The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is in the search for a Head of Security & Safety. Please click to view the full position description or to nominate/apply.
Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, the Head of Security & Safety is the most senior member of management directly responsible for MFAH’s security and safety function. The department secures a large 14-acre campus facility in the heart of an urban environment, and 32 acres of off-campus properties in several locations. MFAH receives 1.5 million visitors annually.
The Head of Security & Safety oversees:
- A Security & Safety Team of over 150 Security Officers, with a total of 159 full-time staff;
- Gallery Attendants, plus third-party providers, including off-duty law enforcement, at the main museum campus and at multiple separate museum properties;
- A personnel budget of about $7 million and operating budget of about $1.1 million;
- 24/7 operations encompassing opening/closing, securing all MFAH properties, services to visitors and staff during museum hours and at after-hours events, securing the art and grounds after hours, and providing a rapid response capability when emergencies arise.
- Various kinds of security-related technologies, including video surveillance via CCTV and other tech, proximity sensors, and control & monitoring systems used in buildings and outdoor environments.
This Head of Security & Safety must cultivate strong, respectful relationships with local law enforcement, other area security professionals, representatives of Houston’s wider legal and law enforcement community, and owners of adjoining properties.
Security & Safety Team Members frequently function as the first line of contact for visitors. They must not only protect the art and facilities but must also conduct themselves as a welcoming presence to patrons.
A policing and enforcement approach will not work in this environment, which calls for a security, safety and patron services mindset. Security in this environment resembles the kind of operation one might find at a large luxury resort and hotel, a large performing arts facility, college campus, national park, resort, amusement park or concert and festival venue: welcoming with a light and nearly invisible touch, but also deeply structured, specific and professional, with an ability to proactively surface vulnerabilities and take measures that protect. Please take special note of the campus security aspect of this role.
We appreciate you sharing the position description with your network, and also any nominations you might have.
For additional information or to apply, please contact Steve Oppenheim, Oscar Quiros and Mark Oppenheim at info[at]moppenheim[dot]com.