Chief Returning Officer (CRO)

Lakehead University Student Union; Northwestern Ontario; On-site; CAD 6,000; Part time

Job summary

A student organization is seeking a Chief Returning Officer to oversee the electoral processes, enforce fairness, and promote student participation. This role involves planning elections, managing candidates, and fostering a vibrant campus democracy. Ideal candidates should have experience in election administration and strong communication skills. The position offers flexible hours with a yearly honorarium of $6,000.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated experience administering, supporting, or participating in elections.
• Strong understanding of equity, accessibility, and procedural fairness.
• Ability to make fair, evidence-based decisions under pressure with minimal supervision.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all election processes ensuring fairness and integrity.
• Develop official election timelines and lead election administration.
• Maintain election records and manage candidate engagement.

Skills

Experience administering elections

Communication skills

Conflict resolution

Organizational skills

Job description

CAMPUS: Thunder Bay/Orillia

TERM: September 29, 2025 to April 30, 2026; renewable

REPORTS TO: Board of Directors; day-to-day, ED and Governance and Advocacy Officer

HOURS: Flexible, Varies on Election Cycle (see Working Conditions below)

COMPENSATION: $6,000 per year honorarium

The Chief Returning Officer (CRO) plays a vital role in shaping the democratic life of the Lakehead University Student Union. As the impartial authority overseeing all LUSU elections, referenda, and by-elections, the CRO is not only responsible for enforcing fairness and integrity—but also for fostering a vibrant, participatory campus democracy.

From encouraging students to run and vote, to creating an open and accessible electoral process, the CRO helps strengthen student engagement and deepen understanding of the role student unions play in advocacy and collective action. This position is ideal for someone who values democracy in action, believes in the power of student leadership, and is ready to ensure that every student voice has the opportunity to be heard.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Electoral Planning and Administration

• Develop and publish the official election timeline in accordance with LUSU Governing Documents, specifically By-Law #1.
• Lead all aspects of general elections, by-elections, and referenda. This included the concurrent administration of the Lakehead University Graduate Student Association (LUGSA) Executive elections, which will follow a simplified process.
• Maintain official election records, documentation, and rulings.
• Recruit, train, and supervise Deputy Returning Officers (DROs) on both campuses.
• Chair the Elections Committee.
• Coordinate logistics and compliance in collaboration with the Executive Director, Governance and Advocacy Officer, and other appropriate staff.

Candidate Management and Engagement

• Receive, verify, and certify nomination packages.
• Conduct All-Candidates Meetings and ensure candidate compliance with rules.
• Provide guidance, education, and timely communications to all candidates and campaign teams.
• Collaborate with DROs and staff to facilitate debates, tabling, and voter-facing events.
• Collaborate with staff to support candidate outreach, events, and promotion of the elections.

Oversight and Enforcement

• Monitor campaign activity and ensure adherence to policies and spending rules.
• Approve campaign materials and signage in line with By-Law #1.
• Receive and adjudicate complaints and violations, issuing rulings as needed.
• Refer appeals to the designated appeal body or committee as per policy.
• Keep relevant staff informed of major decisions, rulings, or emerging issues during the election cycle.

Voting and Results

• Oversee all voting logistics, including online voting platforms and any in-person polling.
• Ensure security, accessibility, and neutrality of voting systems.
• Certify and announce unofficial election results.

Reporting and Recommendations

• Submit a Ratification Report of the unofficial reports following each election and referenda process, and a year-end comprehensive Final Report to the Board that includes complaints and rulings and process feedback and recommendations for improvement.
• Debrief with LUSU staff to support institutional learning.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Demonstrated experience administering, supporting, or participating in elections.
• Strong understanding of equity, accessibility, and procedural fairness.
• Ability to make fair, evidence-based decisions under pressure with minimal supervision.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to interpret and apply policies with neutrality, sound judgment, and integrity.
• Skilled at handling sensitive info and complaints with discretion and professionalism.
• Must not be a current LUSU staff, Board Director, candidate, or campaign supporter.
• Able to work independently and manage time effectively, including occasional evening and weekend hours.
• Familiarity with student organizing, electoral engagement, or political education is an asset.
• Comfort with outreach, facilitation, or issue resolution is an asset.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This is primarily a remote position, with flexibility around hours outside of Elections (~10 hours/month). The CRO must be available for extended hours (~10 to 15 hours/week) during Election Periods (October–November and February–March), including evenings and weekends as needed.
• There are mandatory in-person requirements:
• 1 week in October 2025 at the Orillia Campus to oversee a Board by-election.
• At least 1 week in February 2026 at the Thunder Bay Campus to oversee the General Elections (Executive and Board) for both campuses.
• Travel and accommodations for these in-person periods will be covered by LUSU.

EMPLOYMENT EQUITY

LUSU is committed to the principles of employment equity. Applications from all qualified candidates are welcome; in particular, applications are encouraged from Queer and Trans people, women, Black, Indigenous, and Racialized people, and Disabled People. We prioritize the hiring of individuals who experience systemic barriers to employment and invite you to self-disclose in your cover letter or on your resume.

Please use your cover letter to tell us about your unique perspectives, experiences, and abilities, as they apply to your fit within the student union’s team.

APPLICATIONS

Visit lusu.ca/jobs and select “Chief Returning Officer.” Upload a single PDF containing your cover letter and resume, with your full name (e.g. OliviaJames.pdf) and addressed to Brandon Rhéal Amyot, Governance and Advocacy Officer.

Applications from all are welcome. However, to preserve the neutrality of the student union’s electoral processes, preference will be given to applicants who are not currently enrolled as Lakehead students.

CLOSING DATE: Thursday, September 18, 2025 at 4:00 PM Eastern

About Us

LUSU, Local 32 of the Canadian Federation of Students, is the students’ union representing nearly 10,000 members at Lakehead University’s Thunder Bay and Orillia Campuses. We are a non-partisan, non-profit organisation dedicated to the fight for a universal, accessible post-secondary education and providing an environment where students can pursue academic excellence as well as personal and social growth.