Director of Corporate Security

Senate of Canada | Sénat du Canada; Ottawa; On-site; CAD 160,000 - 188,000; Full time

Job summary

The Senate of Canada is seeking an experienced security leader to direct a multidisciplinary team that protects people, information, assets and operations supporting parliamentary work.

As the Senate’s Chief Security Officer, the Director, Corporate Security will set direction for corporate security programs and deliver reliable, non-partisan services to senators and staff, aligning resources with operational needs.

Qualifications

• University degree in security management, emergency management, public administration, business administration, criminology or related field or equivalent experience.
• Extensive experience leading a complex multidisciplinary corporate security function.
• Experience briefing senior executives or governance bodies on security matters.
• Experience developing and implementing security strategies, policies and frameworks.
• Experience directing responses to security incidents or emergencies.
• Experience managing resources and leading organizational change.
• Extensive knowledge of corporate security principles and programs.

Responsibilities

• Direct a multidisciplinary corporate security team to protect people, information, assets and operations.
• Set direction for corporate security programs and align resources with requirements.
• Provide strategic direction, coaching and succession planning within the Directorate.
• Oversee security screening, accreditation and risk assessments for Senate access.
• Coordinate security with internal and external partners and governances bodies.
• Lead in incident management, business continuity and security awareness activities.
• Ensure security requirements are integrated into facilities projects and planning.

Skills

Leadership

Security management

Risk assessment

Policy development

Stakeholder briefing

Emergency management

Team development

Education

University degree in security management

Job description

Classification: SEG 2: $160,037 - $188,257 (eligible for performance bonus)

Closing Date: Sunday, October 25, 2026

About the Senate

The Senate plays a unique role in shaping our country's democracy. As members of the upper house of Parliament, senators examine legislation, study public policy, champion causes and conduct interparliamentary diplomacy.

As a workplace, the Senate is composed of dynamic people representing our nation’s diverse talents, backgrounds and perspectives. We are committed to building and maintaining a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone is provided full and equal opportunity and access to employment, development and advancement. Build and advance your career by joining a team of dedicated professionals who are committed to excellence in support of senators and the institution.

How will you contribute?

The Senate of Canada is seeking an experienced security leader to direct a multidisciplinary team that helps protect the people, information, assets and operations that supports parliamentary work of senators. As the Senate’s chief security officer, the Director, Corporate Security will set the direction for the corporate security programs and deliver responsive, reliable and non-partisan services to senators and staff. You will establish clear priorities, align resources with operational requirements, and foster a respectful, inclusive, service-oriented and accountable workplace where employees are supported in developing their skills and contributing to the Directorate’s success.

Reporting to the executive head responsible for the Legislative Sector, you will contribute to the Senate’s senior management team and translate institutional priorities into clear directorate objectives. You will work across the Administration to integrate security into operational planning, policies, facilities and accommodation initiatives, respecting established mandates, decision-making authorities and accountability arrangements.

In this role, your portfolio includes the delivery of security screening and accreditation for all individuals accessing Senate buildings, administrative security reviews and investigations, threat and risk assessments, incident management, travel and technical security, emergency management, business continuity, and security awareness. You will also provide oversight and expert advice on security requirements for Senate facilities and infrastructure projects undertaken as part of the Parliament of Canada’s Long Term Vision and Plan.

You will monitor emerging risks and provide candid, evidence-based advice, recommendations and briefings to senior Senate officials and governance bodies on complex, sensitive and evolving security matters. During significant incidents or periods of sustained operational pressure, you will lead with composure, coordinate timely action and ensure that information and decisions are communicated and escalated appropriately. You will manage the Senate’s operational relationship with the Parliamentary Protective Service and build effective working relationships with parliamentary, law-enforcement, national-security and emergency-management partners.

You will provide strategic direction to the Directorate’s management team, setting clear priorities, delegating responsibilities and holding its members accountable for leading their teams and supporting employees’ success. Through coaching, constructive feedback, succession planning and knowledge transfer, you will strengthen the Directorate’s capacity and continuity. Your leadership will promote respectful collaboration, accessibility, workplace health and safety, and belonging.

You will align resources with assessed risks and service needs, identify efficiencies and guide operational change within approved budgets and staffing levels. You will use performance information and feedback to improve services, manage workloads sustainably and explain the implications of choices for security, capacity and continuity of parliamentary operations.

When required, you may be designated as an alternate to the Usher of the Black Rod, to perform assigned security and ceremonial duties, subject to applicable qualifications, policies and training requirements.

If this opportunity aligns with your leadership experience and your commitment to building a safe, resilient and high-performing organization, we look forward to reviewing your application.

Open to

To staff one (1) full-time indeterminate (permanent) position in the Corporate Security Directorate.

This selection process may be used to staff determinate or indeterminate positions at the same level with similar requirements.

The Senate of Canada is committed to building a skilled and diverse workforce that reflects the Canadians we serve, starting with an inclusive and barrier-free hiring process. You are entitled to apply in the official language of your choice (English or French) and you can request to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential. We promote employment equity and encourage you to indicate if you belong to one of the designated groups when you apply.

Prerequisites

• A university degree in security management, emergency management, public administration, business administration, criminology or another field relevant to the position, OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.
• Extensive and progressively responsible experience leading a complex, multidisciplinary corporate security function and a significant combination of corporate security programs.
• Extensive experience advising and briefing senior executives or governance bodies on complex, sensitive and emerging security matters, presenting options, evaluating risks and providing recommendations and their operational implications.
• Experience developing and implementing security strategies, policies, plans, standards and operational frameworks based on organizational requirements and assessed risks.
• Experience directing responses to security incidents or emergencies, making timely risk-based decisions and coordinating action with internal and external partners.
• Experience managing human, financial and material resources and leading and developing employees through organizational and operational change.
• Extensive knowledge of corporate security principles, practices and programs, including security risk management, personnel and contract security, administrative investigations, emergency management, business continuity, security awareness, technical and physical security system infrastructure and incident management.

Linguistic Requirements

French Oral Interaction: C

Integrity

Respect

Service

Communication

Judgment

Teamwork and cooperation

Strategic Thinker

Ethical Leader

People Management

Action Management

Organizational Needs

The Senate of Canada is committed to building and maintaining an inclusive workplace where all employees are provided full and equal access to employment, development and advancement opportunities.

Conditions of Employment

Candidates must be willing and able, sometimes on short notice, to work additional or irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, in response to parliamentary activities, major events, emerging security issues or significant incidents.

Candidates must be willing and able to maintain a regular on-site presence within the Parliamentary Precinct and to travel occasionally.

If designated to serve as an alternate to the Usher of the Black Rod, candidates must be willing and able to meet and maintain the physical and training requirements applicable to that assignment.

Candidates must consent to supply personal information and obtain a security accreditation to be eligible for appointment.

Applicants must be a Canadian citizen.

Please save a copy of the job poster as it will no longer be available after the application deadline.