Museum Security Shift Supervisor

Job Summary

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) seeks a Shift Supervisor to join Museum Security. 

The Museum Security Shift Supervisor is responsible for providing communication and hands-on guidance to staff regarding effective day to day museum security operations, in accordance with the museum’s Security Policies and Procedures. The Supervisor plays a critical role in the daily operation of the museum’s guard force, including routine matters such as daily staff assignments and communication; incident response and communications; adherence to the bargaining unit contract; and, in conjunction with other museum staff, strives to maintain a safe, welcoming and informative visitor environment.

We seek a culturally competent candidate who will thrive in a campus environment that is committed to advancing the principles of social equity and inclusion, environmental and climate justice, and equal access to resources and opportunities.

Essential Functions:

Provide security staff with day to day direction and support, including, but not limited to, communicating daily staff assignments and providing hands-on oversight of shift operations on assigned shifts. Enforce Museum security policies and procedures, and give other guidance as needed to ensure proper performance, with visitor safety and protection of the collection both key points of focus. Direct opening and closing of the Museum as scheduled.

Participate in onboarding and ongoing training security staff. As requested, provide observations to be considered in staff performance evaluations. As directed, implement strategies for evaluating and enhancing the interaction of guards and visitors, including appreciation of and sensitivity to cultural diversity and special needs, including disabilities, of the visiting public, with the goal of improving the overall visitor experience. Recommend and/or develop training initiatives in support of the Museum’s goals. In conjunction with other Museum departments, including Museum Education, Visitor Services and Special Events, strive to develop the individual awareness, skills, and group cohesiveness necessary to respond to a wide variety of conditions, maintain positive visitor interactions, while preventing or mitigating potential damage to collection objects. 

Assign and direct security operations for assigned events. Assess conditions and adherence to standing procedures, delegate and provide assistance as required. Keep guard force apprised of and alert to changing conditions and contingencies as appropriate. 

As requested, provide support for the department’s planning and preparations for, and responding to, emergency situations, including but not limited to: weather events, fire, mechanical failure, hazardous materials, and medical emergencies. Respond to calls for medical assistance, providing emergency care to the level of training and certification. Evaluate emergency situations and arrange for the proper response of emergency medical and other responders as the situation requires. Know all emergency procedures pertaining to the Museum.

Respond to visitor complaints, issues, concerns or observations, as appropriate, with visitor safety the utmost priority, making independent decisions based on Museum policy, professional judgment and previous experience. Prepare, or cause to be prepared, incident reports, statements or other communications appropriate to the circumstances. 

In accordance with standing Museum policies and procedures, document and communicate potential damage to or loss of any items in the collection, as well as any RISD property. Obtain all necessary information, communicate conditions, and, in consultation with other museum staff, including curators, registrars, conservators, or art handlers, identify next steps and take appropriate actions. 

Provide security for designated TSA Screening Area as a vetted, trained and certified member of the TSA Certified Cargo Screen Program. 

Required Knowledge/Skills/Experience

Strong interpersonal skills and ability to interact positively and effectively in a culturally diverse setting.

Knowledge and understanding of access control, alarm and video surveillance systems and museum security and fire standards preferred.

Ability to maintain composure and respond quickly to alarms, events and emergencies requiring security involvement. 

Demonstrated problem solving skills and ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing. 

Demonstrated ability to provide guidance to peers. Strong customer service orientation.

Computer experience and proficiency. 

Ability to pass and maintain TSA security threat assessment and CCSP program training and become a vetted employee under the TSA security cargo screening program preferred. 

Ability to obtain and maintain First Aid, AED and CPR certifications.

Associate’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience, and a minimum of one year of security and administrative experience preferably in a public setting, cultural organization or museum environment.