Director of Security [Norton Simon Museum, Pasadena, CA]

Description

The Director of Security provides leadership and management of all aspects of security functions at the Norton Simon Museum.  Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Security is responsible for the development and implementation of comprehensive security, health and safety, emergency preparedness and fire prevention policies and programs to safeguard the Museum staff, visitors, and building.  The Director of Security is also responsible for the safety and protection of works of art in the Museum.

Requirements

Responsibilities:

• Ensures the safety and security of the Museum, its property, staff, visitors and works of art; consults regularly with other Museum colleagues on specific needs in relation to security operations.
• Plans, directs, and manages the staff and operations of the Security Department to provide 24 hour-a-day protection and security; coordinates security for all events, exhibits and day-to-day operations in a manner that ensures the safety of the public and the protection of works of art.
• Oversees and manages security vendors, contracts, and RFP processes as they relate to security staff and technical systems and support.
• Provides a professional, efficient and approachable security service, maintaining a high level of customer service to staff and visitors at all times; supervises, directly or indirectly, all security and custodial staff; manages the training for all security and custodial personnel.
• Consults and collaborates with the Curatorial Department and other operations staff to define security needs for exhibitions, including reviewing the layout of new exhibitions in advance of installation; works with Chief Curator, Registrar and other curatorial staff to ensure the security of shipments and receipt of works of art; reviews indemnification specifications from lending institutions to ensure security requirements are met; recommends security devices and/or procedures to meet the changing needs of exhibitions.
• Assists Public Affairs Department and other departments in the area of event planning and vendor management, particularly for exhibition openings, rentals and other special events.
• Oversees the implementation, updating and testing of safety and disaster preparedness programs, policies, and procedures for the Museum; provides staff with information and updates on the interpretation and application of security policies and procedures; oversees regular security drills and training sessions to educate staff about security, safety and disaster preparedness; manages and trains emergency response teams.
• Conducts or participates in security, fire, safety and health inspections and surveys/assessments; advises Museum administration on ‘best practices’ and other issues and recommends appropriate or corrective action.
• Recommends and oversees planning, evaluation, enhancement, purchase and testing of new and existing security and fire systems at the Museum; oversees the installation of new equipment/devices and their integration with existing security systems.
• Controls and tracks usage of security equipment and devices; reviews and updates equipment maintenance contracts; oversees the collection, archiving and review of security video surveillance data.
• Manages the security components of the Museum’s Transportation Security Administration’s Certified Cargo Screening Facility Program in conjunction with the Chief Curator and Registrar.
• Oversees the thorough investigation and reporting of all accidents, injuries, fires and property theft or damage and other criminal incidents at the Museum.
• Works with and responds to inquires from other departments, museums, consultants, vendors, state, federal agencies and public; networks and liaises extensively with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies, and other cultural organizations.
• Works closely with the Director of Operations on ensuring building, fire safety and occupancy codes and policies are followed.
• Maintains current knowledge of security-related local, state and federal laws, fire protection and other pertinent safety laws and codes, security systems and technical equipment and security issues in the museum field, particularly the art museum field.
• Reviews and approves special procedures for protecting Heads of State, foreign dignitaries, or other public figures visiting the Museum; ensures timely and effective coordination of security measures with representatives of governmental agencies, including the State Department, Federal Bureau of Investigation, etc.
• Work with senior staff to prioritize security initiatives and spending based on appropriate risk management; develops and manages the Security Department’s operating and capital expenditure budgets.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS or BA Degree in a related field; Masters Degree preferred. Computer literacy required.  Certified Protection Professional (CPP) desired or be willing to work toward a CPP certification.
• Seven years of active supervisory and leadership experience managing an operational security and/or law-enforcement unit; must include experience in investigations, fire protection, and emergency preparedness; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.  Experience in the field of protection of high-value or cultural property is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated success in the development and implementation of an effective security program; proven track record in team leadership, staff supervision, and budget management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of all established rules, procedures, and methods of operation of a security force.  Knowledge of a diverse range of security equipment, devices, protective procedures and activities including highly specialized operating requirements, methods, and procedures in order to safeguard personnel and property, including art treasures, from possible danger or damage or criminal or terrorist activity.
• Knowledge of: physical security, law enforcement, search and seizure procedures and methods; personal detention, arrest procedures and use of force laws; crowd control techniques; methods of dealing with threats against personnel or property; investigative procedures and techniques; methods to detect criminal activity or possible criminal activity and procedures for resolving those activities; fire-fighting procedures, fire detection systems, and fire alarm response actions; surveillance monitoring and closed-circuit television.
• Ability to: train, supervise, direct, motivate, and evaluate staff; establish and maintain cooperative and effective working relationships with a variety of representatives of public and private organizations, members of boards,  organizational managers, museum staff, and the general public; establish and maintain professional contacts in museum field and community.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal, planning, and organizational skills; excellent written and oral communication skills; effective presentation, negotiation, problem solving, conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to: effectively and persuasively articulate components of security program; develop model programs, linking disciplines and forging partnerships; successfully integrate visitor services activities with the security program; plan, organize, administer, coordinate, review and evaluate complex and interrelated functions and services; analyze complex administrative problems, evaluate alternative solutions and adopt effective courses of action; develop and manage budgets.
• Knowledge of Homeland Security concepts a plus.
• Must be able to pass federal, state and city security clearance.
• Candidates residing within a 20 minute radius, by car, will be considered.

Working Conditions:

Performance of essential functions requires regular moderate physical mobility and exertion in walking, climbing stairs, and standing at unexpected and unscheduled times. Work may require strenuous physical activity related to responding to emergencies or alarms. Work schedule involves evening and weekend hours including some holidays. The Director of Security must be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is expected to respond to all emergency situations.