/28/2026.

At the Pima County Elections Department, you’ll do more than administer elections—you’ll help ensure every eligible voter has a fair, safe, and accessible opportunity to make their voice heard. As the Deputy Elections Director, you’ll join a team grounded in integrity, transparency, and exceptional customer service, with work that directly supports the democratic process and strengthens public trust. Our office is continually looking toward the future, embracing technology, innovation, and new ideas to improve the way elections are conducted. You’ll have the opportunity to think creatively, tackle complex challenges, and develop meaningful ways to educate and engage the public about the voting process. Bring your ideas. Serve your community. Strengthen democracy.

This classification is in unclassified service and is exempt from the Pima County Merit System Rules.

Essential Functions: As defined under the Americans with Disabilities Act, this classification may include any of the following tasks, knowledge, skills, and other characteristics. This list is ILLUSTRATIVE ONLY and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed by incumbents of this class. Work assignments may vary depending on the department’s need and will be communicated to the applicant or incumbent by the supervisor.

• Directs the development and implementation of County-wide election policies and procedures
• Directs the implementation of department plans and programs, reviews the effectiveness of election initiatives, identifies operational problems, and develops solutions to improve results and service delivery.
• Manages subordinate managerial and supervisory staff
• Leads and directs special County-wide operational and organizational studies and projects
• Prepares and directs the preparation of various written correspondence, reports, etc.
• Represents the Elections Department in high-level meetings with County management, the Board of Supervisors, outside agencies, and the community
• Directs the overall preparation and administration of the department budget and fiscal matters
• Plans, develops and implements staff training programs
• Directs the scheduling, preparation and conduct of all jurisdictional, special, primary and general elections
• Reviews the preparation, translation and printing of election ballots and related materials
• Reviews and analyzes proposed state and federal legislation for potential impact on election processes and provides recommendations
• Keeps informed of current issues, best practices, and trends in elections to ensure efficient and effective County operations
• Makes presentations before the Board, County Management, and other departments
• Develops and maintains effective working relationships with other County departments
• Acts in the director's absence

Minimum Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with a major in political science, business or public administration, or a related field as determined by the Elections Director or Designee at the time of recruitment AND five years of professional experience which INCLUDES three years of experience conducting governmental elections AND two years of management or supervisory experience. (Relevant experience and/or education from an accredited college or university may be substituted.) Qualifying education and experience must be clearly documented in the "Education" and "Work Experience" sections of the application. Do not substitute a resume for your application or write "see resume" on your application.

Preferred Qualifications: (Be specific in describing your experience in your application. Ensure the descriptions provided illustrate your competencies, specifically addressing the required and preferred qualifications.): Experience with/knowledge of Tenex ePollbooks or other electronic voting systems. Experience with/knowledge of Election System and Software (ES&S/ESS) voting equipment. Experience creating and conducting training classes. Experience conducting an election at the County level. Minimum of three (3) years of experience reading and interpreting election laws.

• Experience with/knowledge of Tenex ePollbooks or other electronic voting systems.
• Experience with/knowledge of Election System and Software (ES&S/ESS) voting equipment.
• Experience creating and conducting training classes.
• Experience conducting an election at the County level.
• Minimum of three (3) years of experience reading and interpreting election laws.

Selection Procedure: Pima County Human Resources Department reserves the right to admit to the selection process only those candidates that meet the minimum qualifications. All applications will be assessed based on an evaluation of the listed education and experience. Candidates meeting the minimum qualifications may be further evaluated/scored against any advertised Preferred Qualifications. The hiring authority will interview and select the successful candidate from a referral list provided by Human Resources. Additional assessments/testing may be required as part of the selection process.

Supplemental Information: Licenses and Certificates: Valid driver license is required at time of application. Valid AZ driver license is required at time of appointment. The successful applicant will be subject to a 39-month DOT Motor Vehicle Record review to determine applicant’s suitability to operate county vehicles in accordance with Pima County administrative procedures. Failure to obtain and maintain the required licenses and certifications shall be grounds for termination. Any offer of employment resulting from this recruitment is contingent upon Fleet Services’ review and approval of the candidate’s driving record. Must be a registered voter at the time of appointment. Must obtain State of Arizona, Election Officer Certification at the earliest opportunity, after appointment, afforded by the training schedule set forth by the Arizona Secretary of State in compliance with ARS 16-407. Failure to obtain / maintain the required licensure shall be grounds for termination.

Special Notice Items: The County requires pre-employment background checks. Successful candidates will receive a post-offer, pre-employment background screening to include verification of work history, education, and criminal conviction history. A prior criminal conviction will not automatically disqualify a candidate from employment with the County.

Physical/Sensory Requirements: Physical and sensory abilities will be determined by position. Working Conditions: Working conditions will be determined by the position.

Pima County Government is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

We are committed to an inclusive and diverse workforce and will not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, kinship, political interest, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Pima County stands out as an exceptional workplace, offering a supportive environment that fosters professional growth and personal satisfaction.

As one of the largest employers in the region, Pima County prioritizes its commitment to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, recognizing the unique contributions of each employee.

Embracing innovation and collaboration, Pima County provides multiple opportunities in which individuals can make a meaningful impact on their community.

One of the key advantages of working for Pima County is its comprehensive benefits package.

• Employees enjoy competitive salaries, generous health insurance coverage, and retirement plans that contribute to long-term financial security.
• Pima County recognizes the importance of a healthy work-life balance, offering flexible work schedules, a generous family leave policy and wellness programs that prioritize employee well-being.
• Employees benefit from opportunities for professional advancement through training programs, workshops, and educational reimbursement programs.
• In addition, a County-wide employee recognition program rewards employees who exemplify the County values of being accountable, respectful and ethical as well as providing great customer service.

By joining Pima County, individuals become part of a dedicated team working towards a common goal: enhancing the quality of life for residents and building a vibrant future.

Pima County is not just an employer; it's a community that values its employees, encourages their growth, and invests in their success.