Manager of Elections

Working with the Director of Elections, the Manager of Elections with be a key part of ABC News’ Decision Desk team and operation, working with the election data, statistical models, and computer systems used for primary and general elections. The Decision Desk provides projections of election outcomes, delegate estimates, and editorial support for ABC News’s election coverage, including ABC News’ network election broadcasts, ABCNews Live, ABC News Audio, and ABC News Digital platforms. 

Responsibilities:

• Set-up and ongoing, comprehensive testing of ABC News’ election computer systems to verify that we receive all data from our data providers in real time and that it is accurately displayed in all areas. This includes polling and vote data at the state, CD, county and precinct levels, as well as election projections and delegate estimates.
• Design, programming and testing of statistical models used to project election winners.
• Work with computer programming staff to ensure accurate system functioning.
• Develop analytical tools to support and enhance ABC News’ coverage of public opinion and elections. 
• Conduct analyses of early voting using voter files and related data.
• Work with the Decision Desk team during all rehearsals, trainings and on election nights to ensure that everything runs smoothly.
• Training of ABC News staff on how to use our election computer systems.
• On election nights serve as a key member of ABC News’ decision team, making election projections using a variety of data and statistical models.
• On primary election nights, assist in the allocation of delegates based on an analysis of the vote. Throughout the primary election season, assist in updating ABC News’ Delegate Estimate as it changes between primary election events.
• Serve as one of ABC News’ representatives on the National Election Pool Statistical Committee.
• Vetting of polls and social science studies from outside sources for the news division.

Basic Qualifications:

• 5+ years of relevant work experience
• Experience designing statistical models (including uncertainty estimation) and a knowledge of survey research methodology.
• Experience with advanced statistical analysis and statistical software (e.g., R, STAN, SPSS, STATA).
• Experience with computer programming languages and database management (e.g., Python, SQL).
• Experience working with and analyzing voter registration files, election returns and Census data.
• Experience working with data visualization software (e.g., Datawrapper, Tableau, Power BI). 
• Must have excellent collaboration skills and have a demonstrated ability to work across various teams.
• Exceptional attention to detail and a commitment to accuracy and high standards.
• Able to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and consistently meet very tight deadlines.
• Able to work at night and on weekends during election season and during breaking news events.
• A solid background and interest in U.S. electoral politics.
• Must be able to approach your work with neutrality and fairness to all viewpoints

Required Education:

• Bachelor’s Degree in the social sciences (e.g., political science, statistics, sociology, communication research, survey research, data science etc.) from an accredited 4-year college or university.

Preferred Education:

• PhD in the social sciences (e.g., political science, statistics, sociology, communication research, survey research, data science etc.)

The hiring range for this position in New York, NY is $135,400 to $181,600 per year and in Washington D.C. is $129,300 to $173,300 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.