About McMaster University
McMaster University is one of Canada’s top research-intensive institutions, recognized globally for excellence in teaching, research, and innovation. With a strong commitment to academic freedom, inclusive excellence, and community well-being, McMaster provides a dynamic environment where students, faculty, and staff can thrive.
The Opportunity
McMaster is seeking an experienced and strategic Manager, Campus Safety Planning and Risk Assessment to lead and coordinate initiatives that support a safe university environment through proactive planning, risk assessment and prevention strategies. Reporting to the Director of Campus Safety Services, this is a key leadership position supporting the proactive identification and management of safety and security risks to the university community.
The role combines strategic and operational planning for sensitive situations or events. This includes the development of operational safety plans, as well as monitoring and responding to evolving risk situations.
The successful candidate will bring sound judgment, discretion, and a collaborative and inclusive mindset to build trust across the institution, all while promoting safety approaches that support McMaster’s academic mission. The ideal candidate is capable of building trust with the team, University partners, and the broader community as part of a people-first approach to campus safety.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the structured risk assessment and management program within Campus Safety Services, partnering with multi-disciplinary teams and ensuring alignment with institutional protocols related to safety and security risks, and related assessments.
Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies for complex or situations involving individuals or groups and including those which pose physical as well as serious psychological impacts.
Oversee safety planning, recommending and implementing enhanced protective measures as may be appropriate, including for students, employees, and others as may be required.
Develop risk triages, or risk assessments, and coordinates action plans from risk triages in close partnership with others. Ensures tracking and monitoring of risk assessment reports, trends and prepares annual reports on behalf of the University (in cooperation with other offices),
Through internal and external partnerships, monitor, risk situations that may impact safety and security for on and off campus locations, and develop proactive response strategies.
Educate faculty, staff, and students on behavioural indicators, early reporting, and intervention pathways.
Build strong relationships and collaborate within Campus Safety Services on the safety planning, and with internal offices such as Human Resources, Student Affairs, Equity and Inclusion Office, Enterprise Risk Management, Communications, Marketing and Public Affairs, McMaster Student’s Union, and others, as well as local police and other emergency response agencies to support coordinated threat response and campus resilience.
Provide situational leadership and direction to Campus Safety Services team members, adapting supervisory approach based on the nature, sensitivity, and urgency of emerging safety concerns or incidents.
Oversee and coordinate the work of staff involved in risk assessment, violence prevention, and safety planning, ensuring alignment with institutional protocols, inclusive values, and trauma-informed practices.
Qualifications
Education:
A university degree in a relevant field (e.g., criminal justice, emergency management, psychology, risk management, law enforcement) is preferred.
Formal training in structured professional judgment approaches to threat assessment is preferred.
Formal training in Incident Command is preferred
Experience:
A minimum of 5–7 years of progressive experience in threat assessment, behavioural risk management, law enforcement, or a comparable field.
At least 3–5 years in a supervisory or leadership capacity within a complex organization, preferably in a post-secondary, healthcare, or public-sector environment.
Demonstrated experience managing high-risk or sensitive security issues with discretion, professionalism, and sound judgment.
Strong track record of collaboration across multidisciplinary teams and the ability to build trust with diverse campus stakeholders.
Familiarity with relevant legal frameworks, privacy legislation, and best practices in case management, threat response, and protective planning.
Knowledge of public safety regulations, including the Occupational Health and Safety Act, fire codes, and municipal bylaws.
Knowledge of equity-informed and trauma-informed approaches to safety and community care.
Additional Requirements:
Eligibility for designation as a Special Constable under McMaster’s agreement with local law enforcement is preferred.
Ability to work outside of standard business hours as needed to respond to urgent issues or support high-profile events.
May be required to travel between campuses or attend off-site meetings with emergency services or law enforcement.
Must be able to obtain and maintain security clearance, if required.
Why Join McMaster?
Named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers
A recognized leader inclusive excellence and community well-being
A collegial and mission-driven culture that values collaboration and academic freedom
A chance to shape and lead an evolving function in safety and risk strategy within one of Canada’s premier universities
To apply for this job, please submit your application online.
McMaster University is located on the traditional territories of the Haudenosaunee and Mississauga Nations and within the lands protected by the “Dish With One Spoon” wampum agreement.
The diversity of our workforce is at the core of our innovation and creativity and strengthens our research and teaching excellence. In keeping with its Statement on Building an Inclusive Community with a Shared Purpose, McMaster University strives to embody the values of respect, collaboration and diversity, and has a strong commitment to employment equity.
The University seeks qualified candidates who share our commitment to equity and inclusion, who will contribute to the diversification of ideas and perspectives, and especially welcomes applications from indigenous (First Nations, Métis or Inuit) peoples, members of racialized communities, persons with disabilities, women, and persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
As part of McMaster’s commitment, all applicants are invited to complete a confidential Applicant Diversity Survey through the online application submission process. The Survey questionnaire requests voluntary self-identification in relation to equity-seeking groups that have historically faced and continue to face barriers in employment. Please refer to the Applicant Diversity Survey - Statement of Collection for additional information.
Job applicants requiring accommodation to participate in the hiring process should contact:
- Human Resources Service Centre at 905-525-9140 ext. 222-HR (22247), or
- Faculty of Health Sciences HR Office at ext. 22207, or
- School of Graduate Studies at ext. 23679
to communicate accommodation needs.