The Strong, as one of the most popular family attractions in upstate New York, places the highest priority on providing a safe and welcoming environment to all who visit. The director of security is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating all activities relating to 24/7 protection and security of museum assets, including the museum facility, parking structure, collections, employees, guests, and others. The director of security directs and oversees all members of the security team and creates and facilitates new hire and annual trainings related to identifying potential security concerns, building evacuation procedures, and other relevant security-related topics.

This position requires a quality- and customer-oriented leader with experience planning, directing, and coordinating activities relating to the safety and security of people and protection of property.

Essential Duties:

• Develop, lead and monitor the effectiveness of the museum’s security program to reduce liability and mitigate risk.

• Plan, direct and coordinate all activities relating to the protection and security of people first (employees and guests), and things second (museum building, parking garage and collections) through continuous monitoring of the interior and exterior of the museum building and parking garage to observe, identify, and address potential risks and undesirable conditions.

• Ensure that the security function is staffed appropriately to meet the operational needs of the museum. Actively participate in the hiring and on-boarding processes and oversee initial and on-going training of officers to ensure they are appropriately prepared to proactively identify and resolve security concerns. Evaluate staff performance and, together with human resources and the vice president for guest services and security, address deficiencies, coach for improvement, and manage the disciplinary action process.

• Actively create and maintain effective working relationships with Neighborhood of Play partners, local emergency personnel and national security trade organizations to maintain an awareness of trends and threats and consider adjustments to processes and procedures as appropriate.

• Oversee the operation of the Evolv weapons detection system and Zero Eyes AI camera weapons detection and train staff on their use. Establish and maintain processes and procedures for addressing guest concerns and serve as the liaison to the vendor for troubleshooting and maintenance purposes.

• Direct and lead investigations of accidents, theft, property loss, and related activities. Prepare, review, and maintain all security daily reports, files, and other related documentation. Collaborate with the senior director of facilities and safety and/ or the assistant vice president for exhibits to analyze the cause of workplace accidents and injuries and develop and implement responses to prevent future incidents.

• Lead the emergency management team to include maintenance of current emergency response plan, coordination of regular team meetings to review current issues and trends as well as situational trainings/ table-top exercises to enhance team response skills to a variety of emergency situations.

• Together with the director of guest services, manage officer scheduling, including adjustments for time off and museum events as well as ongoing modifications due to call offs and other unanticipated scheduling needs.

• Implement staff training and establish operational plans for crisis response, disaster recovery, evacuation, workplace violence and other emergency events. Coordinate fire/ life safety drills for staff of various types on a periodic basis. Monitor staff compliance with established procedures during the drill and administer a post-drill survey to identify potential changes based on participant feedback. Deliver education programs and communications on security policies and procedures to ensure staff is adequately informed and equipped to manage potential security issues.

• Prepare and manage the annual security budget, maintain financial records, and review monthly financial reports. Order supplies and equipment as needed and in keeping within the team’s budget.

• Oversee the successful operation of the staff two-way radios including ordering and repair of equipment, establishment of processes and training officers on the proper response to individual “codes”.

• Maintain current, working knowledge of all building security systems to include existing access control, security electronic monitoring, and CCTV systems. Oversee the administration of staff and visitor access control through the badge system. In conjunction with the director of technology, coordinate maintenance and upgrades to the system as needed and appropriate.

• Create and maintain security manuals and equipment tutorials.

• Take initiative to identify problems and communicate with team members, superiors, and staff from other teams to find solutions and improve efficiency and quality of processes and services. Publicly support team decisions, even if they conflict with personal opinions.

• In conjunction with the assistant vice president for education and public programs, establish the appropriate security protocols and processes for Woodbury School to have a visible security presence during students’ daily arrival and dismissal and to plan for emergency situations.

• Work evenings, nights, and weekends as necessary.

  Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, criminal justice, law enforcement, or closely related field.

• Five-seven years of related experience, with at least three years’ supervisory experience, at a corporate facility or public venue preferred.

• Experience accurately preparing and maintaining records, files, and reports.

• Working knowledge of security and fire/life safety systems.

• Possession of a valid New York State driver’s license.

• Possession of a valid New York State security guard license.

• Possession of or abi lity to obtain a valid New York State security guard instructor license.

• Possession of a valid American Red Cross certification for basic CPR/AED/First Aid training for children and adults.

• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid American Red Cross instructor certification for basic CPR/AED/First Aid training for children and adults.

• Must be able to complete NARCAN training.

• Ability to identify and correct problems quickly. Anticipates and responds to guests’ needs in a professional and courteous manner.

• Ability to use appropriate interpersonal skills and methods to reduce tension and resolve conflict in difficult and complex situations to achieve resolution or adherence to policies and/or regulations.

• Frequent contact with individuals within and outside the museum in situations requiring considerable tact, excellent listening skills, a high degree of diplomacy and maturity, and the ability to balance empathy and objectivity.

• Ability to quickly adapt to—and successfully lead staff through—change.

• Excellent training skills and ability to plan, coordinate, and oversee the work of others.

• Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment in making decisions and work well under pressure to meet the varying needs of the museum.

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office and electronic monitoring, CCTV, and access control systems.

  These qualifications are considered a plus:

• Certified Protection Professional certification and/or other professionally recognized certifications in security field.

• Experience facilitating safety training to large groups of people.

• Experience in law enforcement and/or managing emergency situations.

• Master’s degree or equivalent experience.

• Working knowledge of business and management principles.

• Experience preparing and/or managing a budget and working within the constraints of that budget.

  Must consent to and pass a drug screen and background check as conditions of employment.