Director, Elections

Working with the Executive Director of Polling, Elections, and Data Analytics, the Director of Elections leads ABC News’ Decision Desk team and operation and oversees 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:

• Oversee the technical, editorial and analytical aspects of running a national election Decision Desk. This includes the set-up and ongoing, comprehensive testing of ABC News’ election computer systems and its use of polling data, vote data at the state, CD, county and precinct levels, as well as election projections and delegate estimates.
• Design, set-up and testing of statistical models and analytic tools used to project election winners. Work with computer programming staff to ensure proper set-up and system functioning and oversee the extensive testing of these models and systems.
• Manage the relationships with ABC News’ vote and exit poll data providers to ensure the highest level of data quality and accuracy.
• Manage the Decision Desk team during all rehearsals, trainings, and on election nights.
• On election nights, partner in overseeing ABC News’ election projections using a variety of data and statistical models.
• On primary election nights and throughout the primary election season, oversee the allocation of delegates based on an analysis of the vote and statistical models. 
• Training of the Decision Team and ABC News staff on how to use our election computer systems.
• Vet polls and social science studies from outside sources for the news division and provide guidance on reportability and newsworthiness.
• Conduct methodological and background research on election and polling topics.

 

Basic Qualifications:

• 10+ years of relevant work experience.
• Experience working on elections in a news environment and making election projections.
• Experience with advanced statistical analysis and statistical software (e.g., R, SPSS, STATA).
• Experience designing statistical models (including uncertainty estimation) and a deep knowledge of survey research methodology.
• Experience working with and analyzing voter registration files, election returns and Census data.
• 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.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment and consistently meet very tight deadlines.
• Ability 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

Preferred  Qualifications:

• Experience with computer programming languages and database management (e.g., Python, SQL, C++).

 

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:

Master’s Degree or PhD in the social sciences (e.g., political science, statistics, sociology, communication research, survey research, data science, etc.).

Interested candidates are encouraged to apply even if they don't meet every qualification. 

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The hiring range for this position in New York, NY is $188,400 to $258,900 per year and in Washington D.C. is $179,800 to $247,100 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.