Associate Director, Security

Toronto Metropolitan University; Toronto; On-site; CAD 98,000 - 156,000; Full time

Job summary

Toronto Metropolitan University is seeking an Associate Director, Security to provide strategic and operational leadership for TMU’s security services and emergency response. You’ll shape how security is delivered across campus, balancing readiness with a community-based safety approach.

You’ll lead patrol and response evolution, assess risks, coordinate drills, and collaborate with campus leaders, law enforcement and partners to strengthen safety and preparedness across TMU’s Toronto and

Qualifications

• Post-secondary degree in Criminology, Emergency and Security Management or equivalent.
• Minimum of five years in security and emergency services at a progressive management level.
• Experience in large, complex environments with leadership and major project management.
• Experience supervising staff in a unionised environment.
• Knowledge of equity-informed and trauma-informed approaches to safety and community care.
• Knowledge of privacy regulations and reporting requirements (e.g., FIPPA).
• Understanding of security systems and technologies including access control and CCTV.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to TMU's uniformed security services and frontline emergency response.
• Develop and maintain emergency response plans for active attackers, fire and natural disasters.
• Coordinate drills, document incidents, and apply lessons learned to strengthen preparedness.
• Lead security strategy evolution, including patrols, system activation, and risk mitigation.
• Engage with campus leaders, emergency services, law enforcement and partners to ensure coordinated safety.

Skills

Leadership

Risk assessment

Emergency planning

Stakeholder engagement

Security systems

Privacy laws

Education

Post-secondary degree in Criminology or Security Management

Tools

Access control systems

CCTV systems

Security technologies

Job description

About Toronto Metropolitan

For more than 75 years, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University) has been shaping the next generation of leaders through its uniquely innovative, entrepreneurial, and career-focused approach to higher education. Driven by bold leadership, cutting-edge research and a deep commitment to academic excellence, TMU collaborates with students, faculties, staff and partners to push boundaries, reimagine solutions and create meaningful change in an increasingly interconnected world. For a more in-depth understanding of our vision, core values and ongoing work, please see our academic plan.

About Toronto Metropolitan

For more than 75 years, Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly known as Ryerson University) has been shaping the next generation of leaders through its uniquely innovative, entrepreneurial, and career-focused approach to higher education. Driven by bold leadership, cutting-edge research and a deep commitment to academic excellence, TMU collaborates with students, faculties, staff and partners to push boundaries, reimagine solutions and create meaningful change in an increasingly interconnected world. For a more in-depth understanding of our vision, core values and ongoing work, please see our academic plan.

TMU welcomes those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, and inclusion and will assist us in realizing the benefits of embedding these values into the work at every level and in every unit of the university. In addition, to correct the conditions of disadvantage in employment in Canada and to bring lived experiences to the work, we encourage applications from members of equity deserving groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples in Canada, First Nations Peoples in the United States, racialized people, Black people, persons with disabilities, women, and 2SLGBTQ+ people.

Preference will be given to candidates with lived experiences as people from equity deserving groups, as well as experience working with these communities with which the University works every day. Please note that all qualified candidates are encouraged to apply and we welcome newcomers and immigrants to Canada. In April 2022, the university announced its new name of Toronto Metropolitan University. Learn more about our next chapter.

About Community Safety & Security

Community Safety and Security’s highest priority is the safety of all community members. From students to external visitors, our team makes every effort to have positive interactions with everyone we encounter. We are a dedicated team of professionals who are committed to working with our campus community in a trauma informed, collaborative, collegial and transparent manner. This responsibility extends to both our Toronto campus and our Brampton campus.

The Opportunity

What does it take to create a university environment where people feel safe enough to learn, work, explore and thrive? At Toronto Metropolitan University, security is about more than responding when something happens. It’s about creating the conditions for our community to feel safe, supported and welcome so students can focus on learning, faculty can focus on teaching and research, and staff can focus on the work that makes TMU a vibrant university.

This is an opportunity to help shape what safety looks and feels like at TMU. You’ll be joining a team whose work has a direct impact on the everyday experience of our community from the student arriving on campus for their first class, to the employee working late, to the faculty member teaching in a classroom, to the University community responding together when an emergency occurs.

The work is complex. The responsibility is significant. And the impact is deeply human. If you’re a strategic and collaborative security leader who believes that safety is about creating an environment where people can learn, work, belong and thrive we’d love to hear from you.

Reporting to the Executive Director, Community Safety and Security, the Associate Director, Security provides strategic and operational leadership for TMU’s uniformed security services and frontline emergency response. You’ll help shape how security services are delivered across campus, balancing preparedness, responsiveness and risk management with a community-based approach to safety.

This is a role for a security leader who understands that effective campus security is built on both readiness and relationships. You’ll lead the ongoing evolution of patrol and response services, including the Bike Patrol program, security system activation and monitoring, and other frontline security operations. You’ll assess risks and vulnerabilities, develop strategies to mitigate them, and use data, emerging practices and community feedback to continuously strengthen TMU’s approach to safety and security.

You’ll also play a critical leadership role when it matters most. Working with campus leaders, emergency services, law enforcement and other partners, you’ll help develop and maintain emergency response plans for scenarios such as active attackers, fire and natural disasters. You’ll coordinate drills and emergency responses, ensure incidents are accurately documented and reported, and help the University learn from every experience to strengthen future preparedness.

Building a culture of safety

The most effective security services are connected to the community they serve. You’ll build strong relationships with students, faculty, staff, campus leaders, external security providers and community partners to understand safety concerns and develop practical, responsive solutions. Through programs such as security liaison initiatives, self-defence training, security systems and space-design training, and positive-workplace initiatives, you’ll help move security beyond a reactive function toward prevention, education, engagement and partnership. You’ll work closely with academic and administrative leaders to develop communication, liaison and engagement strategies that reflect the diverse needs of the TMU community. You’ll also serve as an important connection to local law enforcement, fire departments and emergency services.

Leading with inclusion and trust

Safety must be experienced by everyone. You’ll integrate equity, diversity and inclusion principles into security operations and emergency response, helping identify and address systematic barriers that may affect how different members of the community experience safety and access. You’ll support trauma-informed and culturally competent approaches and collaborate with diversity offices and student groups to strengthen trust, belonging and confidence in campus safety services.

Leading people, partnerships and performance

You’ll provide leadership to security staff, setting clear expectations, developing talent, supporting performance and creating an environment where people understand their roles and have the tools, training and technology they need to succeed. You’ll also provide strategic oversight of external security service providers, ensuring contracted services are responsive, adaptable and aligned with TMU’s evolving priorities. Working with the Executive Director, you’ll contribute to contract negotiations and reviews, budget planning and resource decisions that support effective and sustainable security services.

As a trusted leader within Community Safety and Security, you’ll bring together operational expertise, sound judgment and a strong understanding of the University environment. You’ll also act as a backup to the Executive Director, Community Safety and Security, providing leadership and continuity when required.

Leadership Competencies

• Acts with Integrity: Demonstrates behaviors aligned with high ethical standards and personal integrity and acts in accordance with TMU values.
• Builds Relationships of Trust & Collaboration: Actively builds a culture of trust and fosters meaningful relationships.
• Leads Inclusively: Creates an inclusive environment where everyone is respected, recognized, empowered to achieve their potential, and valued for their differences.
• Demonstrates Organizational Acumen: Understands and respectfully navigates complex internal and external environments using solid judgment, diplomacy, and tact.
• Drives Vision & Results: Creates an inclusive environment where everyone is respected, recognized, empowered to achieve their potential, and valued for their differences.

Qualifications

• Completion of a post‑secondary degree in Criminology, Emergency and Security Management or equivalent or a post‑secondary diploma in Police Foundations.
• A minimum of five (5) years of relevant experience in law enforcement or security and emergency services at a progressive management level.
• Experience working in large and complex environments, with demonstrated skills in leadership and major project management.
• Experience supervising staff in a unionised 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 of public safety regulations, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act, fire codes, and municipal bylaws.
• Knowledge of risk assessment methodologies, business continuity planning, and threat management.
• Understanding of security systems and technologies including access control, security and CCTV systems. Determining viability to safety and security along with financial requirements for short and long term needs.
• Knowledge of equity‑informed and trauma‑informed approaches to safety and community care.
• Understanding of privacy legislation and reporting requirements (e.g., Freedom of Information and Privacy Protection Act (FIPPA) and various reporting practices in Canada).
• Knowledge of the criminal code, municipal bylaws and provincial statute applications including understanding of legal protocols and understanding of incident response protocols.
• Equivalent experience or a combination of equivalent experience and education may be accepted in place of education.

Additional Information (MAC)

Position Number(s)

20002294

Reports To

Executive Director, Community Safety & Security

Department

Community Safety & Security

Employee Group

MAC

Vacancy Type

FTCE - this is a current vacancy

Work Location

On site

Start Date

ASAP

End Date

N/A

Hours of Work

36.25

Grade

D61

Salary Scale

$97,655 - $155,994

Hiring Salary Range

$97,655 - $126,825

TA Specialist

Claudiu

Posting Date

September 16, 2026

Application Close Date

September 25, 2026

• Equivalent experience or a combination of equivalent experience and education may be accepted in place of education.
• As part of the selection process, candidates may be required to complete an occupational assessment.
• Applications will only be accepted online through Toronto Metropolitan University's career site.
• We will provide an accessible experience for applicants, students, employees, and members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community. We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier‑free work environment, starting with the recruitment process. If you have restrictions that need to be accommodated to fully participate in any phase of the recruitment process, please submit your request through the AskHR webform. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.