Head of Security and Safety

Company: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Location: Houston
Posted on: April 22, 2025

Job Description:

Museum of Fine Arts Houston (MFAH)Head of Security & SafetyMFAH seeks a seasoned professional to manage security and safety for a main campus and other properties comprising 46+ acres that have a broad array of publicly accessible buildings and gardens housing sensitive and valuable art collections.MFAH properties, buildings and gardens are shaped to be open and inviting to the public, and the museum welcomes more than 1.5 million visitors and partners annually onto its grounds.The Security Team balances a very hospitable and friendly approach to supporting visitors, with their core mission to safeguard people and secure great works of art.BACKGROUNDThe Head of Security & Safety for the MFAH is the highest-level member of senior management directly responsible for the entire organization's security and safety function. This role requires a person who is deeply experienced with the specific challenges of securing a large campus facility (14 acres) in the heart of an urban environment as well as other off-campus properties in several locations (32+ acres). This is a considerable challenge because this department's security and safety personnel frequently function as the first line of contact for visitors. Members of this department must not only protect the art and facilities, but they must also welcome patrons and keep them safe.BASIC FUNCTIONReporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Head of Security & Safety role is an extremely important one to all members of the MFAH Board and staff. This is NOT a retirement position or a role for someone ready to slow down. The Head of Security & Safety will oversee a strong and vibrantly professional staff. This leader will also cultivate in colleagues, from curators to facilities personnel to senior staff and Board members, a real appreciation for the central role this function plays in the operations of the museum and the visitor experience.The Head of Security & Safety oversees a team of more than 150 Security Officers, Gallery Attendants, plus third-party providers, including off-duty law enforcement, at the main museum campus and at multiple separate museum properties. The overall Department includes 159 full-time staff, and this leader will be responsible for a personnel budget of about $7 million and operating budget of about $1.1 million.PRIORITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESThis department Head provides security and safety leadership, vision, direction, and administration across the museum's main campus and all other museum facilities, grounds and buildings, and will be expected to:

• Rapidly acclimate to the organization; thoroughly know the museum's history, culture, workflows, exhibitions, programs, events, facilities and their use, as well as the diverse communities served by, and drawn to, MFAH's main campus and other properties.
• Provide immediate day-to-day leadership and general direction for all in-process and future security and safety services.
• Develop/implement effective policies and procedures (including crisis management protocols) to secure and protect MFAH's physical assets.
• Establish strong and effective coordination and communication between departments.
• Hire, supervise, train and continually upgrade the skills of all back-office and front-of-house security personnel.
• Implement and ensure the highest level of customer service orientation for security and gallery operations staff.
• Continuously and proactively assess security and safety threats to the Museum.
• Develop and maintain cross-sector partnerships with appropriate government agencies.
• Function as a key point of contact and coordination during security and safety occurrences or emergencies.
• Attend professional development programs, workshops and seminars to remain up to date on topics related to facilities management.This is a role of influence and leadership. As the head of the department and a key representative of the organization, internally and externally, this leader will have a sphere of influence on a daily basis that includes internal staff, external partners and guests of the institution.EXPERIENCE, QUALIFICATIONS and CHARACTERISTICSThe ideal candidate will have the following:
• Significant experience managing security and safety functions for campus facilities of similar size and complexity.
• At least 15 years of progressively responsible work experience, with 10 years related to safety and security.
• A strong educational background, such as an MA in management or a BA combined with professional experience.
• An understanding of the current state-of-the-art in security and safety technology.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and persuasion skills.
• Emotional maturity and self-possession; patience and tact.Equal Opportunity EmployerThis employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.
  #J-18808-Ljbffr

Keywords: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Houston , Head of Security and Safety, Other , Houston, Texas