HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTORATE DIRECTION DES RESSOURCES HUMAINES

Senior Advisor, Ceremonial and Protocol

Directorate: Usher of the Black Rod

Classification: SEN 8: $84,951 - $107,485

Job Type: Indeterminate Appointment (permanent, full-time)

Location: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Closing Date: Sunday, July 20, 2025

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?

Are you a detail-oriented professional with a passion for protocol, tradition, and flawless event execution? Join the Office of the Usher of the Black Rod (UBR), where protocol meets purpose.

In this highly visible and impactful role, we are seeking a Senior Advisor, Ceremonial and Protocol to support and advise the Usher of the Black Rod for all matters related to its mandate, as the personal attendant and messenger to His Majesty the King and the Governor General.

As the primary strategic advisor on protocol and ceremonial matters for the Senate of Canada, the incumbent will serve as the central protocol resource for the UBR, the Speaker of the Senate, Senators, and the Senate Administration, along with external partners and stakeholders. This role has the primary responsibility of assisting the UBR in the planning and execution of Ceremonies of State, such as the Opening of Parliament, the Speech from the Throne, the Investiture of a Governor General, State Funerals, and official ceremonies hosted by the Speaker of the Senate.

This role is essential in ensuring that ceremonies and events are of the highest possible quality that reflect the dignity and stature of the Senate of Canada, while remaining politically sensitive and committed to upholding the importance of non-partisanship. The incumbent will develop and enhance current practices and procedures to ensure that ceremonies and events in the Senate align with both national and international protocol standards to improve the services offered by the UBR and the Senate of Canada.

Beyond assisting with protocol and ceremonial matters, the incumbent will contribute to a wide range of activities within the UBR mandate including administrative coordination, information management, the Senate Page Program, and representation of the UBR on all issues related to its mandate.

Open to

The general public to staff one (1) indeterminate full-time position in the Office of the Usher of the Black Rod.

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

• Successful completion of a university degree or diploma in a relevant area of study or an acceptable combination of education, training and experience related to the position;
• Extensive experience planning and coordinating high-level official events, including coordinating ceremonies and protocol, managing logistics, and working with senior stakeholders in different contexts;
• Proven project management skills, including the ability to oversee budgets, timelines, and multidisciplinary teams;
• Cultural awareness and diplomacy in engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including dignitaries and external partners;
• Strong leadership abilities, with experience guiding staff and managing competing priorities in dynamic environments;
• Expertise in protocol, ceremonial planning, and scenario development, with the flexibility to navigate politically sensitive situations;
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and research skills to support the development of tailored event plans and facilitate collaboration when representing the Senate in interactions with internal and external stakeholders;
• A solid understanding of government structures, organizational mandates, and institutional culture;
• Creative and solution-oriented, with the ability to address time-sensitive and complex issues requiring discretion, judgment, and tact;
• Knowledge of the structure, policies and analysis techniques to investigate the historical and institutional significance of a variety of events and ceremonies planned on behalf of the Senate, Parliament and other federal organizations to enhance the relevance and meaning to stakeholders and Canadians in general, an asset;
• Knowledge and understanding of the mission, mandate, organization, objectives, and priorities of the Senate and of the House of Commons to function effectively, an asset.

Linguistic Requirements 

English Reading Comprehension: C

English Written Expression: B

English Oral Interaction: C

French Reading Comprehension: C

French Written Expression: B

French Oral Interaction: C

Competencies

Integrity
Respect
Service
Problem Solving 
Accountability 
Leadership 

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

Applicants must be legally eligible to work in Canada.

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