Division Supervisor - Elections (County Classification: Div Supv-Clerk-Recorder)

We’re looking for a motivated, hands-on leader to oversee our Elections Division. This is your chance to make a real impact on local democracy while guiding a team in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

In this role, you’ll manage workflows, ensure compliance, streamline processes, and introduce new ideas and technologies all while building a supportive, engaged team. You’ll work closely with county leadership, state partners, and the public in a role that is both visible and meaningful.

Working in San Luis Obispo County means being part of a community that values integrity, public service, and continuous improvement. If you’re solutions-oriented, creative, and committed to excellence, this is an exceptional opportunity to grow, lead, and serve while making a real difference.

This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time throughout the County.

Under general direction, plans, organizes, and supervises the daily operations of the Elections Division of the County Clerk-Recorder’s Office. This position provides both operational leadership and hands-on support for all phases of the election process, including but not limited to voter registration, vote-by-mail, ballot processing, warehouse operations, election logistics, and post-election activities.

Typical Tasks and Representative Duties (Not in order of importance):

· Leads by example in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, fostering teamwork, professionalism, accountability, and mutual support.

· Implements new ideas, tools, and process improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, and transparency, including election technology, workflow tracking, and continuous improvement practices.

· Ensures compliance with the California Elections Code, Secretary of State regulations, and federal requirements by monitoring operations, updating procedures, and training staff on legal and procedural changes.

· Coordinates election preparation and execution, including ballot production, logic and accuracy testing, chain-of-custody procedures, polling place and vote center operations, ballot transport, election-night reporting, and canvass.

· Oversees ballot processing, signature verification, and voter outreach for curing to ensure accurate processing, voter support, and statutory deadlines are met.

· Handles complex and sensitive issues, including voter and candidate inquiries, public complaints, and escalated operational challenges, using sound judgment and a solutions-focused approach.

· Coordinates with internal and external partners, including the Secretary of State, County Counsel, IT, Facilities, law enforcement, USPS, and election vendors.

· Assists with budgeting, staffing, cost tracking, election cost recovery, grants, and performance measures.

· Supports special projects and modernization efforts, including new voting systems, electronic pollbooks, process redesign, and public transparency initiatives.

Knowledge of:

• Principles and practices of public-sector supervision and employee development
• California Elections Code and election administration best practices
• Voter registration, vote-by-mail, polling place and vote center operations
• Ballot processing, chain-of-custody, and election security
• Public records, confidentiality, and transparency requirements
• Modern office systems, election management systems, and data-tracking tools
• Budgeting, scheduling, and workload management

Ability to:

• Lead, motivate, and inspire staff in a high-pressure, deadline-driven environment
• Take initiative, anticipate needs, and proactively solve problems
• Balance strategic planning with hands-on operational support
• Interpret and apply election law, regulations, and procedures
• Communicate clearly and professionally with staff, candidates, the public, and oversight agencies
• Make sound decisions in time-sensitive and high-visibility situations
• Identify risks and implement corrective action
• Prepare reports, correspondence, and operational documentation
• Maintain strict confidentiality, impartiality, and professionalism
• Adapt to changing laws, technology, and election models

Education and Experience

A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes:

Completion of two years (60 semester units or 90 quarter units) in an accredited college or university in business administration, public administration or a closely related field.

In addition, Either A: Three years of increasingly responsible experience in a County Clerk-Recorder and/or Election Office, title company, or closely related work setting, two years of which includes work in a supervisory or lead worker position; Or B: Four years of increasingly responsible office experience working with legal documents and issues, two years of which includes work in a supervisory or lead worker position and significant public contact.

Licenses and Certificates

Certain positions within this classification may require driving. When driving is an essential function of the position, a valid CALIFORNIA driver's license will be required at the time of appointment.

Applications, including answers to supplemental questions, must be submitted online by the final filing date.  Apply for this position at governmentjobs.com/careers/slocountyca.  Most County recruitments require you to respond to supplemental questions as part of the application process.  We recommend that you review these questions prior to beginning your application.

An initial application review will be conducted. Candidates who meet the minimum qualifications and are best qualified will be invited to participate in selection activities which may include online assessments, performance exams, written exams, and interviews.

Final candidates will be required to have an in-depth background review performed before proceeding in the process. Please note that references will not be contacted until the end of the process. 

If you have questions or would like to discuss the opportunity further, please contact Human Resources at hr@co.slo.ca.us. Confidential inquiries are welcomed.

For further information regarding the County of San Luis Obispo, visit our website at www.slocounty.ca.gov.

Other Conditions of Employment: 

This classification requires that incumbents may work irregular hours to ensure completion of the record or during elections. This class specification generally describes the duties and responsibilities characteristic of the position(s) within this class. The duties of a particular position within a multi-position class may vary from the duties of other positions within the class. Accordingly, the essential functions of a particular position (whether it be a multi-position class or a single-position class) will be identified and used by medical examiners and hiring authorities in the selection process. If you have any questions regarding the duties or the working conditions of the position, please contact the Personnel Department at (805) 781-5959.

Are you passionate about democracy, public engagement, and ensuring transparent and fair elections? Do you possess exceptional communication skills and enjoy spreading vital information to diverse audiences? If so, the San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder's Office has an exciting opportunity for you as a Division Supervisor with a focus on elections!

About Us: The San Luis Obispo County Clerk-Recorder's Office provides efficient, transparent, and accessible services to the residents of our beautiful county. Our mission is to uphold the integrity of elections, accurately record and preserve public documents, and promote civic engagement. As a member of our team, you will play a crucial role in ensuring that our community stays informed and empowered during every step of the electoral process.

Reasonable Accommodation Notice
Federal law requires employers to provide reasonable accommodation to individuals with disabilities. Please tell us if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job or to perform your job. Examples of reasonable accommodation include making a change to the application process or work procedures, providing documents in an alternate format, using a sign language interpreter, or using specialized equipment. Please call 805-781-5959 for assistance or e-mail hr@co.slo.ca.us for more information.

Veteran's Preference Points 
If you are applying for employment with the County of San Luis Obispo and you served in the United States Armed Forces, you may be eligible for veteran's preference points as part of the recruitment process. Some dependents and survivors of eligible veterans may also be eligible for preference points.  Click here for more information and to learn how to apply for this benefit.  Please note that Veteran’s credits must be on file with the County of San Luis Obispo Veterans Services Office prior to the recruitment closing date indicated on the job announcement.

Equal Employment Opportunity 
The County is an equal opportunity employer. Objectives are directed toward assuring equal opportunity in selection / promotion, pay, and job assignments. Recruitment and selection procedures have been established to ensure non-discrimination on the basis of political or religious opinions or affiliations, age, sex, race, color, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation or other non-merit factors. In addition, the County complies with the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act in hiring and retaining employees. For more information contact the Human Resources Department at (805)781-5959.