The MFAH is an organization that is more than 100 years old and ranks nationally among the top 10 art museums in exhibition space, memberships, endowments, and attendance. The MFAH is a multifaceted institution comprising multiple gallery buildings, a sculpture garden, two art schools, and two house-museums for decorative arts. The encyclopedic collection numbers more than 65,000 works of art in a wide range of media. As an employer, MFAH offers a supportive, collegial and inclusive work environment and a competitive benefits package.
The MFAH is currently seeking dependable protection professional with demonstrated leadership skills and a strong sense of integrity. The Assistant Head of Security, Galleries plays the critical role of leading a team of Security Managers tasked with protecting objects on display and maintaining order in their assigned galleries of the MFAH.
Position Available:
Title: Assistant Head of Security, Galleries
Reports to: Head of Security and Safety
Classification: Exempt
Schedule: 40-hour work week
Overtime: No
Pay Rate: TBD
Benefits: Medical, Vision and Dental Insurance, Life and Long-Term Disability Insurance, MFAH Retirement Savings Plan (403b), Flexible Spending Plans, Paid Time Off, Reserve Time Off, Holiday Pay, Museum Membership and Discounts
Work Location: All MFAH Facilities
Job Summary:
The Assistant Head of Security, Galleries (AHSG) for the MFAH directly reports to the Head of Security and Safety, and will be responsible for the daily security operations pertaining to protection of objects on display and the public guests visiting the Museum during hours of operation. The AHSG will also provide primary security support for special events, tours, and other closed events held within the Museum and on Museum grounds. The AHSG remain proactive and vigilant to help protect the organization from all relevant threats and will oversee and may lead appropriate security and safety protocols and/ or programs.
This senior security leadership role will provide daily leadership and direction to a team of Security Managers and Gallery Attendants across several tasks, including but not limited to: protection of objects on display, policy enforcement, emergency response, and special event support with a sharp focus on CUSTOMER SERVICE AND GUEST EXPERIENCE. While this role is directly responsible for ensuring effective, efficient and safe security operations, the AHSG must also be a model for and have a sharp focus on ensuring the Museum is safe AND welcoming for all - staff, contractors, vendors, members, guests, volunteers, donors and docents.
Responsibilities:
- Manage the daily gallery security operations and ensure all museum functions are efficiently supported
- Provide daily leadership to Security Managers and the Gallery Attendants
- Serve as the subject-matter expert and work closely with Exhibition team and other Museum departments in developing strategies to secure galleries and objects on display
- Partner with MFAH Special Events and Development Departments to oversee the security plans for the Museum during special events
- Set the tone and model exceptional customer service, inclusivity and ambassadorship for security team
- Conduct interviews and support the hiring process for Gallery Attendants
- Prepare weekly Gallery Attendant work schedules
- Administer and document employee disciplinary action and written performance evaluations for staff within their direct supervision
- Prepare overtime summaries and tardy reports
- Assist with Museum gallery opening and closing procedures
- Attend walkthroughs for new permanent and traveling exhibits
- Implement Museum and/ or department policies and procedures
- Respond to emergency situations when necessary
- Assist the Head of Security and Safety and Assistant Head of Security, Galleries as needed in managing projects and developing and implementing applicable policies and procedures.
- Perform other duties as assigned
Skills, Knowledge and Abilities:
- Highly motivated self-starter with strong organizational skills, the ability to set and manage priorities, and work under pressure
- Must possess and demonstrate by way of examples and past performance, advanced and solid judgment and decision-making processes combined with admirable interpersonal skills, both verbal and written
- Strong aptitude in organization with the ability to identify, analyze and solve problems, and able to develop and implement short- and long-term plans
- Must be able to demonstrate working knowledge and successful application of inclusive employment practices and regulations, along with well-founded budgeting, security guidelines and practices
- Must be experienced (two to five years) at and highly motivated to manage and schedule a large security staff
- Ability to assist in developing an effective security team through modeling, hiring, training, and building motivation
- Must be observant and alert
- Will be required to respond quickly in an emergency
- Will need to be flexible with work hours, shifts and is continually On Call
- Must possess the ability to effectively supervise and train personnel in a highly technical environment
- Must possess a positive attitude and project a friendly, welcoming and professional image
Education and Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree and/or five years of related supervisory experience or an equivalent combination of experience and education from which comparable and demonstrable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved
- Minimum of five years of experience in security or safety operations, and of that time, at least two years in a supervisory capacity
- Computer proficiency in general business software preferred
- Background or knowledge of art preferred, but not required
Certificates & Licenses:
- Security Personnel are required to maintain non-commission status through the Texas Commission on Private Security
- Certified in, or the ability to become certified in, First-Aid/CPR/AED
A preferred candidate will possess any one (or multiple) of these designations or certifications
- Certified Protection Professional – CPP
- Certified Institutional Protection Manager - CIPM
- Certified Security Supervision and Management - CSSM
Working Conditions and Physical Demands:
- Ability to stand and walk for long periods including using stairs
- Must have accurate vision (22/20 or 20/40 with corrective lens acceptable).
- Ability to distinguish standard colors
- Ability to hear normal conversation at a distance of 15 feet
- Must be able to lift, push and pull 25 lbs
- Duties require standing for long periods of time and/or walking distances and climbing stairs throughout the work shift
With or without reasonable accommodation, the individual selected must have the capacity to perform effectively all essential functions. In addition to the other demands mentioned, the demands of the job may or will also include:
- Must undergo and meet company standards for criminal background and reference checks.
- Seeing, hearing, speaking, and writing clearly in order to communicate with staff, guests and others.
Equal Opportunities for All
At the MFAH, we believe that diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusivity are fundamental to our organization. We welcome all candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to our organization and our pledge for workplace diversity, inclusion, and excellence.
Our commitment to our policy and practice of nondiscrimination represents more than good intentions. It provides for employment decisions that are made without regard to race, creed, color, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, gender identity or expression, genetic information, disability, or veteran status, or any other protected characteristic as established by law or any other reason unrelated to your ability to join and contribute to our organization and support our mission to provide a museum experience for all.
Research shows that women and individuals from underrepresented backgrounds often apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We recognize that it is highly unlikely that an applicant meets 100% of the qualifications for a given role. Therefore, if much of this job description describes you, then you are highly encouraged to apply for this role.
The MFAH is equally committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals interested in employment with the organization. As part of this commitment, we want to ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation needed to 1) participate in the job application or 2) interview process; 3) perform essential job functions; and/or 4) participate in the benefits and privileges of employment with the MFAH. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the human resources department: HR@mfah.org
Benefits:
The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, offers an excellent benefits package that includes:
- Medical Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through a choice of managed health care programs
- Dental Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through two plan choices
- Vision Insurance: Employee and dependent coverage through a vision program
- Group health, dental and vision insurance coverage available and effective the first of the month following employment with the MFAH for this role.
- Life Insurance & AD&D: Employee coverage at no cost to the employee
- Long Term Disability: Employee coverage at no cost to the employee
The MFAH provides a generous schedule for time off under the following benefit categories:
- Paid Time Off - Used for absences from work such as vacation, illness of short duration, and personal reasons. Hours are accrued biweekly, based on employment status, length of service, and hours worked
- Reserve Time Off - Used for extended illnesses. Employees accrue up to 6 days per year, up to a maximum of 120 days
- Holidays - Full-time employees receive ten paid holidays per year
- Volunteer Time Off - The MFAH supports activities that enhance and serve the communities in which we live and work. Employees receive up to 40 hours of paid time off annually to give back and volunteer.
Other Benefits
- Staff may contribute to the MFAH Retirement Savings Plan. Eligible staff contributing to the plan may receive up to a 5% matching contribution from the MFAH after one year of service. (We also recognize prior nonprofit service which will provide for an accelerated employer match!)
- MFAH Membership – Staff receive a free Family-level membership
- Discounts – Staff receive discounts on purchases at the Museum shop and all on campus eateries and the Glassell School of Art.
- Metro commuter subsidy available upon request
Application Process:
Please visit our site https://www.mfah.org/about/careers
Click on All Current Employment Opportunities to submit your resume or CV, cover letter and list of professional references for immediate consideration.