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Job Requisition ID:

2025-00347

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Group:

Staff

Job Category:

Security, Protection, and Transportation

Employment Type:

Permanent

Department:

Safety, Security, and Transportation

Hiring Range:

$120,527.28 - $150,659.10

Posting Information:

Internal posting deadline: August 21, 2025

Job Description:

Primary Purpose

Reporting to the Executive Director, Safety, Security & Transportation, the Director, Special Constable Service is accountable for managing and delivering Special Constable and security services to the University of Waterloo community. The Director is responsible for creating a safe and resilient campus environment through the coordination, evaluation and improvement of emergency response. This role maintains effective, symbiotic partnerships between the University of Waterloo Special Constable Service (SCS) and Waterloo Regional Police Service (WRPS) and serves as a resource to the Emergency Control Group.

The Director is committed to education, service, and crime prevention, and to fostering a safe and secure environment that values equality, diversity, and social inclusion. By building trust, encouraging collaboration, and modelling ethical leadership, the Director advances long-term campus safety initiatives that support the university’s mission, values, and strategic initiatives.

Key Accountabilities

Strategic Planning and Goal Development

• Collaborates with the Executive Director to align the security function with the overall strategic goals and mission of the University of Waterloo.
• Develops and implements strategic priorities and plans for the Special Constable Service that reflect the university's vision, values, and objectives.
• Establishes clear and measurable goals and objectives for the Special Constable Service, informed by the Community Policing Model.
• Serves as a member of the Emergency Management Policy Group (EMPG), informing strategic policy decisions and continuous improvement of the Emergency Response Plan.
• Designs and oversees a comprehensive Special Constable security program that delivers effective security, law enforcement, and education within available resources.
• Champions equitable and inclusive hiring practices that reflect the diversity of the campus community and uphold the university’s values of equality, diversity, and social inclusion.
• Provides regular reports to the Executive Director on the department’s progress towards strategic goals, operational performance, and emerging risks or opportunities.
• Maintains and oversees a robust system for the regular review, analysis, and retention of policing reports and records.
• Identifies and implements creative solutions to address complex safety, security, and operational challenges.
• Fosters and promotes a robust partnership with WRPS through the development and maintenance of collaborative procedures and practices.
• Drafts, implements and reviews operational Policies and Procedures, ensuring they are current, relevant, and aligned with organizational needs and regulatory standards.
• Leads community engagement initiatives that build trust, transparency, and understanding between Special Constable Services and students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.

Operations and Administrative Oversight

• Provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for all functions of the Special Constable Service, including departmental administration, planning, and service delivery.
• Manages and supports the department leadership team, including the Administrative Manager, Staff Sergeant.
• Ensures the Special Constable Service operates with full functionality and maintains a fully trained and authorized team in accordance with special constable mandates.
• Promotes a culture of teamwork, respect, and collaboration within the Special Constable Service, fostering a sense of unity and camaraderie.
• Maintains knowledge of and ensures professional development of staff with respect to Criminal Code of Canada, relevant provincial statutes, and university policies and procedures.
• Ensures compliance with the Community Safety and Policing Act.
• Supervises the selection, procurement, and implementation of new programs and systems related to communications, surveillance, radios, record keeping,etc.
• Assesses and determines the need for additional Special Constable Services or security support at university events, and coordinate appropriate arrangements.
• Ensures university facilities are properly secured for purposes of personal safety and that property is appropriately and adequately protected.
• Oversees all investigations related to criminal offences and provincial offences to the extent of the Director’s authority, ensuring due process and appropriate follow-up.
• Assists the Executive Director in managing the department budget and advises on budget needs in relation to service delivery. Ensures budget analyses are accurately completed and impact clearly communicated in alignment with department goals.
• Contributes to annual budget planning and long-term financial planning strategy.

Emergency Response

• Serves as a key member of the Emergency Control Group, responsible for leading the response and recovery during and after emergencies.
• Demonstrates a high degree of tact and diplomacy when engaging with the university community in challenging or high-pressure situations.
• Oversees the design and development of training sessions for Special Constables on emergency procedures, protocols, and response techniques.
• Provides information and insight on regular risk assessments to identify potential campus threats and vulnerabilities and provide informed recommendations to mitigate those risks.
• Assists in the evaluation of the effectiveness of emergency response plans by conducting regular reviews of response efforts, and report findings along with areas for improvement.
• Implements continuous improvements to emergency plans and procedures, ensuring alignment with evolving risks, best practices, and institutional needs.

Community Outreach and Engagement

• Ensures the protection of individual and collective rights and safety, while enhancing the overall quality of life for students, staff, and faculty.
• Upholds and advances fair, unbiased, and equitable Special Constable practices, fostering trust and
• Responds to a wide range of individual needs with empathy and flexibility, applying a trauma-informed approach where appropriate to ensure respectful and supportive service delivery.
• Leads campus community engagement efforts to raise awareness about emergency preparedness, empower individuals to take ownership of their personal safety, and promote available resources and supports offered by the Special Constable Services to students, staff, and faculty.
• Oversees the design and delivery of outreach and awareness campaigns, programs, and educational resources that promote a culture of safety, well-being, and security.
• Promotes and expands partnerships and resources that support holistic care and well-being.
• Attends key campus events annually to demonstrate visible leadership, support the university community, and strengthen positive relationships with the community.
• Engages directly with university community groups to assist in resolving issues and conflicts.
• Maintain strong relationships with community stakeholders and external policing agencies to discuss policing issues, build relationships, resolve problems, and seek advice.

Required Qualifications

Education and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, Public Administration) is preferred; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Valid CPR (basic rescuer level) and Standard First Aid certificate from an accredited agency.
• Valid Class ‘G’ Ontario driver’s license with a clean driving record (no more than six demerit points).
• Must have or be eligible for and achieve special constable status under the Community Safety & Policing Act.
• A current clear Police Vulnerable Sector Check is a requirement and must be clear of any convictions under the Criminal Code, CDSA, or Cannabis Act.
• Must successfully complete a psychological assessment for the position.
• Exhibits professionalism, integrity, and ethical behaviour in all interactions and duties.

Experience

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in police and/or security services, with at least 3 years of supervision and leadership experience.
• Experience managing within a unionized environment is considered an asset.
• Previous experience working in a campus security or campus law enforcement environment is an asset.
• Experience as a leader in positions of significant responsibility, preferably in a large complex decentralized organization, or similarly complex environment.
• Substantive experience with building collaborative relationships with diverse stakeholder groups and senior leadership.
• Experience managing a budget is an asset.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

• Demonstrated strategic leadership, including the ability to assess risks, innovate, and apply sound judgement to decision making.
• Experience in developing short- and long-term organizational safety and security strategies aligned with organizational objectives.
• Demonstrated ability to lead through change, manage sensitive issues, determine appropriate actions, and respond in a composed, confident manner while dealing with highly stressful and/or emotionally charged situations.
• In-depth knowledge of law enforcement practices, security protocols, and emergency response procedures.
• Thorough knowledge and understanding of the Criminal Code of Canada and Provincial Statutes, along with the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and its application in the field of law enforcement.
• Well-informed of current, new, and amended legislation and best practices relevant to public safety, special constable services, and higher education environments.
• Demonstrated ability to ensure regulatory compliance and apply institutional policies in a fair and consistent manner.
• Proven ability to build and sustain relationships within the community, including students, staff, faculty, and campus visitors, in addition to external agencies such as the WRPS.
• Ability to build trust within a diverse community, fostering a sense of safety and inclusion for all campus community members.
• Excellent conflict resolution, negotiation, and active-listening skills to address concerns, de-escalate tensions, and ensure a community-centered approach to public safety.
• Proven organizational and time management skills to deal effectively with multiple demands, conflicting priorities, and deadlines.
• Ability to demonstrate good judgement in enforcing university regulations and security policies and practices, while maintaining confidentiality in law enforcement and security matters.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including public speaking, report writing, and stakeholder engagement.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint); ability to learn and use institutional systems quickly and effectively.

Equity Statement

The University of Waterloo acknowledges that much of our work takes place on the traditional territory of the Neutral, Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. Our main campus is situated on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted to the Six Nations that includes six miles on each side of the Grand River. Our active work toward reconciliation takes place across our campuses through research, learning, teaching, and community building, and is coordinated within the Office of Indigenous Relations.

The University values the diverse and intersectional identities of its students, faculty, and staff. The University regards equity and diversity as an integral part of academic excellence and is committed to accessibility for all employees. The University of Waterloo seeks applicants who embrace our values of equity, anti-racism and inclusion. As such, we encourage applications from candidates who have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including applicants who identify as First Nations, Métis and/or Inuk (Inuit), Black, racialized, a person with a disability, women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Positions are open to qualified candidates who are legally entitled to work in Canada.

The University of Waterloo is committed to accessibility for persons with disabilities. If you have any application, interview, or workplace accommodation requests, please contact Human Resources at hrhelp@uwaterloo.ca or 519-888-4567, ext. 45935.