The Director of Protective Services ensures the protection of the collection, the staff, visitors, volunteers and students from theft, damage, and harm; both accidental and intentional, through the use of personnel, procedures and technology. The Director does this while balancing the restrictive nature of security with access to the collection and a positive visitor experience.
Essential Functions:
Embodies and carries out the department’s mission: “to protect the Museum's collection, promote a positive visitor experience and provide a high level of safety, security and service to all staff, students, visitors and volunteers." Lead the departmental personnel and ensure the utmost reliability and effectiveness of each member. Challenge the staff to think out of the box and to find new ways to improve the security program. Evaluate personnel and ensure active professional development programs are in place. Take administrative action where needed for personnel not meeting departmental or museum standards. Manage the relationship with the Museum Independent Security Union (MISU). Ensure all non-union departmental staff understand the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Work with MISU leadership to ensure that the guard force meets the level of service the MFA requires. Work daily to ensure an environment where bargaining unit employees are an integral part of the Protective Services and museum team, providing ongoing training, information sharing and coaching. Maintain relationships with outside security companies and/or property managers for off-site facilities (art storage, retail, general storage, Mission Hill). Ensure contracts stay at or under budget and that each is living up to contract requirements. Continuously evaluate these relationships and address service as needed. Maintain an aggressive physical security program, to include but not limited to: locks and locking devices, the electronic security system, the camera and video recording system, doors and windows, art protection systems. This includes proactive, long term budgeting to cover repairs and replacement as well as the introduction of new technology where needed. Manage the department’s budget of over $4,000,000. Ensure the department makes the most of resources allotted and plans for both short and long term expenses. Advise the Management Team on security needs and lobby for increased funding as needed. Advise other departments in budgeting for security related expenses. Ensure proper access and a safe environment for over 300 special events per year. This includes the event staff, museum staff and guests. Provide access for vendors while maintaining appropriate safety during load in, set up and load out. Manage the museum’s first responder program, to include first aid, CPR, AED training and any other special procedures or training as needed. Ensure rapid response by trained personnel to any emergency situation. Maintain relationship with local EMS for advanced response when needed. Liaise with Access Staff to ensure appropriate training and response for assisting visitors with disabilities. Play a leadership role in the Museum’s disaster preparedness plan, with continued refinement, training and investment. Lead the security program for the School of the Museum of Fine Arts, to include physical security of the school, art and equipment as well as the personal security of students. Ensure all students have an environment free of threat and conducive to learning. Advise the SMFA staff as needed on the security function. Maintain liaison with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies. Arrange security for visiting dignitaries and/or other VIP personnel, working closely with other protective agencies, both public and private. Keep abreast of developments in the security field through professional reading, education and attendance at industry events and/or conferences. Maintain relationships with other museum Security Directors around Boston and beyond to keep abreast with this area of the industry. The Director, through the Protective Services staff on-duty, is responsible for the museum after hours, on weekends and at any other time senior staff is not present.
Requirements:
Bachelors Degree in management and/or security related field; 10 plus years of related security management experience; Proven track record of managing a large staff in a union environment, including contract negotiations, addressing grievances and other pertinent union matters; Effective communicator with the ability to convey information clearly and concisely verbally or in writing; Demonstrated track record of successfully leading and managing a diverse staff; Ability to work collaboratively with colleagues and volunteers at all levels and of varied backgrounds and expertise; Experience and knowledge of electronic and other technological security systems, crisis management, disaster preparedness, contract and vendor negotiations; Certification in first aid response or other appropriate security certifications; Experience in overseeing or managing a command center operation. www.mfa.org
Status: Full-Time