MoMA PS1 Assistant Director of Security and Safety

About MoMA PS1

MoMA PS1 champions how art and artists are at the intersection of the social, cultural, and political issues of their time.

Providing audiences with the agency to ask questions, access to knowledge, and a forum for public debate, PS1 has offered insight into artists’ diverse worldviews for more than 45 years.

Founded in 1976 by Alanna Heiss, the institution was a defining force in the alternative space movement in New York, transforming a 19th-century public schoolhouse in Long Island City into a site for artistic experimentation and creativity.

With an annual budget of approximately $12M, PS1 has been a member of New York City’s Cultural Institutions Group (CIG) since 1982, and an affiliate of The Museum of Modern Art since 2000.

We recognize that a successful candidate will meet many of the requirements listed on this job description but may not meet 100% of the qualifications.

If much of this job description describes you, we encourage you to apply for this role.

Summary

The Assistant Director of Security and Safety plays a crucial role in ensuring the protection of visitors, staff, and art works at MoMA PS1.

This position assists the Director of Building Operations in overseeing all aspects of security operations and emergency preparedness within the museum and in its exterior spaces.

The Assistant Director will collaborate closely with museum leadership, security personnel, and external stakeholders to maintain a safe and secure environment conducive to the museum's programs and public engagement.

Supervision

The Assistant Director of Security and Safety will nurture and develop a positive working rapport with a third-party security vendor, and supervise an average of 10-20 guards, 6 supervisors and additional guards for scheduled events and programs.

The Assistant Director of Security reports to the Director of Building Operations.

Key Responsibilities

Security Operations Management :

• Develops and implements security policies, procedures, and protocols.(SOP’s)
• Supervise security personnel, including training, scheduling, and performance management.
• Monitor surveillance systems and respond promptly to security incidents or alarms.
• Conduct regular security assessments and recommend improvements to mitigate risks.
• Develop staffing plan and ensure the safety of guest / staff during large-scale and rental events
• Develop and maintain a collaborative working relationship with MoMA (53rd st) security department.
• Coordinate the receipt of deliveries, conducting vendor walkthroughs to ensure compliance with our requirements, and organizing the loading dock schedule to optimize efficiency.
• Assess current systems and make appropriate recommendations for their upgrades / updates.
• Manage and monitor annual security budget, including payroll & invoice processing.

Emergency Preparedness and Response :

• Develop and maintain emergency response plans and procedures.
• Conduct drills and training exercises to prepare staff for emergencies.
• Act as a liaison with local law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency services.
• Lead museum safety committee, to address safety concerns and implement new processes.

Risk Assessment and Mitigation :

• Assess potential security and safety risks and develop strategies to address them.
• Implement measures to protect museum collections, exhibits, and sensitive information.
• Review and update access control measures, monitor visitor and staff movements, manage ID badging systems, CCTV systems, fire, and trespass systems.
• Coordinates and leads collaboration with Building Operations, Curatorial, Program Production, and Special Events to seamlessly execute building load-ins, load-outs, and deliveries.

Collaboration and Communication :

• Foster positive relationships with museum staff, visitors, and external partners.
• Communicate effectively with museum leadership regarding security and safety matters.
• Provide guidance and support to staff on security-related issues and best practices.
• Work collaboratively with all museum departments that include : Building Operations, Curatorial, Program Production, Visitor Engagement, Development, Special Events, Finance and Human Resources.

Regulatory Compliance :

• Ensure compliance with relevant safety and security regulations and standards.
• Maintain documentation and records related to security operations and incidents.

Qualifications :

• Proven experience in security management, preferably in a cultural institution or similar environment.
• Strong leadership and managerial skills with the ability to supervise and motivate a diverse team.
• Excellent problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills under pressure.
• Strong knowledge of emergency response protocols and procedures.
• Experience in managing security for large-scale and rental events.
• Familiarity with security technologies such as Lenel S : 2 access control systems, ExacqVision CCTV.
• Effective communication skills, both verbal and written, with direct experience in de-escalation.
• Ability to maintain a professional and positive attitude in a fast-paced environment.
• Exceptional judgment, professionalism, and discretion in handling confidential and sensitive situations and matters.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as needed.
• Security License, certificate of fitness for supervision of fire alarm (S-95.)
• Certificate of fitness for indoor place of assembly, (F-03.) Certificate of Fire and emergency drill conductor, ( W-07.)

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

• This position is permanent and full-time with a salary range of $79,000 - $85,000. Benefits include 30 days paid vacation leave;
• 10 days paid sick leave; 11 paid holidays; and 3 paid personal days; participation in a 401(k) and pension plan; life insurance;

medical / health (including visual and dental); transit, and dependent care FSA.