Tim attended Ohio University at Lancaster and holds a bachelor's degree in political science and communications from Mount Union College. He resides in Lancaster with his wife, Lori. He is Methodist.

Tim is the executive director of the Ohio Society of Professional Engineers. He previously worked as the director of public relations for the Ohio Grocers Association. He is also a former vice president of public affairs for the American Diabetes Association.

Tim Schaffer currently serves as a state senator in State Senate District 20. He was appointed to this position in 2019 and is serving his 2nd full term. He previously served as a state representative in State House District 77. He was named to this position in 2015 and served for 2 full terms. He also served as a state senator in State Senate District 31. He was elected to this position in 2006 and served for 4 terms. He is the chairperson of the Senate's standing committee on Agriculture and Natural Resources. He previously served as the chairperson of the Ways & Means Committee, Public Utilities Committee, and the Commerce & Labor Committee, among others.