On-Call Security Officer - Special Events

The MFAH is an organization that is more than 100 years old and ranks nationally among the top 10 art museums in exhibition space, memberships, endowments, and attendance. The MFAH is a multifaceted institution comprising multiple gallery buildings, a sculpture garden, two art schools, and two house-museums for decorative arts. The encyclopedic collection numbers more than 70,000 works of art in a wide range of media. As an employer, MFAH offers a supportive, collegial and inclusive work environment and competitive compensation for this specialized role.

The MFAH is seeking enthusiastic, dependable individuals who are eager to grow professionally and are looking to supplement their income in an inspiring environment. No security background required — we welcome candidates with a strong customer service mindset who are curious about hospitality, event operations, and museum security. The Museum Special Events Security Officer supports the safety of the Museum’s world-class collections, facilities, and guests while delivering a welcoming experience for all visitors attending our robust special events calendar. This role offers an excellent opportunity to build real-world skills, work alongside experienced staff, and be part of some of Houston’s most exciting cultural events — all on a flexible, on-call schedule with irregular hours ideal for those balancing multiple priorities.

Major Special Events & Event Series (Past 12 Months)

Signature / After-Hours Events

• Night at the MFAH: Frida Forever (May 2026) – after-hours event with live music, cocktails, and full gallery access tied to a major exhibition


• Spring Nights at the MFAH (Spring 2025) – evening social event series with extended hours


• Happy Hour Fridays – recurring evening social programming with performances and programming

Festival-Style & Large Public Events

• Winter Festival: Year of the Horse (Lunar New Year) (Feb 2026) – large-scale, family-friendly cultural festival with performances, food, and activities


• College Week – multi-day engagement event for students with extended hours and programming


• Family Day at Bayou Bend & Rienzi – campus-wide programming across multiple sites

Exhibition-Driven Events & Openings

• “Frida: The Making of an Icon” programs & events (Jan–May 2026) – talks, tours, and themed programming


• “Louvre Couture at MFAH” activation events (late 2025–early 2026) – fashion-focused programming

Performance, Film & Cross-Disciplinary Events

• Movies Houstonians Love (Film Series) – curated film screenings and cinema programming

Educational, Talk & Community Events

• Youth Poetry Celebrations – live youth arts events


• Exhibition Talks & Lecture Series (e.g., “Looking North: Arctic Exploration in Print”)


• Gallery Talks & Drop-In Tours (ongoing, high-frequency programming)

Workshops, Retail & Auxiliary Events

• MFA Shop Trunk Shows – retail-driven events


• Art-Making Workshops / Glassell School Programs – hands-on engagement events


• Spring Break Art-Making Programs – seasonal high-volume programming

What This Tells You

From a security staffing standpoint, MFAH “special events” fall into a few distinct categories:

1. High-attendance, after-hours events

Night at MFAH, Spring Nights

Require elevated security, alcohol monitoring, crowd flow control

2. Festival / campus-wide events

Festivals, Family Days

Multi-location coverage, heavy guest services + security coordination

3. Exhibition-driven programming

Opening events, late nights, themed activations

Focus on gallery protection + VIP presence

4. Recurring programs

Talks, films, tours

Lower intensity but high frequency

Important for You to Know

The museum hosts hundreds of events annually (many weekly/daily), and a portion are considered “special events” in a security. The above list prioritizes:

• Named, ticketed, or large-scale events


• Events with operational complexity (crowds, after-hours, alcohol, multi-site)


• This list does not include private events

This is your chance to gain hands-on experience in a world-class cultural institution, explore the fields of hospitality, events, and security, and earn competitive pay — all on a flexible, event-driven schedule. APPLY NOW!

Position Available:

Title:                                         On-Call Security Officer – Special Events

Reports to:                               Security Manager

Classification:                          Non-exempt/Hourly

Schedule:                                Will vary depending on availability and Museum’s Events Schedule

Pay Rate:                                  $19.00/hr. (On-Call Special Events Rate)

Work Location:                        All MFAH Campus Locations

Position Summary

The On-Call Temporary Security Officer – Special Events supports the safety, security, and guest experience of the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston during special events, exhibition openings, programs, and private rentals. This role plays a critical part in protecting the Museum’s world-class collections, facilities, and people while ensuring a welcoming and professional environment for all guests.

Assignments are scheduled on an as-needed basis and primarily occur during evenings, weekends, and holidays.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide a professional, highly visible security presence during special events to ensure the safety of visitors, staff, artwork, and facilities


• Safeguard the Museum’s collections by monitoring galleries and event spaces and enforcing proximity and handling guidelines


• Manage access control points, including guest check-in, credential verification, and restricted area access


• Conduct routine patrols of assigned areas, remaining alert to safety, security, or facility concerns


• Respond promptly and effectively to incidents, emergencies, or disruptions, escalating as appropriate


• Support crowd management and event flow, including directing guests and maintaining clear pathways


• Enforce Museum policies and event guidelines with a strong emphasis on customer service and de-escalation


• Collaborate closely with Special Event, Membership and Guest Services, curatorial and development staff, and external vendors to support seamless event execution


• As needed, prepare clear, accurate, and timely incident and activity reports


• Assist with emergency procedures, including evacuations and coordination with first responders as needed

Qualifications, Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• No prior security experience required; previous experience in customer service, hospitality, events, or a public-facing role is a plus


• Strong customer service mindset with ability to interact with the public to analyze situations and anticipate needs of guests and staff


• Availability for a flexible, event-driven schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays


• Must be tactful and polite in dealing with the public, which includes the ability to remain calm under pressure


• Comfort interacting with diverse audiences, including Museum patrons, members, donors, and VIP guests


• Must be proficient in English, both written and verbal communications skills


• Present a neat and professional appearance at all times


• Ability to remain alert and observant over a long period of time, which includes the ability to stand for those long periods of time


• High school diploma or equivalent.


• Must have in good standing or be qualified to obtain - level 2 Non-Commissioned Security Guard license with Texas Department of Public Safety.


• Security personnel must pass a national criminal background check in order to maintain non-commission status through the Texas Commission on Private Security.


• All applicants are required to have a valid state issued ID or driver license in order to complete the application process.


• Able to pass pre-employment job-specific physical skills assessment.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

With or without reasonable accommodation, the individual selected must have the capacity to perform effectively all essential functions. In addition to the other demands mentioned, the demands of the job may or will also include:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods across multiple buildings and gallery spaces


• Ability to navigate stairs and large campus environments


• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds, as needed


• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying conditions


• Dynamic, public-facing museum environment with high visitor volumes during events


• Regular interaction with artwork requiring heightened awareness and adherence to preservation standards


• Evening- and weekend-heavy schedule tied to exhibitions, programs, and private events

Equal Opportunity Employment

The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. We welcome candidates whose experience and skills align with the needs of the role and the Museum’s mission.

Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, merit, and organizational needs. The Museum does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

We recognize that candidates may bring a range of experiences and skills to a role and encourage individuals to apply if their background aligns with the responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job description.

The Museum is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process and during employment. This includes accommodations needed to participate in the application process, interview process, perform essential job functions, and access employment benefits and privileges. To request an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at [email protected].

Compensation

• Hourly rate = $19.00/hr


• This is an event-based role with no guaranteed minimum hours; scheduling is driven by Museum programming and special events, schedule, and related activities


• In many cases the museum will be able to provide Special Events Security Officers with a schedule in advance based upon upcoming programming

Application Procedure

Interested applicants should apply online — it’s quick and easy! No cover letter required. Simply submit your resume or a brief summary of your background and availability. We encourage anyone whose schedule, attitude, and interests align with this role to apply.

Applications or letters of interest sent via mail, fax, or direct email to a staff member will not ensure consideration.