Elections & Community Education Analyst

THE POSITION:

The City Auditor’s Office is seeking a professional that is curious, community-oriented, and knowledgeable about strong democratic policies to assist in Portland’s elections education and administration programs. This position will be critical to engaging and educating Portland voters on local and state law during a continued time of change and growth for Portland’s elections. Building and maintaining strong ties to Portland communities will be a major role for this position, particularly communities that have been historically left out of government decision-making. The following is an example of a typical day during peak election periods for this position (occasional work on evenings and weekends may be necessary during peak periods):

• Morning: attend internal team meeting and then follow up with community organizations to review and finalize voter education curriculum that aligns with Portland election law.
• Mid-day: respond to a mix of online, phone, and in-person questions from candidates and campaigns about ballot qualifications.
• Late afternoon: coordinate culturally relevant materials and logistics for a weekend elections education event; begin a research project comparing local election laws.

As the 14th elected official in the City of Portland, the Auditor is independent of City Council and accountable only to the public. The Auditor’s Office promotes open and accountable government by providing impartial reviews and investigations, access to public information, and services for City government and the public. It employs nearly 52 staff members working in seven divisions.

This position joins four elections staff in the City Elections Division and reports to the Elections Education Supervisor. The Division oversees city elections processes such as required voter education, ballot qualification, petition and measure management, and elections results certification to City Council. The Division also carries out services under the umbrella of Campaign Finance and Lobbying Regulations, including investigations and enforcement procedures. The Division provides information and training to candidates and city officials and partners alongside other elections jurisdictions to carryout open, accountable, and transparent city elections.

In 2022, voters approved city government reforms, including a new system of ranked-choice voting and council election by geographic districts. The Elections Division leads the charter-mandated voter education for the City of Portland. During the 2026 election cycle, the Division will continue to improve upon its voter education approach, including facilitating vital community peer-to-peer education.

The Auditor’s Office values a diverse workforce and a culture of equity and inclusion in delivering public services and everyday interactions in the workplace. The Office encourages candidates with experience working with a broad range of individuals and diverse communities to apply.

Responsibilities of the Elections & Community Education Analyst include but are not limited to:

• Assisting with the development and implementation of Portland’s 2026 voter education plan;
• Applying a racial equity lens to projects and tasks and centering historically underserved communities in elections work;
• Conducting community outreach citywide and to culturally specific groups;
• Coordinating the day-to-day tasks required to build and maintain working relationships with community-based organizations;
• Supporting election education programs such as the Elections Internship and Community Grant Programs;
• Communicating orally and in writing to a wide variety of individuals;
  • Creating and delivering accessible information such as website content and giving presentations about elections, lobbying, and campaign finance;
  • Working collaboratively with other City offices, elected officials, legal professionals, and elections jurisdictions;
• Independently supporting and providing analysis of programs or projects related to community education;
  • Assisting with enforcement procedures.

Successful candidates will have:

• • Ability to create and maintain relationships with community organizations led by and for communities of color and community leaders representing historically disenfranchised communities;
  • Ability to communicate clearly, logically, and persuasively, both orally and in writing to a wide variety of audiences in a political environment;
  • Experience using critical thought and complex analysis to develop policies that are both equitable and able to serve a wide audience;
  • Knowledge of local government operations, administrative rules, and relevant local and state election law;
  • Demonstrated ability to work alongside staff in a positive, supportive, and reflective team environment;
  • Expertise in creating clear, concise, and comprehensive material and documents involving complex data and in communicating complex topics to non-technical audiences;
  • Skills in public service, in particular serving upset or otherwise difficult to serve customers with respect, patience, and empathy;
  • Proficiency with a variety of communication formats, technology, and platforms, including collaborative and creative tools; and
  • A commitment to government accountability and transparency.