Chief Returning Officer

Job Description

The Chief Returning Officer reports to Students’ Council through the Council Administrative Committee and oversees all electoral logistics as per Students’ Union Bylaws.  The Chief Returning Officer is appointed by Students' Council in the manner set out in Students’ Union Bylaw 310 and its Regulations, and serves from May 1 to April 30 of the year following their appointment. 

Duties include but are not limited to:

1. Overseeing the balloting process.


2. Conducting the election.


3. Overseeing the advertisement of elections.


4. Submitting to the Speaker, as soon as practically possible, a report containing the results of any election of Members to the Students’ Council.


5. Determining the allocation of Councilors before the release of every nomination package and forthwith tabling Students’ Council a report detailing the allocation of Councilors and the statistics used to reach that allocation.


6. Determining the dates for all nomination deadlines, elections cycles, and voting days in keeping with Bylaws and Regulations.


7. Run elections and referenda/plebiscites as per relevant Students’ Union Bylaws.


8. The validation and posting of all nomination packages, plebiscite and referendum petitions.


9. Supporting the running of referenda and plebiscites.


10. Assisting in selecting the Deputy Returning Officer(s) and overseeing the DRO(s).


11. Facilitating classroom speaking arrangements during an election/referendum.


12. Enforcing budgetary regulations as stipulated in the Elections Bylaws.


13. Acting as the arbitrator in any dispute which may arise during the course of an election/referendum.


14. Submitting to Students' Council, prior to May 31, a final report of activities and recommendations.


15. Organizing a minimum of one (1) forum to be held during the week of campaigning.


16. Perform other job related duties as required by Students' Council.

Qualifications:

1. The Elections Staff shall not concurrently hold any position on Students’ Council, its boards and committees, Student Representative Associations, Dedicated Fee Units, the D.I.E. Board, or the Students’ Union’s paid staff. 


2. Must have some experience in elections.


3. Willingness and ability to work varying hours.


4. Ability to deal effectively with Students' Union and University staff, students and the general public. 

The application deadline for this position is March 27th, 2026 at 11:59 P.M.