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About the Albright-Knox Art Gallery
Founded in 1862 as The Buffalo Fine Arts Academy, the Albright-Knox Art Gallery is the sixth-oldest art museum in the United States and one of the oldest anywhere dedicated to modern and contemporary art. As one of the most prominent cultural institutions in Western New York, the Albright-Knox serves tens of thousands of students, families, tourists, and art lovers each year.
In 2019, the museum broke ground on a transformative campus development and expansion project. Upon completion of construction, the museum will open in 2023 as the Buffalo AKG Art Museum. At the same time, the museum has been engaged in a wholesale reevaluation of its institutional identity, with a particular focus on making the Buffalo AKG a more inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible institution.
Head of Preservation and Safety
The Head of Preservation and Safety (PAS) reports directly to the Deputy Director and is responsible for administering safety and security operations for the Buffalo AKG Art Museum. The Head of PAS collaborates with staff across departments, is accountable for all matters of security, protection, and safety, and is the visible and trusted leader of these institution-wide efforts. The position oversees policies and procedures that reflect best practices in museum security and are consistent with museum accreditation security standards.
The Head of PAS will ensure a comprehensive facility security program that places particular emphasis on customer service while focusing on the protection of art, assets and the safety of museum staff, visitors, and volunteers. In this capacity, the Head of PAS will work in close collaboration with the Head of Visitor Experience (VE).
Responsibilities
Key responsibilities include:
Oversee recruitment, placement, and training of NYS certified guards, either through direct recruitment or outsourced vendor, ensuring sufficient staffing for the museum campus and off-site locations.
Collaborate with the Director of IT in planning of security operations and systems for the main campus on Elmwood Avenue and all satellite locations.
Develop and maintain an annual budget.
Work collaboratively with the Head of VE to develop content for training classes for all PAS and VE staff as part of AKG’s accredited Security Training School.
Provide positive supervision and direction for PAS team through ongoing communication, motivation, and leadership by example.
Encourage and maintain high morale among PAS staff.
Develop PAS managers by recommending industry specific training classes, helping them to develop leadership skills that will serve the team and the museum now and in the future.
Inspect the museum campus on a scheduled and random basis to review operations, provide timely feedback (including both commendation and disciplinary action, as appropriate), and ensure high quality performance of PAS personnel.
Represent PAS Department at collaborative, interdepartmental meetings.
Review and respond to written and oral reports about all incidents as well as staff recommendations.
Develop and enforce policies for monitoring fire and life safety systems.
Maintain the museum’s video surveillance technology, intrusion detection systems, and access control systems.
Investigate incidents resulting in loss or damage to artworks or museum facilities, completing and submitting all necessary reports to management.
Establish and maintain working relationships with federal, state and local government agencies, as well as private and professional organizations, to ensure the continuous protection of the museum and compliance with regulations.
Oversee events open to the public, monitor visitors and art shipping and receiving, and ensure special exhibition security needs.
Exercise sufficient internal controls to ensure museum resources are protected against waste, loss or unauthorized use.
Oversee relationships with external vendors for additional security staff, video surveillance, access systems, fire and life safety equipment, and other third parties as required.
Other responsibilities as needed.
Requirements
Competencies & Qualifications
A minimum of five years’ full-time security management experience within a security program.
A minimum of five years’ experience in working with the public and proven supervisory experience with a security program in a not for profit, art museum, historic site, historic collection, or artifact care program or similar leadership experience strongly preferred.
Relevant degree from an accredited college/university helpful.
Track record of positive interaction with guests and colleagues.
A minimum of three years’ experience training and scheduling staff, students and/or volunteers.
Demonstrated written and oral communication skills.
Proficient computer skills with programs such as Microsoft Office, Security Intrusion / Alarm Software, Security Surveillance software, and other related management applications.
Proven ability to effectively, continuously and discretely work with confidential and potentially sensitive information.
Proven demonstration of a high degree of personal integrity.
Some advanced-scheduled evening and weekend work required.