Arena Careers

Position Overview

Job Title: Election Certification & Canvass Associate

Organization: Michigan United

Nature of Work: 501(c)(3) & 501(c)(4)

The Election Certification & Canvass Associate is a specialized 5-month surge role joining the Democracy & Election Administration / Voter Access Protection (DEAVAPS) team from August 15th, 2026, through January 15th, 2027. While this role provides vital operational support in the lead-up to the General Election, its primary mission begins when most election programs start winding down: the post-election window.

A complete democracy requires four distinct stages: voters cast their ballots, votes are counted, the election is certified, and elected leaders are sworn into office. Most election defense programs focus almost exclusively on the first two phases. Michigan United is committed to protecting all four. From November 4 through mid-January, the Election Certification & Canvass Associate serves as the operational anchor ensuring that vote tabulation, county canvassing, state certification, and swearing-in ceremonies happen smoothly, transparently, and with organized community presence.

This role is ideal for a focused organizer and campaign manager who thrives in dynamic environments, understands Michigan’s post-election legal process, and knows how to translate complex administrative timelines into organized community visibility. The position concludes on January 15, 2027, with real, lasting deliverables—including fully documented canvass logs across all target counties, a well-informed community base, and a comprehensive transition memo for future cycles.

About Michigan United

Michigan United is building a vibrant, inclusive democracy in Michigan where community members organize to build power to affect change at local, state, and national levels. We work to dismantle systemic barriers perpetuating inequality by building power. Michigan United defines power as the ability to act, which comes in the form of organized people and organized money. We focus on issues through a racial, economic, gender, immigrant, and environmental justice lens, serving as a hub of people-centered leadership development, issue organizing, and civic power building. We are guided by our Theory of Change.

We are dedicated to dismantling oppressive systems and transforming lives through tangible victories and leadership development. We believe in the power of a united community driven by a shared vision and strategic action. Our commitment to a democracy that reflects our base is at the core of our work, guiding us as we organize and mobilize communities, build collective power, and seek just outcomes. We aim to create a Michigan where the government and our economy are inclusive, accountable, equitable, and welcoming to all.

Michigan United's approach is grounded in practicality, driven by our values, and focused on building a state where dignity, equity, and justice are realities, not just aspirations. Through strong relationship-building, continuous leadership development, and strategic collective action, we are paving the way for the systemic changes our communities deserve. We are a statewide organization of community members and institutions fighting for the dignity and potential of every person.

Position Details and Responsibilities

1. Pre-Election Systems Build (August 15 – November 3)

Before the post-election canvass begins, the Associate builds the systems, logistics, and relationships that make community monitoring possible.

• County Mapping: Map out Board of Canvassers (BOC) meeting schedules, locations, contact info, and operational protocols across all six target counties (Wayne, Genesee, Saginaw, Oakland, Washtenaw, Macomb) by November 1.
• Tabulation Center Mapping: Confirm access protocols, key contacts, and site logistics for main counting centers with county clerks by October 15.
• Observer Recruitment & Training: Recruit and prepare a cohort of 50+ trained certification observers and counting center monitors ahead of Election Day.
• Rapid Mobilization Roster: Build an active post-election mobilization list of 200+ community members who can be activated for public meetings or rapid response actions.
• Legal Alignment: Coordinate with the Election Legal Volunteer Corps to build an attorney on-call schedule for canvass coverage and BOC meetings.
• Program Support: Assist with logistics for the General Election Protection Summit (September 2026) and United Wednesdays events as needed.

2. Post-Election Certification Defense (November 4 – Mid-December)

The Associate’s core function post-election is tracking every step of the canvass and certification process, ensuring transparent and community-supported operations across target counties.

• Real-Time Tracking: Maintain an active county-by-county certification status dashboard covering canvass start dates, meeting schedules, statutory deadlines, and current progress.
• Statutory Deadline Oversight: Monitor Michigan certification deadlines (MCL 168.821 for county canvass; MCL 168.822 for county certification; MCL 168.842 for state canvass) and flag any potential delays immediately to the Deputy Director.
• Community Presence: Coordinate organized, disciplined community attendance at county Board of Canvassers meetings, handling scheduling, transportation, and conduct briefings.
• Agenda & Agenda Monitoring: Review meeting agendas and notes across target counties, escalating any procedural irregularities or unexpected motions to the Deputy Director and legal teams within one hour.
• Legal Observer Deployment: Schedule and manage legal observer coverage at BOC meetings in partnership with the Election Legal Volunteer Corps.
• State Certification Tracking: Monitor and document progress through the final State Board of Canvassers certification phase through mid-December.

3. Vote Tabulation Monitoring

Organized community presence at counting centers provides reassurance and transparency as every vote is processed.

• Observer Logistics: Coordinate community observer schedules at major vote counting centers in Wayne, Genesee, Saginaw, Oakland, and Macomb counties from Election Night through the close of the canvass.
• Defender Support: Brief and deploy Democracy Defenders, managing real-time communication, scheduling, and transportation support.
• Daily Log Management: Maintain a daily counting center coverage log, sharing end-of-day summaries with the Deputy Director.
• Incident Escalation: Document and route any operational or media-worthy incidents through our internal escalation protocol within 30 minutes.

4. Rapid Mobilization & Public Communication

When rapid response is needed in the post-election phase, the Associate activates organized community power with discipline and clarity.

• List Activation: Maintain and activate the 200+ person mobilization roster when public presence is needed at county buildings, BOC meetings, or state offices, at the explicit direction of the Deputy Director.
• Public Storytelling: Work alongside trusted community messengers to produce clear, direct content explaining the canvass and certification process.
• Coalition Coordination: Partner with statewide tables (such as the Michigan Alignment Table) on joint certification defense efforts when directed.

5. Community Education & Demystifying Certification

Most voters are unfamiliar with what happens after Election Day. The Associate bridges this gap with clear, accessible education.

• Community Workshops: Host plain-language Know Your Rights: The Full Arc of Democracy sessions across our 16 target municipalities.
• Educational Content: Partner with the Communications team to create accessible flyers, social posts, and talking points breaking down the certification timeline and why public observation matters.
• Event Integration: Anchor post-election educational themes at United Wednesdays gatherings.

6. Swearing-In Monitoring & Cycle Hand-Off (December 2026 – January 15, 2027)

The Associate covers the final stage of the democratic process—ensuring elected officials are successfully installed—before capturing key learnings for the next cycle.

• Installation Tracking: Monitor and document swearing-in ceremonies and official installations across target jurisdictions through mid-January.
• Community Celebrations: Co-host post-certification community celebration events in partnership with the Voter Services and Access Associate.
• Transition Documentation: Produce a comprehensive end-of-term transition memo by January 10, 2027, archiving all coverage logs, contact sheets, systems workflows, and strategic notes to preserve institutional memory for 2027 and beyond.

Key Performance & Milestone Goals

To ensure clarity and mutual accountability, performance in this role is guided by the following key milestones:

• Nov 1: Complete mapping of county Board of Canvassers schedules and legal procedures across all six target counties.
• Nov 1: Confirm a cohort of 50+ trained certification observers.
• Nov 3: Confirm an active rapid-mobilization list of 200+ community members.
• Nov 4+: Deploy counting center and Board of Canvassers observer coverage starting Election Night.
• Nov 15: Deliver post-election community education sessions across target municipalities.
• Jan 10: Deliver the end-of-term transition memo and archived program records.

Skills & Qualifications

Required

• Organizing Experience: Minimum 2 years of experience in community organizing, civic engagement, campaign management, or a closely related field.
• Mobilization Ability: Proven track record of turning contact lists into real-world public participation and meeting attendance.
• Policy & Process Aptitude: Familiarity with (or the ability to quickly master) Michigan’s post-election canvass, certification, and Board of Canvassers processes.
• Clear Communication: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills. Comfortable producing weekly updates, public education materials, and strategic hand-off memos.
• Calm Under Pressure: High emotional intelligence and composure. Ability to remain grounded, focused, and systematic during dynamic or high-stakes moments.
• Schedule Flexibility: Ability to work non-standard hours during the post-election window, including evenings for BOC meetings and weekends during active canvassing.
• Travel: Valid Michigan driver’s license and access to reliable transportation across our six target counties.

Strongly Preferred

• Direct experience with post-election monitoring, Board of Canvassers observation, or legal observing.
• Background in rapid-response mobilization and managing volunteer teams in dynamic settings.
• Familiarity with Michigan United’s partner ecosystem and community dynamics in Wayne, Genesee, Saginaw, Oakland, Washtenaw, or Macomb counties.
• Experience with community accountability campaigns or direct-action logistics.

Additional Job Specifications

• Job Classification: Exempt, Full-Time, Temporary Surge Role (August 15, 2026 – January 15, 2027)
• Compensation: $60,000 (prorated annually over the 5-month term)
• Work Schedule: 40 hours per week, with flexible evening and weekend hours during active post-election canvass windows.
• Location: Hybrid (Detroit, MI office & regional travel across target counties)
• Benefits: Health, Vision, Dental, PTO, etc.

Application Process

If you are a dedicated organizer ready to protect the full arc of democracy from Election Day through inauguration, please apply via our JazzHR portal or submit your application to [email protected].

Please include:

1. Your resume
2. A cover letter detailing your experience with community mobilization and why post-election protection matters to you
3. Three professional references
4. A brief writing sample or campaign overview demonstrating your organizational or communication skills

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and early submissions are strongly encouraged!

Michigan United contracts with BOOM LLC for backend and operational support, including hiring and employment. BOOM LLC is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, women, LGBTQ+ individuals (including trans, queer, and non-binary communities), individuals with disabilities, parents, system-impacted individuals, immigrants, and anyone who has experienced systemic oppression or gender-based violence.