The client is seeking a qualified contractor with 10 years or greater of relevant experience to provide elections oriented project management, elections systems and support technical coordination, and client consultation and support services for the Statewide Elections Management System (SEMS). This position will be responsible for overseeing all SEMS development activities, coordinating and managing the third-party development vendor, monitoring project progress, and ensuring that development activities, enhancements, and deliverables align with client requirements and operational needs. The contractor will also serve as a primary liaison between the client election officials, and the development vendor, including documenting, communicating, tracking, and escalating system issues or enhancement requests submitted by the client or counties and coordinating with the vendor to ensure timely and effective resolution.
The contractor will provide consultation and assistance to county election officials regarding SEMS functionality, utilization, troubleshooting, and related inquiries. Responsibilities will also include assisting with the development, coordination, and delivery of training to counties concerning SEMS operations, system features, and other relevant or applicable election procedures and processes, utilizing client -approved guidance and materials. The contractor shall not independently provide elections-related policy, procedural, or legal interpretations or advice to counties. When such matters arise, the contractor may serve as an intermediary by referring inquiries to appropriate authorized client personnel or other official sources and communicating the guidance received.
This contractual position will operate within the Elections Division of the client and report directly to the Assistant Secretary of State for Elections or their designee. The anticipated weekly work schedule, including the number of hours worked and any required onsite presence, will be mutually agreed upon following contractor selection but prior to contract award. Total compensated hours shall not exceed 1,040 hours per calendar year, regardless of the agreed-upon weekly schedule or work arrangement.
Special Note: Funding for this position will consist of a combination of federal grant funds provided under the Help America Vote Act and client general funds. The position will be required to provide detailed time sheets for accurate record keeping and
auditing.
Required Skills/Experience
The candidate must have relevant experience in software application project management, third-party vendor coordination, and technical issue resolution. Preferred qualifications include experience with election management systems, governmental information systems, or comparable enterprise applications. Candidates should possess strong organizational, analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated ability to coordinate software development activities, document and track technical issues through resolution, and communicate effectively with technical and nontechnical stakeholders. Experience providing system consultation, user support, and training to government personnel or other end users is highly desirable.
Familiarity with election administration, county election processes and procedures, and the Statewide Elections Management System (SEMS) is required.
Preferred
Preferred qualifications include familiarity with application security best practices, including secure software development, vulnerability management, access controls, data protection, and identification and remediation of security risks. Additional preferred experience includes software development lifecycle (SDLC) methodologies, quality assurance, user acceptance testing (UAT), database management, systems integration, and software change and release management.
Experience with the Statewide Elections Management System (SEMS) or comparable election management applications is preferred, along with familiarity with election administration, county election operations, and applicable election procedures. Prior experience coordinating technology projects involving state or local government agencies, managing third-party software vendors, and providing technical consultation and training to governmental personnel is also desirable. These qualifications are preferred but
not required for consideration.
Education Level
Bachelor’s or Higher
Desired Career Level
10+ Years of Experience
Notes:
5:00 PM CST / 9:00 PM on Election Days
Travel - Yes
VIVA is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants have an equal opportunity for placement, and all employees have an equal opportunity to develop on the job. This means that VIVA will not discriminate against any employee or qualified applicant on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status