Chief of Security

Job Title: Chief of Security

Reports to: Director of Operations

Status:   Full-time, exempt

The Farnsworth Art Museum is nestled in the coastal community of Rockland, Maine (pop. 7,002). Surrounded by ocean and mountains, this small city is close to hiking, skiing, and boating activities. It is approximately 90 minutes from the shopping mecca and home base of LL Bean in Freeport and is a morning’s drive up the coast to Acadia National Park.

Founded by Lucy Farnsworth and opening to the public in 1948, the museum is situated on picturesque Main St. and retains over 15,000 works of art. Gems include works by three generations of the Wyeth family (N.C., Andrew, and Jamie), Marguerite Zorach, Edward Hopper, Georgia O’Keeffe, Louise Nevelson, and Winslow Homer. Properties include the Homestead, the Farnsworth family home which is situated on the Museum campus, and the Olson House in nearby Cushing, site of the famous Andrew Wyeth painting, Christina’s World.

The Museum celebrates Maine’s Role in American Art, has an operating budget of over $5m, sixty employees, and is a destination for tens of thousands of visitors annually.  

We seek a Chief of Security to be responsible for the overall security and safety of the staff, volunteers, and visitors as well as the collection including loaned and/or temporary works in the Museum’s possession and care. 

Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Chief of Security oversees all safety and  security aspects of the museum campus and  its  collection. This includes the Homestead and Olson House, as well as loaned and/or temporary works in the Museum’s possession and care in collaboration with Chief Curator and Registrar. Hires, trains, and supervises security personnel and implements safety and security procedures for all staff, volunteers and visitors. 

Responsibilities:

●      Update, implement and maintain written Standard Operating Procedures manual for security department, updating as needed and assuring compliance

●      Responsible for opening and closing museum properties

●      Provide and periodically update training of all security staff

●      Monitor all security systems and equipment, responding to, resolving and properly documenting all alarm circumstances.  Informs appropriate staff in a timely manner

●      Plan and carry-out seasonal maintenance program to ensure proper care and functioning of museum campus and related equipment

●      Serves as a member of the Emergency Response Team

●      Monitors behavior of security staff interactions with staff, visitors and volunteers while ensuring an excellent visitor experience

●      Coordinate standard levels of coverage for all galleries and property throughout the business day and during other special museum events

●      Working in partnership with the Director of Operations, the curatorial department and Facilities Manager, prepare for emergencies through risk management planning, coordinate safety training and supplies for all staff to include fire safety, fire extinguisher and evacuation procedures as well as first aid training

●      Create and maintain documented opening and closing security procedures for all museum properties

●      Work with Director of Operations to identify and develop a plan for maintenance, repair and general annual upkeep of security equipment

●      Work with Director of Operations on annual budget development for security staffing

Related Skills:

●      Strong organizational, communication, and supervisory skills

●      Flexibility and cooperativeness; supportive of colleagues in all areas of museum operations

●      Knowledge of security practices and procedures

●      Knowledge of OSHA and other environmental regulations

Position Qualifications:

Three years experience in security work as a supervisor or director. A background in museums or other cultural institutions or in retail security preferred. Demonstrable skills in staff supervision and customer service.

Physical Requirements

Performs bending, climbing, kneeling, reaching from ground level to overhead, pushing and pulling up to 40 pounds; may be subjected to long periods of standing or walking while performing foot patrol of facilities

Frequently required to work irregular hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed, depending on Art Museum exhibition schedules and other activities. Must successfully complete and pass a security background check.