Director, Safety & Security

Location: Kansas City, MO

Reports to: VP, Earned Income & Guest Services (EIGS)

Starting Salary Range: $85,490 to $96,129

Are you a safety and security leader with a passion for public service, emergency preparedness, and cultural spaces? The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is seeking a proactive and strategic Director, Safety & Security to oversee all aspects of safety, security, and emergency preparedness across our iconic museum campus.

This is a highly visible leadership role responsible for ensuring the safety of our visitors, staff, and treasured collections while fostering a welcoming, inclusive, and responsive guest experience.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise the Security Command Center and Guest Services Supervisors, ensuring seamless scheduling, training, and performance management.
• Develop and implement emergency preparedness plans, evacuation protocols, and compliance audits aligned with OSHA, ADA, and local safety standards.
• Provide strategic leadership over frontline operations with a focus on systems-level thinking, cross-departmental impact, and the development of solutions that align operational procedures with institutional goals. This role requires a big-picture mindset—someone who can assess how SOPs and daily decisions affect the broader museum ecosystem.
• Oversee access control, incident response, patrol operations, and investigations across museum facilities.
• Integrate security operations with hospitality and visitor engagement standards, supporting major events and special exhibitions.
• Maintain strong relationships with law enforcement and emergency responders, and manage vendors for safety-related systems and services.
• Regularly brief senior leadership on incident trends, risk mitigation strategies, and compliance matters.
  
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, security management, emergency management, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• 8–10 years of progressive experience in security, operations, or guest services, including 5 years in a leadership or managerial role with responsibility for staff oversight, policy development, and cross-functional coordination.
• Experience in a public-facing institution such as a museum, university, hospital, or entertainment venue is highly desirable.
• Proven history of developing and implementing SOPs or operational frameworks at scale.
• Familiarity with incident management systems, visitor engagement strategies, and regulatory compliance in a multi-use facility.
• Demonstrated success in emergency planning, crisis management, and team leadership.
• Proficiency with security systems (CCTV, access control, surveillance platforms).
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and analytical skills; able to lead in a diverse and dynamic environment.
• Availability for a flexible schedule including nights, weekends, and holidays.
  
  
  

Why Work With Us

At the Nelson-Atkins, your work helps connect people with art in meaningful and lasting ways. You’ll join a supportive, inclusive culture that values your voice and contributions. In addition to meaningful work, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and work-life balance.

Our benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
• 403(b) retirement plan with generous employer match and contributions
• Generous Paid Time Off (25 days in your first year) plus 9 paid holidays
• Onsite Wellness Center with yoga, massage chairs, and flu shots
• Free parking, staff discounts, and museum perks
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for mental health, financial, and legal support
• Life and disability insurance
  
  
  

Ready to help shape a secure and welcoming future for one of the country’s leading art museums? Apply today

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We embrace a diverse and inclusive work environment and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, or any other status protected by law.

For individuals with disabilities who would like to request an accommodation, please contact the People and Culture Department.

The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art conducts pre-employment background checks as part of our selection process.

Salary information is a general guideline only. The Museum considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and business considerations when extending an offer.