Special Investigator

State of Ohio; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Job summary

The State of Ohio seeks a Special Investigator in its Secretary of State office to safeguard the integrity of elections and campaign finance processes. This role develops relationships with internal teams and external partners to implement security policies and investigate alleged violations.

Travel is required within-state; strong analytical, writing, and data-management skills are essential to generate reports and support the division’s mission from Columbus, OH on a full-time basis.

Qualifications

• Completion of associate core program in law enforcement, criminal justice or in academic field commensurate with program area to be assigned per approved Position Description on file; 12 mos. exp. conducting investigations &/or inspections; valid driver’s license.
• 30 mos. trg. or 30 mos. exp. as Investigator Assistant, 26210 with experience corresponding to type of complaints & alleged violations appearing in job posting/approved position description.
• 30 mos. trg. or 30 mos. investigative exp. with experience corresponding to type of complaints & alleged violations appearing in job posting/approved position description.
• Equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.

Responsibilities

• Conduct thorough reviews and verifications of campaign finance reports to ensure legal compliance.
• Evaluate reports for timeliness and completeness, including contributor/payee details, contribution types/dates, expenditures, and required signatures.
• Identify, investigate, and refer cases of late or non-compliant filings to the OEIC administrator.
• Work closely with analysts, campaign finance examiners, and boards of elections to resolve inquiries from multiple points of contact and boards of election.
• Prepare clear, professional correspondence for internal and external stakeholders.
• Answer routine inquiries regarding registration and reporting requirements, escalating complex issues as needed.
• Generate reports and statistical analyses to support investigations and compliance tracking.
• Submit progress reports to the Administrator or designee as required.
• Assist in the creation of the annual report required by the Ohio Legislature.
• Perform accurate data entry of filing information and maintain organized records.
• Prepare and generate reports on documents, registrations, filings, and other examinations.
• Carry out other duties as assigned to support departmental operations.

Skills

Investigation

Analyzation

Attention to Detail

Microsoft Office 365

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement/Criminal Justice or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office 365

Job description

Job Description - Special Investigator (260006E5)

Organization

Secretary of State

Unposting Date

Sep 16, 2026, 3:59:00 AM

Work Location

SOS Civic Center Dr 4 180 Civic Center Dr Floor 4 Columbus 43215

Primary Location

United States of America-OHIO-Franklin County-Columbus

Compensation : $80,000

Schedule

Full-time

Union : Exempt from Union

Primary Job Skill

Technical Skills : Investigation

Professional Skills : Analyzation, Attention to Detail

Agency Overview

SPECIAL INVESTIGATOR

About Us:

As Ohio’s Secretary of State, Frank LaRose is doing his part to deliver a thriving democracy and a prosperous economy for all Ohioans. In his role as the state’s chief elections officer, he is working to ensure that Ohio’s elections are both safe and accessible. And, as the first stop for new businesses in the Buckeye State, he is assisting entrepreneurs as they receive articles of incorporation for a new business.

Job Description POSITION SUMMARY
The Special Investigator plays a critical role in ensuring the safety, security, and integrity of the Secretary of State office (SOS) and its operations. Responsible for building relationships to advance the mission of the Public Integrity Division and implementing comprehensive security policies, procedures, and plans for the SOS. This role collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to safeguard personnel, assets, and information, investigates allegations of election fraud, suppression, and campaign finance violations, and increases awareness of SOS programs and opportunities for collaboration.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Compliance Review & Analysis

• Conduct thorough reviews and verifications of campaign finance reports to ensure legal compliance.
• Evaluate reports for timeliness and completeness, including contributor/payee details, contribution types/dates, expenditures, and required signatures.
• Identify, investigate, and refer cases of late or non-compliant filings to the OEIC administrator.

Collaboration & Communication

• Work closely with analysts, campaign finance examiners, and boards of elections to resolve inquiries from multiple points of contact and boards of election.
• Prepare clear, professional correspondence for internal and external stakeholders.
• Answer routine inquiries regarding registration and reporting requirements, escalating complex issues as needed.

Reporting & Documentation

• Generate reports and statistical analyses to support investigations and compliance tracking.
• Submit progress reports to the Administrator or designee as required.
• Assist in the creation of the annual report required by the Ohio Legislature.

Data Management

• Perform accurate data entry of filing information and maintain organized records.
• Prepare and generate reports on documents, registrations, filings, and other examinations.
• Carry out other duties as assigned to support departmental operations.

Unusual Working Conditions

• Requires in-state travel, including evenings and weekends. Must maintain a valid driver's license and supply own transportation.
• Have home internet service to sustain a remote work connection for emergencies or other times when beneficial to the Secretary of State’s Office.

Why Work for the State of Ohio

At the State of Ohio, we take care of the team that cares for Ohioans. We provide a variety of quality, competitive benefits to eligible full-time and part-time employees*. For a list of all the State of Ohio Benefits, visit our Total Rewards website ! Our benefits package includes:

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems ( such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS ) &Optional Deferred Compensation ( Ohio Deferred Compensation )

*Benefits eligibility is dependent on a number of factors. The Agency Contact listed above will be able to provide specific benefits information for this position.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience

Required

• Completion of associate core program in law enforcement, criminal justice or in academic field commensurate with program area to be assigned per approved Position Description on file; 12 mos. exp. conducting investigations &/or inspections; valid driver’s license.
• 30 mos. trg. or 30 mos. exp. as Investigator Assistant, 26210 with experience corresponding to type of complaints & alleged violations appearing in job posting/approved position description.
• 30 mos. trg. or 30 mos. investigative exp. with experience corresponding to type of complaints & alleged violations appearing in job posting/approved position description.
• Equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment noted above.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice, or a related field.
• Experience in working with public agencies, law enforcement, or election administration preferred.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Knowledge of:

• State and local laws, rules, and procedures governing elections, campaign finance, and public integrity investigations.
• Principles of criminal and administrative investigations, including evidence collection, case documentation, and confidentiality.
• Ohio public records and confidentiality requirements.
• General office practices, procedures, and record management systems.

Skill in:

• Conducting investigative interviews and drafting detailed, accurate case reports.
• Organizing, prioritizing, and managing multiple investigations and case activities simultaneously.
• Communicating clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing, with diverse audiences.
• Using modern office technology, including Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and collaborative tools such as Teams and SharePoint.

Ability to:

• Analyze complex information and draw sound, evidence-based conclusions.
• Exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality in handling sensitive matters.
• Work independently under minimal supervision while adhering to established procedures and deadlines.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with law enforcement agencies, boards of elections, and other stakeholders.
• Adapt to changing priorities and respond calmly and effectively to unexpected developments.

Supplemental Information

This position is Unclassified per ORC 124.11 (A) (30)

Background check and drug screening required prior to employment

ADA Statement

Ohio is a Disability Inclusion State and strives to be a model employer of individuals with disabilities. The State of Ohio is committed to providing access and inclusion and reasonable accommodation in its services, activities, programs and employment opportunities in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and other applicable laws.