Special Investigator

About the role

The Special Investigator plays a critical role in ensuring the safety, security, and integrity of the Secretary of State office and its operations. Responsibilities include building relationships to advance the mission of the Public Integrity Division and implementing comprehensive security policies, procedures, and plans for the SOS. This role collaborates with internal and external stakeholders to safeguard personnel, assets, and information, investigates allegations of election fraud, suppression, and campaign finance violations, and increases awareness of SOS programs and opportunities for collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Compliance Review & Analysis: Conduct thorough reviews and verifications of campaign finance reports to ensure legal compliance; evaluate reports for timeliness and completeness, including contributor/payee details, contribution types/dates, expenditures, and required signatures; identify, investigate, and refer cases of late or non-compliant filings to the OEIC administrator.
• Collaboration & Communication: Work closely with analysts, campaign finance examiners, and boards of elections to resolve inquiries from multiple points of contact and boards of election; prepare clear, professional correspondence for internal and external stakeholders; answer routine inquiries regarding registration and reporting requirements, escalating complex issues as needed.
• Reporting & Documentation: Generate reports and statistical analyses to support investigations and compliance tracking; submit progress reports to the Administrator or designee as required; assist in the creation of the annual report required by the Ohio Legislature.
• Data Management: Perform accurate data entry of filing information and maintain organized records; prepare and generate reports on documents, registrations, filings, and other examinations; carry out other duties as assigned to support departmental operations.
• Requires in-state travel, including evenings and weekends; must maintain a valid driver’s license and supply own transportation; have home internet service to sustain a remote work connection for emergencies or other times when beneficial to the Secretary of State’s Office.

Requirements

• Completion of associate core program in law enforcement, criminal justice or in academic field commensurate with program area to be assigned per approved Position Description on file; 12 months experience conducting investigations and/or inspections; valid driver’s license.
• Or 30 months training or 30 months experience as Investigator Assistant (26210) with experience corresponding to type of complaints and alleged violations appearing in job posting/approved position description.
• Or 30 months training or 30 months investigative experience with experience corresponding to type of complaints and alleged violations appearing in job posting/approved position description.
• Or equivalent of minimum class qualifications for employment noted above.

Qualifications

• Preferred: Bachelor’s degree in Law Enforcement, Criminal Justice, or a related field.
• Preferred: Experience working with public agencies, law enforcement, or election administration.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Knowledge of state and local laws, rules, and procedures governing elections, campaign finance, and public integrity investigations.
• Knowledge of principles of criminal and administrative investigations, including evidence collection, case documentation, and confidentiality.
• Knowledge of Ohio public records and confidentiality requirements.
• Skill in conducting investigative interviews and drafting detailed, accurate case reports.
• Skill in organizing, prioritizing, and managing multiple investigations and case activities simultaneously.
• Skill in communicating clearly and professionally, both orally and in writing, with diverse audiences.
• Skill in using modern office technology, including Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and collaborative tools such as Teams and SharePoint.
• Ability to analyze complex information and draw sound, evidence-based conclusions.
• Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality in handling sensitive matters.
• Ability to work independently under minimal supervision while adhering to established procedures and deadlines.
• Ability to build and maintain effective relationships with law enforcement agencies, boards of elections, and other stakeholders.
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and respond calmly and effectively to unexpected developments.