This range is projected on a full-time, annual basis and reflects the starting salary for this position. Final compensation will be commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications.
Preferred Education:
4 Year Degree
Director, Security & Safety
Location: Kansas City, MO Organization: The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art Application Deadline: Open until filled
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art—an internationally recognized cultural institution in the heart of Kansas City—is seeking a strategic and experienced Director of Security & Safety to lead and elevate all aspects of museum-wide safety and risk operations.
This position offers a unique opportunity to shape and modernize the safety infrastructure of a historic, high-profile museum campus that welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. The Director will oversee emergency planning, access control, vendor partnerships, and a cross-functional security team with a strong emphasis on proactive risk management and guest service alignment.
Key Responsibilities:
Provide strategic oversight of campus-wide security, safety operations, and incident response.
Supervise and develop supervisory-level security staff and indirectly manage frontline teams across multiple buildings and public spaces.
Lead the creation and implementation of SOPs, emergency plans, and compliance protocols aligned with institutional goals and regulatory standards.
Coordinate with local law enforcement, fire officials, and emergency response agencies to maintain safety readiness.
Support major events and exhibitions, ensuring a secure and guest-friendly environment.
Regularly brief executive leadership on risk trends, staffing needs, and security-related capital planning.
Required Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, security management, emergency management, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
7–10 years of progressive leadership in security or risk management, preferably in a cultural institution or high-traffic public venue.
Experience managing both direct supervisory staff and a large frontline team, with emphasis on performance management, hiring, and staff development.
Strong understanding of compliance standards (OSHA, ADA), physical security systems, and emergency operations.
Exceptional communication, strategic thinking, and cross-departmental collaboration skills.
Availability for a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Preferred Certifications:
CPP®, PSP®, or other relevant ASIS certifications strongly preferred.
Why Join Us?
The Nelson-Atkins offers a mission-driven environment where public service and operational excellence intersect. As Director of Security & Safety, you’ll help protect art, people, and community—and contribute to one of the Midwest’s most treasured institutions.
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art in Kansas City, Missouri, is one of the nation’s premier art institutions—home to an encyclopedic collection spanning 5,000 years of global history. As a cultural anchor in the Midwest, we are committed to delivering exceptional visitor experiences while preserving and protecting our world-class collection, historic campus, and the people who make our mission possible.
Our campus encompasses multiple buildings and outdoor spaces, drawing hundreds of thousands of guests annually. We host major exhibitions, international dignitaries, high-profile events, and daily public engagement that requires a comprehensive, forward-thinking approach to safety and security.
At the Nelson-Atkins, you’ll find a mission-driven organization rooted in excellence, collaboration, and innovation. We value strategic leadership, thoughtful communication, and a proactive stance toward risk management and emergency preparedness.
Join our team and help safeguard one of the country’s most beloved public art institutions all while working in a dynamic, supportive environment that values both operational excellence and human connection.
