The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, has retained Security Management Resources® to conduct a national search for their new Head of Security and Safety. This position is the highest-level member of senior management directly responsible for the entirety of the organization's security and safety functions. Reporting to the COO, you will be responsible for physical security and safety while leveraging intelligence to proactively guard against all relevant risks and threats.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a senior-level security practitioner who thrives in a collaborative environment and has a strong commitment to exceptional customer service. You will be an influential leader who consistently earns the trust and respect of both internal and external clients. The philosophy of "working with human connection" is evident across the organization, as is preserving the welcoming and positive guest experience for all who visit The Museum.
About The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
First opened to the public in 1924, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, (MFAH) is one of North America's largest and most esteemed museums. In addition to three buildings that house their primary collections and temporary exhibits, MFAH also has two decorative arts house museums, the Glassell School of Art, a sculpture garden, and facilities for conservation, storage, and archives. A visitor center, café, restaurant and two theaters provide visitors with a variety of experiences to explore.
MFAH has become one of the fastest-growing art museums in the US. It is in the Houston Museum District, an association of nineteen museums, galleries, cultural centers, and community organizations that promote art, science, history, and culture. The District has a collective attendance of over 8.7 million visitors annually. As a member of this vibrant collective, MFAH and its associated properties play a pivotal role in embodying the City of Houston's unique character.
The Museum is a beautiful, exciting place to work that is always growing and changing. An employer of choice, MFAH is highly attractive to job seekers due to its positive work environment, culture, values and benefits. MFAH employs more than 600 people and strives for all its team members to work with human compassion. MFAH believes that diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusivity are fundamental to their organization. They welcome all candidates whose experience has prepared them to contribute to the organization and to the MFAH pledge for workplace diversity, inclusion, and excellence.
Responsibilities
Leadership
- Directly manage, guide, counsel and lead supervisors and a staff of 150+ security professionals and contract security team members.
- Set the tone and model exceptional leadership behavior in terms of customer service, inclusivity, and ambassadorship for the security team.
- Partner with internal stakeholders to drive and influence innovative practices.
- Foster invaluable relationships with law enforcement, public safety, government agencies, and other museum security groups.
Resiliency and Incident Response
- Identify significant risks and develop enterprise-wide processes and policies designed to reduce and mitigate harm and ensure compliance.
- Serve as a key member of the crisis management team.
Security and Technology
- Collaborate with information security teams and security operations center to ensure best-in-class technology solutions.
- Protect people, property, and facilities through integration of technology programs and processes.
- Ensure security system certification.
Intelligence
- Develop intelligence related to internal and external threats to organizational operations.
- Brief executive leadership.
- Oversee and conduct security investigations.
Human Capital
- Develop security and safety protection protocols for daily operations and events hosted onsite or supported remotely.
- Coordinate protection of visiting dignitaries.
- Foster awareness of security related concerns through development and delivery of education initiatives.
Physical Security
- Ensure protection of staff and guests on a 24/7 basis.
- Oversee the design and implementation of security and safety standards, procedures, and programs designed to protect tangible and intangible assets.
- Implement efficiency in site security programs and processes across multiple locations.
Essential Skills
You Have:
An academic degree in an area relevant to the position, with a commitment to professional development for direct reports, others, and yourself.
Substantial, progressively responsible professional experience leading multicultural teams.
Operational expertise derived from experience in both public and private sector employment.
Extensive advanced knowledge of risk and security industry standards together with a history of embracing innovative solutions to achieve goals.
Experience growing and evolving a world-class security and risk management program, preferably in support of a cultural, arts, or hospitality environment.
You Are:
An experienced leader with influencing skills who enjoys leading and mentoring others.
An exceptional communicator who can connect with and articulate vision and goals to all levels of the organization.
An innovative creator skilled at development, implementation, and management of solutions based on critical analysis.
Action oriented with strong planning and process management skills and the ability to set goals and collaborate with resources to achieve objectives efficiently and effectively.
An effective influencer in a variety of presentation settings.
A calm voice of reason in crisis or emergency situations.
Fiscally responsible with a history of sound budget management.
Dedicated to meeting the expectations of internal and external customers while earning their trust and respect.
Motivated to create and support an inclusive work environment in which people succeed and do their best work.
Fluent in English, preferably also in Spanish, with the ability to build connections with cross-cultural audiences.
Thanks for letting us know you you're interested in this fantastic job! Visit us at smrgroup.com to finish setting up your profile so we can fully consider you for this role.