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.