Museum Security Manager – Job Description
Position Title: Security Manager
Department: Security
Reports To: Director of Building Engineering and Security
(Exempt) Schedule: Full-time; daytime or evenings, weekends and holidays
Position Summary
The Museum Security Manager supports the Director of Building Engineering and Security in the day-to-day management of the museum’s security operations. This position ensures the safety and protection of museum visitors, staff, collections, and facilities. This role supervises security personnel, coordinates with the Operations Center, and implements policies and procedures that support a safe, welcoming and professional museum environment. The manager oversees daily security operations, monitoring surveillance systems and access control and serves as the lead responder to incidents and emergencies and manages reporting and response. The Security Manager serves as a key operational leader, balancing public-facing guest service with risk management, emergency preparedness, human safety, and asset protection.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
Ensure protection of museum staff, visitors, and the art collections.
- Oversee the enforcement of daily security operations of the museum.
- Refine, implement and enforce security, life safety, and emergency policies and procedures. Train security and museum staff in emergency procedures such as fire, medical, theft, active assailant, bomb threat, and weather-related events.
- Train and supervise security staff in museum policies and procedures, customer service, access control, asset protection, and building management systems
- Conduct regular patrols and security inspections throughout the facility ensuring safe conditions, proper post coverage, patrol activity and monitoring at all times. Identify and document safety, security, and facility concerns.
- Monitor security systems including CCTV, alarm systems, building management systems, access control, and other systems.
- Ensure compliance with local, state and federal life-safety regulations.
- Act as the museum’s lead responder, coordinating with local law enforcement, emergency responders, Operation Center personnel, and museum management, and exhibiting strong situational awareness and attention to detail in responding to security/safety incidents and alarms.
- Maintain accurate security records and documentation including incident reports.
- Coordinate the work schedules of security officers and Operation Center personnel to avoid unnecessary overtime and calculate payroll. Assist in the monitoring of the security department's budget and submit departmental expenses to Accounting.
Customer Service
- Promote a visible, professional and welcoming security presence.
- Assist with visitor issues, crowd management, and special events.
- De-escalate conflicts and respond to disruptive behavior in a calm, respectful manner.
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required; associate or bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice, Security Management, or related field preferred.
- 5 years of security experience, preferably in museums, galleries, cultural institutions, or public venues.
- Successful background investigation required; State of Tennessee Security Certification preferred
- Previous supervisory or leadership experience strongly preferred.
- Certification (or ability to become certified) in CPR/AED and basic First Aid.
- Knowledge of surveillance systems, alarm systems, and security protocols.
- Strong communication, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
- Ability to respond calmly and effectively during emergencies.
- Basic computer skills for reporting and monitoring systems.
- Good customer service skills and professional demeanor.
Physical Requirements
- Ability to stand or walk for extended periods, including stairs and uneven surfaces.
- Ability to respond quickly to emergency situations and manage visitors, security and museum staff in high-pressure situations.
- Ability to sit and monitor systems and computers for extended periods.
- Occasionally lift or move objects up to 50 lbs.
Work Environment
- Museum galleries, offices, public spaces, and outdoor areas.
- May include evenings, weekends, and holidays depending on museum hours or events based upon operational needs.
Revised May 2026