About the role

Election Managers make elections happen. Opportunities are available across many districts and regions in New South Wales. Election Managers are responsible for coordinating and overseeing large-scale operations to ensure elections are delivered efficiently and on time.

Training is provided and no previous election management experience is required.

Key requirements & success criteria

  • What we are looking for:

    • Australian citizens who are enrolled to vote
    • Demonstrated operational management experience including delivering end-to-end processes within a short timeframe
    • Demonstrated experience and the ability to lead a team in a customer-focused, high-pressure environment
    • Strong computer skills, including proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite (particularly Word and Excel) and the ability to use electronic devices
    • Political neutrality with no affiliation to political parties or candidates, elected members or lobbyists/third parties’ campaigners
    • A satisfactory criminal record check
    • A valid driver licence.

    For a full list of requirements, and success criteria, please download the role description.

  • What does success look like?

    The NSW Electoral Commission is a public service agency and uses the NSW public sector capability framework to make merit-based appointments. We are looking for people who:

    • Display resilience and courage
    • Act with integrity
    • Manage self and deliver results
    • Manage and develop teams
    • Work collaboratively and commit to customer service
    • Communicate effectively
    • Work effectively with technology
    • Demonstrate motivation and drive
    • Value diversity and inclusion

Our diverse and inclusive workplace

The NSW Electoral Commission embraces diversity and inclusion and is committed to creating a workplace that reflects the population of New South Wales. We welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds and encourage women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, LGBTQIA+, people with disability, mature-age people, and people from culturally diverse backgrounds to apply for this role. 

Application process

  • 1. Online application

    The first stage of the process involves applying online, answering a targeted question and uploading your resume. This is an opportunity to tell us about yourself, your location preferences and to confirm your work rights and eligibility for the role.  Once your application is submitted, you will receive an email confirmation. Only one application is required per person. 

    Apply now

  • 2. Online psychometric assessment

    Following the review of your application and resume, if you progress to the next stage of the recruitment process, you will be required to complete two (2) online assessments.

    • The first is a Personality Assessment, which is untimed and explores your workplace preferences (e.g. whether you prefer working independently or as part of a team).
    • The second is a Cognitive Ability Assessment. This is a timed assessment that evaluates your learning agility and problem-solving skills.

  • 3. Online panel interview and work sample

    Upon completion of the assessment, if shortlisted, you will be invited to attend a virtual panel interview and complete a work sample on the day via video conferencing software. 

  • 4. Confirmation of talent pool placement

    Upon completion of all assessments and required checks, you will be notified of the outcome via email. You will receive confirmation of your placement in the talent pool, indicating that you have met the inherent requirements of the role and are eligible for opportunities as they arise. Offers will be made shortly thereafter. The talent pool will remain active for up to 18 months.

  • 5. Reference and criminal record checks

    If you are selected for a role, you will be required to undergo reference and criminal record checks.

Frequently asked questions

  • Do I need previous experience working at elections?

    No. We welcome applications from all applicants with relevant operations and people management experience.

  • What support and training will I receive as part of my employment?

    Election Managers undertake training (online and face-to-face) with the NSW Electoral Commission. We will provide you with standard operating procedures, manuals outlining processes and procedures, and an election diary to assist in the completion of tasks. In addition, a dedicated support centre provides Election Managers with assistance throughout the election period.

  • What will I be paid?

    You will be employed on a temporary basis from 11 January to 16 April 2027.  You will be required to attend face-to-face training in November/December 2026. 

    The position is full-time (35-hour week).

    The salary package includes a (pro rata) salary of $133,349, plus employer’s contribution to superannuation.

    Regular overtime work will be required, including work outside standard business hours and occasional weekends. Overtime will be paid hourly based on actual hours worked, as per the Crown Employees Award.

    Annual leave will be accrued and paid at the end of your engagement.

    Other allowances and entitlements, including leave, will also be paid as per the award.

  • Am I expected to work nights or weekends?

    Due to the nature of our operations, regular overtime will be required. This includes weekend work and work outside of standard business hours. This also includes, but is not limited to, working on election day.

  • Do I require a First Aid certificate for this role?

    A First Aid certificate is not an essential requirement and will not affect your eligibility for employment in this role. If you hold a First Aid certificate, this information will assist us in ensuring appropriate First Aid coverage at the location to which you are assigned. If you do not hold a First Aid certificate but are willing to obtain one, the NSW Electoral Commission will cover the cost of the course.

  • How do I complete the online training?

    You will need to be in Australia to complete the training and use a computer or tablet.

  • Do I have to find a location for the Election Manager’s office?

    The Election Manager’s office will be established before you commence full-time duties.

  • Can I recruit my own office staff?

    Senior office assistants and office assistants work with you in the Election Manager’s office. You will have the opportunity to recruit your staff based on merit.

    You will also be provided with a staffing plan to help you select your election staff from the applicants that submit an expression of interest to work during an election.

  • Can I change my district if I am offered a position/district and my circumstances change?

    We understand that circumstances can change before taking up the position. Please advise us if this occurs and we will endeavour to see if changes are possible to suit us all.

  • Do I need a mobile phone?

    You will be provided with a mobile phone during the election period.

  • Do I get paid for my travel?

    You will be reimbursed for travel expenses (kilometre allowance) where it is necessary for you to travel to voting centres and/or other approved locations connected to work. Travel expenses are not reimbursed for travel to and from the Election Manager’s office and your home.

  • Do I need a car to work at the election?

    Yes, as you may be required to visit a voting centre to provide support or deliver additional election materials. It is important that you have an insured vehicle and unrestricted driver license to work at elections. You will also work some late hours, so your safe travel home is important.

  • Will I need to lift or move heavy items during my employment?

    Election staff will be required to undertake some manual handling during the course of their employment. You are encouraged to practice safe manual handling techniques and use tools such as trolleys or the assistance of others when moving heavy items.

  • What if I am not successful in my application for Election Manager?

    There are many opportunities to work at NSW elections in other roles and at different elections. You can submit an expression of interest for the roles of senior office assistant, office assistant or election officials employed for election day. To be notified when expressions of interest open, email your contact details to eoi@elections.nsw.gov.au

  • If I am successful but don’t get an offer this time, what happens next?

    If you are successful but don’t get an offer, you may be placed in the talent pool (active for 18 months) and may be offered a position for other elections including local government elections, local and State by-elections or commercial elections.

  • What other opportunities are available to work at elections in NSW?

    In addition to State elections, the NSW Electoral Commission conducts a range of other elections such as local government elections, by-elections (for both State and local government), and commercial elections for organisations such as clubs, industrial bodies and statutory boards.

    If you are successful in the application for the Election Manager role, your details will be retained for 18 months. During this time, the NSW Electoral Commission may contact you regarding further work opportunities.

  • Why do I have to be politically neutral?

    The NSW Electoral Commission is committed to maintaining public confidence in the integrity of the electoral system. The NSW Electoral Commission expects that employees refrain from membership of any political party and from engaging in political activity which could be seen as reflecting adversely on the strict political neutrality of the NSW Electoral Commission. Applicants who are seen to be or are active in political activities or who have close associations with candidates or elected members should disclose such information as part of their application.

    Read our Political Neutrality Policy.

Ready to apply?

Apply now