Mr Pope joined the AEC in 2013 and delivered the 2013 and 2016 federal elections as the State Manager (and Australian Electoral Officer) for Victoria.

Mr Pope was appointed as Deputy Electoral Commissioner in December 2016 and was successfully reappointed to the role in December 2021. As Deputy Commissioner, he guided the AEC through an unprecedented period of change to successfully delivery multiple federal events, including the 2023 referendum. He was involved in several key AEC initiatives, including the development of the Electoral Integrity Assurance Taskforce where he chaired the Board for 5 years.

Prior to joining the AEC, Mr Pope worked in various roles in law enforcement for over 23 years. He concluded his law enforcement career as an Assistant Commissioner with Victoria Police in 2013. He was awarded an Australian Police Medal for his outstanding contribution to law enforcement.

Mr Pope holds a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Laws, is a Graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors and has attended the Executive Management Program at Insead Business School in Singapore.

Mr Jeff Pope was appointed as the Acting Electoral Commissioner from 15 December 2024 for a period of 12 months. Acting arrangements are covered by section 26 of the Commonwealth Electoral Act 1918.