Application Guide
How to Apply for Executive Director
at Election Administration Resource Center
🏢 About Election Administration Resource Center
The Election Administration Resource Center (RCVRC) is a national nonpartisan 501(c)(3) that leads the movement for ranked choice voting (RCV) in the US. They provide research, education, and technical tools to make RCV elections successful, positioning themselves at the forefront of election innovation. Working here means contributing to a more representative democracy through practical support for election administrators.
About This Role
As Executive Director, you will lead the organization's next phase of growth, expanding the team and revenue base while overseeing the delivery of research, education, and technical tools for RCV implementation. This role is pivotal in shaping how election innovation is perceived and delivered across the US, making a tangible impact on democratic processes.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your day might start with a virtual check-in with the remote team, followed by a strategy session with the board on fundraising targets. Afternoon could involve meeting with election officials to discuss RCV implementation support, then reviewing a draft research report. Evenings may include networking with potential funders or speaking at a webinar on election innovation.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Election Administration Resource Center Is Looking For
- Proven leader with experience scaling a nonprofit or mission-driven organization, including team expansion and revenue growth.
- Strong strategic planner who can set vision and execute fundraising strategies to diversify revenue streams (grants, donations, etc.).
- Excellent communicator and stakeholder engager, able to build relationships with election officials, funders, and partners.
- Background in election administration, voting systems, or political reform preferred, with familiarity with RCV and its implementation challenges.
📝 Tips for Applying to Election Administration Resource Center
Tailor your resume to highlight leadership growth and fundraising wins, using metrics (e.g., revenue increased by X%, team grew from Y to Z).
In your cover letter, mention specific knowledge of RCV or election administration; if lacking, show eagerness to learn and relevant transferable skills.
Research the RCVRC's current projects and recent publications; mention them to demonstrate genuine interest and understanding of their work.
Emphasize experience with remote team management, as the role is fully remote; discuss tools and practices you've used for virtual collaboration.
Prepare a one-page strategic vision document outlining how you would approach growth, fundraising, and stakeholder engagement in the first 90 days.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your passion for nonpartisan election reform and making democracy more accessible.', 'Concrete examples of leading organizational growth and fundraising successes.', 'Understanding of the specific challenges election administrators face and how RCV can help.', 'Your ability to communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences (election officials, public, funders).']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review the RCVRC's website, especially their resources for election officials and recent blog posts or reports.
- → Look into the current landscape of RCV adoption: which states/localities use it, recent legislative wins, and opposition arguments.
- → Understand the funding sources typical for election reform nonprofits (e.g., foundations like Democracy Fund, individual donors).
- → Check the LinkedIn profiles of current board members or staff to understand the organization's culture and priorities.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Being too generic about election reform without showing specific knowledge of RCV and its nuances.
- Focusing only on passion without demonstrating concrete leadership and fundraising experience.
- Ignoring the remote nature of the role; failing to address how you manage teams and projects virtually.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Election Administration Resource Center!