Chief Returning Officer (CRO)
DETAILS
Position Type Contract / Election Period
Organization Scarborough Campus Students' Union (SCSU)
Remuneration $20/hour
Duration September to October 30th, 2026 (with possibility of extension to 2027 General Elctions)
Positions Available One (1)
Restrictions Cannot be a current undergraduate student at the University of Toronto. Please note that this is not a University of Toronto Staff position.
RESPONSIBILITIES
The Chief Returning Officer is responsible for ensuring that SCSU elections are conducted in a fair, transparent, impartial, accessible, and organized manner, in accordance with the SCSU Elections Procedures Code, By-laws, policies, and other applicable governing documents.
The CRO serves as the Chair of the Elections Committee and is responsible for overseeing the administration and day-to-day operations of the election process. This includes coordinating election staff, verifying candidate eligibility, managing polling operations, communicating election information to students and candidates, and reporting election results to the SCSU Board of Directors.
The role requires a high degree of independence, discretion, organization, and sound judgment. The CRO must remain strictly neutral throughout the election and referendum process and must be able to make decisions objectively and without favoring any candidate, campaign, or position.
Please note that the responsibilities listed below are not exhaustive. The CRO’s duties may evolve based on the needs and circumstances of each election.
Election Administration
Serve as the Chair of the SCSU Elections Committee.
Make rulings on matters pertaining to the administration and conduct of SCSU elections, subject to the applicable governing documents and appeal processes.
Adjudicate and enforce the SCSU Elections Procedures Code, By-laws, and applicable policies.
Oversee the organization and administration of Fall Director Elections and, where required, run-off elections in the event of a tie.
Oversee the administration of referenda and plebiscites, where applicable.
Ensure that all election procedures comply with SCSU's governing documents and applicable requirements.
Candidate & Election Coordination
Coordinate and communicate with all candidates throughout the election process.
Verify the eligibility of candidates in accordance with the SCSU Elections Procedures Code within two (2) business days of the nomination deadline.
Organize and facilitate the All-Candidates Meeting and Election Forum.
Provide candidates with relevant election information, timelines, procedures, and requirements.
Maintain a dedicated election email account and telephone line/voicemail for election-related inquiries.
Election Communications & Promotion
Publicize elections, referenda, plebiscites, and related events through appropriate media and communication channels.
Ensure required election notices and postings are completed in accordance with the Elections Procedures Code.
Establish and publicly communicate regular CRO office hours during the election period.
Respond to election-related questions and concerns from students, candidates, campaign teams, and other stakeholders in a timely and impartial manner.
Polling & Election Operations
Obtain and manage the official voter list in consultation with the appropriate University of Toronto offices, including the Office of the Vice-Provost, Students and the Registrar’s Office.
Recruit, retain, and train Deputy Returning Officers, polling clerks, and other election staff as required.
Coordinate and oversee Deputy Returning Officers in the performance of their duties.
Develop a polling schedule prior to the commencement of campaigning.
Ensure appropriate staffing levels are maintained throughout polling hours.
Oversee the voting process and address operational issues that arise during polling.
Tally ballots at the conclusion of elections and referenda in accordance with the SCSU Elections Procedures Code.
Reporting & Accountability
Maintain accurate records and documentation throughout the election process.
Prepare and submit a detailed post-election report to the SCSU Board of Directors.
Present the election report and results to the Board of Directors.
Identify any operational issues, recommendations, or improvements that may strengthen future election processes.
REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE
Previous experience serving as a Chief Returning Officer (CRO) or Deputy Returning Officer (DRO) is considered an asset.
Familiarity with the SCSU Elections Procedures Code and/or student union election processes.
Experience with event planning, logistics, or large-scale event coordination.
Experience leading a team, delegating responsibilities, and coordinating multiple individuals or teams.
Strong organizational and administrative skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
The ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
Strong attention to detail and the ability to interpret and apply policies and procedures.
The ability to make fair, independent, and timely decisions.
The ability to work under pressure and meet strict, time-sensitive deadlines.
The ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Strong problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.
DESIRED ATTITUDES
Impartial and objective and committed to maintaining the integrity of the election process.
Highly organized and detail-oriented.
Dependable and able to manage multiple competing priorities.
Comfortable working in a fast-paced and sometimes high-pressure environment.
Confident making decisions and enforcing established rules and procedures.
A strong communicator who can work effectively with candidates, election staff, students, University staff, and SCSU representatives.
Dedicated to creating a fair, transparent, accessible, and student-focused election process.
Enthusiastic about student governance and the democratic process at UTSC.
Please Note: The Scarborough Campus Students’ Union (SCSU) is an independently incorporated organization working within the University of Toronto community. This position is NOT a University of Toronto staff position.
Member of the Canadian Federation of Students, Local 99
How to apply for this position: Interested candidates should submit their résumé and cover letter to president@scsu.ca by Tuesday September 8th, 2026 at 6:00 PM with the subject line: Chief Returning Officer 2026.
All applications should be received via e-mail, incomplete applications will not be reviewed.