Chief Returning Officer (CRO)

Position Summary: Chief Returning Officer (CRO)

The Chief Returning Officer (CRO) plans, organizes, and executes all stages of the OCAD Student Union election process in order to fill vacant positions on the OCAD Student Union Board of Directors. The CRO is responsible for ensuring that the election is implemented fairly and in accordance with the OCAD Student Union Elections Policy.

The Chief Returning Officer acts as the primary point of contact for all inquiries regarding elections and is responsible for all decisions and rulings related to candidate conduct throughout the campaigning and voting periods. The CRO is also expected to be in person for all Campaign Period Days and Voting Days (TBD) at OCAD University’s main buildings in Downtown Toronto, around the Queen and McCaul Street area.

Reports To:

Manager of HR and Administration

Working Relationship:

OCAD SU Executive Committee, Finance Manager, Election Appeals Committee

Hours of Work & Rate of Pay:

This position is paid at a rate of $20.41 per hour, between February 27th, 2026 and May 1st, 2026 (approximately 9 weeks).

The workload is approximately 10–12 hours per week, for a maximum of 120 hours total.

Elections:

The position is paid $20.41 per hour for a maximum of 120 hours of work upon successful completion of the 2026 OCAD Student Union General Election. The overall workload is approximately 10 hours per week over an approximately 8-week period. Compensation will be received on a bi-weekly basis. Final payment is dependent upon completion of a final outgoing report.

Responsibilities:

• Set up the voting portal with the OCADU IT Department well in advance of the voting period, including requesting a membership list from the Registrar’s Office and being available to test the portal the week before voting
• Encourage students to run for vacant positions and explain the voting process both online and in person
• Distribute nomination packages and any other required candidate documents around campus
• Verify each candidate’s nomination package and ensure all required information is accurate; candidate eligibility will be based on the information provided
• Handle all communication with potential candidates regarding nominations, voting, and elections
• Provide notice of mandatory candidate events to all approved nominees
• Act as a resource for candidates both online and in person by answering questions, addressing concerns, and advising on campaign materials
• Respond to all inquiries regarding Student Union elections in a timely manner
• Organize and coordinate mandatory candidate events, including a Candidate Information Session (Date TBD), Meet the Candidates Event (Date TBD), and any by-elections (Date TBD)
• Be in person for all Campaign Period Days and Voting Days (TBD) at OCAD’s main buildings in Downtown Toronto around the Queen and McCaul Street area
• Promote election events and voting days, and encourage participation across campus in collaboration with the Communications Coordinator
• Ensure the orderly operation of voting procedures in accordance with the Student Union Elections Policy
• Review all complaints and appeals submitted during or after the election period and work with the Elections Committee to certify election results and issue rulings

How to Apply

Email Adam Asmar, Manager, HR & Administration, at manager@ocadsu.org no later than Friday, February 20th at 11:59pm. If you need any assistance or accommodations with the application process, please do not hesitate to ask.