Director, Protection Services

Director of Protection Services

The Director of Protection Services is the University's leader and expert on campus safety and security. This role is responsible for developing proactive safety programs and implementing policies, processes, and procedures in alignment with best practices to ensure the protection of all campus users. Reporting to the Chief Risk Officer (CRO), the Director establishes the department's strategic direction and oversees its resources to effectively manage the safety and security operations for the University. The Director serves as the primary advisor to faculties and services on security matters affecting the University community, including faculty, administrative staff, and students. As the University's liaison on security issues, the Director collaborates with both internal and external stakeholders, including local law enforcement agencies, while ensuring clear communication of safety standards to all staff on campus.

This position oversees the financial, human, and physical resources associated with 24-hour, 365-day security operations, including protection technology (alarm systems, cameras, etc.), investigation services, security contracts, parking facilities, and sustainable transportation.

This role provides strategic leadership in fostering a safe, secure, and resilient campus environment. The Director of Protection Services as a key leader during critical incidents, offering direction and oversight while ensuring a coordinated, well-prepared response across the organization. Participation in an on-call leadership rotation supports continuity and effective decision-making in time-sensitive situations.

The standard working hours are 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM. In leading a 24/7 campus security operation, the Director sustains an engaged and visible leadership presence across all shifts, with periodic schedule flexibility to connect with teams, reinforce alignment, and support operational excellence.

In this role, your responsibilities will include:

Strategic Planning

In alignment with the CRO, the Director develops, implements and maintains the strategic orientation, Protection Services Annual Plan, goals, objectives and priorities of Protection Services. This includes intelligence-led, risk-based decision-making framework and the administration, implementation and evaluation of programs, activities, and security measures provided by Protection Services to ensure the safety and security of the University community.

Develops a strategic framework to guide and support the University's objectives for protection and security. Oversees the development and implementation of policies and regulations related to security and protection at the University. These include development of needs analyses, objectives and implementation of plans to meet the needs of the forecasted demographics of the student body and the University community.

Operations Management

Using a community-based security model, the Director is responsible for planning, developing, and directing the comprehensive deployment of security services on campus. Oversees the strategic use of security resources, ensuring the campus is effectively covered through a combination of patrols, surveillance, and on-site security personnel.

Designs, implements, and manages proactive crime prevention strategies to enhance campus safety and reduce incidents by working closely with internal and external departments on policy, procedure, and security matters relating to campus safety and security. The Director sets clear guidelines and standards for the installation, monitoring, and maintenance of electronic security systems, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation and university policies.

Establishes key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure departmental effectiveness, providing transparent updates to the campus community and the general public. Additionally, the Director establishes and monitors customer service protocols, ensuring a high standard of client interaction within the department by developing and maintaining a robust safety and security reporting system, ensuring timely communication with the campus community when necessary.

Financial, Material and Human Resources Management

Demonstrates leadership through sound financial and administrative management of the Service to meet financial objectives and support the goals of Transformation 2030. Establishes clear mandates and advocates for necessary funding. Develops cost-saving initiatives and strategies to optimize cost-effectiveness and deliver value-added services and programs. Develops tactical plans to align with the department's business vision, setting clear financial goals and objectives for the finance team.

Directs and manages a team of professional staff with expertise in crime prevention, investigations, crisis intervention, parking and sustainable transportation. The Director is responsible for final decisions in all disciplinary cases involving Protection Services personnel and fosters an inclusive leadership style to support and develop staff within the Protection Services, while promoting initiatives that enhance employee engagement and professional growth.

Demonstrates strategic leadership through the development of a strong, collaborative team approach among Protection Service employees, the university community and its clients to promote an atmosphere of safety and security, to deliver excellence in customer service. Mentors and coaches' key personnel to ensure a competent, professional and productive staff, as well as succession planning for the Service. Designs targeted programs for orientation of new employees in all aspects of customer service.

Communications

Develops and implements a comprehensive multi-level communication strategy for internal and external stakeholders. Facilitates safety and security discussions among campus stakeholders to ensure the efficient use and the coordination of resources.

Leads the development of communications efforts to educate and promote Protection Services on campus, fostering partnerships with the City of Ottawa, municipal police services, RCMP, OPP and CSIS as well as counterparts from other colleges and universities. Works closely with the Chief Risk Officer and Central Communications on matters pertaining to campus safety and security and serves as liaison with law enforcement authorities.

Management and Development of Internal and External Partnerships

Pursues new security initiatives and strategic partnerships aimed at supporting the University's mission and maintaining a safe campus environment. This includes identifying and establishing new technologies that enhance services, assessing risks, and streamlining processes.

Ensures ongoing collaboration with all stakeholders such as Emergency Management, Facilities, Housing and Residence Life, Sports Services, Community Life, Faculties and Student Federations and Associations on issues related to the protection of students on campus. The Director also implements security measures and contingency plans to reduce risk and ensure safety of students on campus, including off-site residences.

What you will bring

• Master's degree (ex. criminology, public administration) or relevant field or the equivalent combination of training and experience in a Protection and Security environment.

• Ten (10) years of relevant and progressive experience in:

• - Directing and offering strategic leadership to large eclectic teams

• - Proven undertaking of strategic planning, managing budgets, project management, and human resources management in a large organization

• - Relevant work experience in a security operations management university or post-secondary education environment is a strong asset

• Sound knowledge and experience in Crisis Management, Emergency Measures Management and Emergency Preparedness.

• Experience working in large and complex environments, with demonstrated skills in leadership and major project management

• Demonstrated ability in problem resolution, decision-making and sound judgment and being able to work in a demanding work environment.

• Proven experience in building a successful, inclusive work team preferably in a unionized environment

• Proven sensibility and appreciation of the role that gender, race, disability, gender identity, sexuality and social background play in the experience of personal safety and security in a university setting.

• Knowledge and experience in long-term strategic planning, organizational development and change management

• Excellent skills in budget management and budget control.

• Strong interpersonal skills with an ability to influence.

• Proven ability to communicate effectively in both languages, both orally and in writing and to adhere to strict confidentiality.

• Ability to negotiate agreements with a wide range of stakeholders and client groups.

• Proven ability to influence and gain the support of senior management regarding key strategies.

• Proven success in building partnerships within a community and taking a proactive approach with a wide variety of interested and diverse stakeholders.

• Problem-solver mentality with ability to accept and lead new challenges, able to think strategically and to critically analyze a variety of issues and show initiative.

• Bilingualism in both English and French (written and oral)

The University of Ottawa embraces diversity and inclusion in the workplace. We are passionate about our people and committed to employment equity. We foster a culture of respect, teamwork and inclusion, where collaboration, innovation, and creativity fuel our quest for research and teaching excellence. While all qualified persons are invited to apply, we welcome applications from qualified Indigenous persons, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, women and LGBTQIA2S+ persons. The University is committed to creating and maintaining an accessible, barrier-free work environment. The University is also committed to working with applicants with disabilities requesting accommodation during the recruitment, assessment and selection processes. Applicants with disabilities