This is highly responsible executive level work assisting in planning and directing activities of the Miami-Dade County Elections Department.

An employee in this class is responsible for assisting the Supervisor of Elections in planning, directing and supervising departmental operations and functions required for local, state and federal elections. Responsibilities include assisting in the establishment of departmental objectives and monitoring progress toward their achievement; directing diversified divisional functions; maintaining contacts with public officials and the media; interpreting state and federal election laws; managing departmental financial and budgetary operations; and organizing work to ensure maximum productivity at minimum cost. The incumbent exercises extensive independent judgement and professional managerial knowledge in formulating departmental policies and directing departmental operations. Supervision is exercised through various levels of subordinate executives and supervisors over a staff of employees which may vary greatly in size depending upon election activities. General direction is received from the Supervisor of Elections who holds the incumbent responsible for attainment of desired goals and objectives and for the professional management of the department.

ILLUSTRATIVE TASKS

Provides assistance to the Supervisor of Elections in the establishment of departmental programs, functions and direction; sets goals and objectives and monitors their achievement; evaluates departmental programs and assesses their effectiveness in meeting the needs of the citizens of Miami-Dade County, elected officials and candidates.

Directs the operation of diversified divisional activities through subordinate executives and supervisors; reviews and evaluates operation of all divisions and sections; reviews and approves written procedures for all functions.

Reviews existing organizational patterns, work relationships, space utilization, data reporting systems and staff responsibilities, and structures the organization of the department to effectively achieve organizational goals.

Meets with the public, candidates, public officials and the news media.

Acts in the absence of the Supervisor of Elections.

Prepares reports, ordinances, resolutions and correspondence.

Interprets election statutes; recommends and lobbies for changes in federal and state election laws.

Assist in the preparation of information for lawsuits regarding elections; testifies at court hearings.

Prepares and delivers speeches to governmental and private organizations; makes media appearances.

Convenes meetings with department management to discuss findings, policies procedures and other subjects.

Reviews and approves divisional budgets, disbursements, capital expenditures and departmental charges; prepares departmental budget; analyzes expenditures to ensure maximum productivity at minimal cost.

Makes decisions regarding hiring, discipline and promotion of subordinates; reviews performance reports prepared by subordinates and rates employee performance; exercises authority for departmental personnel actions consistent with collective bargaining agreements, County personnel rules and all other applicable rules and regulations.

Performs related work as required.

KNOWLEDGES, ABILITIES AND SKILLS

Extensive knowledge of local, state and federal election laws, rules, regulations and procedures.

Extensive knowledge of the principles of business and public administration.

Extensive knowledge of departmental policies, procedures and operations in the preparation and conduct of elections.

Thorough knowledge of the demographics of Dade County.

Thorough knowledge of supervisory principles and practices.

Thorough knowledge of public relations principles and techniques.

Ability to use advanced professional knowledge of the principles of management and public administration to formulate departmental policy and control departmental activities.

Ability to plan, organize and supervise, through various levels of executives and supervisors, the work of subordinates in a manner conducive to full performance and high morale.

Ability to delegate the authority to subordinates necessary to complete responsibilities in varied departmental activities.

Ability to effectively evaluate the impact of alternative possible courses of action on departmental operations, future developments and circumstances of a new or unprecedented nature.

Ability to exercise judgment and discretion in devising, installing and interpreting departmental and County policies, rules and regulations.

Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with senior County management, officials of other public and private organizations, officials of County departments, news media, candidates and the public.

Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, verbally and in writing.

Ability to determine if departmental standards are being met and to redirect priorities as necessary.