Head of Security and Safety

Museum of Fine Arts, Houston•Houston, TX

About The Position

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. 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. 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. 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. Central to this leader’s success will be: • A strong understanding of various aspects of campus security, including budgeting, planning and implementation of security & safety measures; setting and enforcing standards, processes and protocols; techniques for controlling and limiting physical access to certain campus areas using various human, physical and technical means. • Exceptional personnel management, training and coaching skills, with deep experience leading and guiding people and personalities attracted to these kinds of protective, security, and customer service-oriented roles. It is important to lead by example in a hands-on way. While this leader MUST have back-office skills, this leader must also be viewed by Security & Safety Team Members as a hands-on in-the-field leader. • Knowledge of security support technology, techniques and tools and experience working with security counterparts, including vendors, local law enforcement and other security personnel. • Grace, diplomacy and strong communication skills, with an ability to communicate effectively in writing and orally to different audiences including staff, Board, users and visitors. Some of these audiences might not immediately grasp security concepts but want to learn, and others might be resistant. The Head of Security & Safety must develop a team culture that focuses on security and treats all with measured respect. Required is a pro-active, energetic leader to oversee a strong and vibrantly professional staff. It is critically important that this role ensures a high level of customer service and positive experiences for all museum visitors and affiliates.

Requirements

Significant experience managing security and safety functions for campus facilities of similar size and complexity. It would be advantageous to have experience securing facilities that receive heavy use by a visiting public, where patron, visitor and guest services are integrated into the responsibility of all personnel.
At least 15 years of progressively responsible work experience, of which 10 years should be related to safety and security and at least 5 years managing large teams. Candidates must have hands-on experience required to understand the nuances involved in shaping secure environments that receive heavy use by a visiting public. Proven ability to manage and work with a diverse group of personalities.
A strong educational background is required (an MA in management or a BA combined with professional experience), with strong and demonstrated skills in fiscal year budgeting & planning, personnel management, payroll oversight, scheduling, contract management, event planning and strategic people management.
Conversant with the current state-of-the-art in security and safety technology, devices, and practices to monitor, control and secure physical facilities. MFAH seeks someone strongly experienced with central control, reporting systems and tech, balanced with equally strong experiences with up close, high-touch, in-person practices.
Excellent written and verbal communication and persuasion skills, with an ability to present effectively internally and externally from Board level to peers, contractors, partners and subordinates as well as visitors, donors, oversight agencies and others in the community.
An outgoing and straightforward manner; one who shares information easily and respects the abilities of others; a critical thinker who can analyze data and capitalize on information. Someone who is well-organized and deadline-oriented, with exceptional attention to detail and follow-through; able to work both in structured and planned environments, and in situations where rapid response and instant decision-making is required.
Emotional maturity and self-possession; patience and tact, with a sense of humor and the sensitivity to work with diverse personalities; persuasiveness and persistence in the pursuit of objectives set by the COO and the Executive Team.

Responsibilities

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. The Head will be expected to immediately assess the state of play to secure and assure safe 24/7 museum operations.
Develop/implement effective policies and procedures (including crisis management protocols) to secure and protect MFAH’s physical assets, art works, facilities, people, users, dignitaries, visitors and the general public. This includes: to undertake security system certifications and inspections; be prepared to conduct and document security and safety investigations; have standards in place to protect the dignity of all involved; forge strong relations while undertaking this sensitive role.
Establish strong and effective coordination and communication between departments to ensure smooth and efficient day-to-day operations, and a calm and effective approach to routine and urgent security matters and emergency preparedness. Always be prepared to respond to emergencies in times of need.
Hire, supervise, train and continually upgrade skills of all back-office and front-of-house security personnel. Cultivate a high-functioning team and, in coordination with the Human Resources Department, provide for team training, continual education and certifications. Provide regular performance assessments for team members, and the performance of individuals as appropriate.
Manage effective shift schedules, overtime administration, and payroll administration for standard museum operations as well as more than 300 separate events per year.
Implement and ensure the highest level of customer service by security and gallery operations staff through establishing quality standards and providing continuous training in communication, problem solving, and product and service knowledge.
Continuously and proactively assess security and safety threats to the Museum; plan and implement appropriate strategies and countermeasures; develop and train for emergency response scenarios, including with local law enforcement and first responders.
Maintain cross-sector partnerships with appropriate government agencies, officials and security partners related to Critical Infrastructure Protection, including local law enforcement, state and federal agencies that can share critical intelligence and analyses. Develop and maintain effective partnerships with peer industry security professionals.
Function as the key point of contact and coordination during security, safety, workplace violence, theft or other onsite occurrences or emergencies, and have appropriate standards and procedures in place to manage and document such occurrences; function as one of the key representatives of the organization’s emergency preparedness and disaster response team.
Serve as a collaborative partner to the Human Resources Department on security considerations for onboarding new hires across MFAH; work proactively and cross-functionally with Engineering & Facilities, Curatorial, and other departments; and support senior management and the Board on security matters.
Oversee record keeping and documentation for campus security including representation of physical spaces and security measures; in coordination with the Engineering & Facilities Department assure that their updated plans, blueprints and drawings include information on installed security measures and devices.
Attend professional development programs, workshops and seminars to remain up to date on topics related to facilities management, governmental codes, rules and regulations and other subjects bearing on campus operations.