Associate Director of Security Operations

Illinois Holocaust Museum; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/vision/dental

Job summary

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center seeks an Associate Director of Security Operations to lead day-to-day security operations across our campuses in Skokie and Chicago. You will supervise security personnel, manage vendor relations, and align security activities with our mission to keep visitors and staff safe.

This exempt, full-time onsite role requires some weekend and evening availability and provides leadership for emergency management, event security, and training programs.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5+ years experience managing internal and external security teams.
• College Degree preferred.
• Must pass a thorough criminal background check.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule including some nights and weekends.
• Licenses or certificates such as CPP/PSP are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead security operations and advance department priorities with leadership.
• Represent the department in the Director’s absence and coordinate with stakeholders.
• Develop and enforce operating procedures for consistent security operations.
• Oversee contract and in-house security personnel, training, scheduling and performance.
• Coordinate security for programs, events, and VIP visits with risk mitigation.
• Manage vendors, contracts, and service providers for performance and compliance.
• Document incidents, conduct post-incident reviews, and implement improvements.
• Assist in budgeting and fiscal accountability for security resources.
• Maintain knowledge of laws, regs and best practices for compliance.
• Design and deliver training on situational awareness and emergency response.

Skills

Security leadership

Team leadership

Communications

Decision making

Budgeting experience

Education

College Degree

CPP/PSP credentials (plus)

Tools

CCTV systems

Access control

Walk-through detectors

Radio communication systems

Job description

OUR MISSION & IMPACT

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center (IHMEC) honors Survivors and victims of the Holocaust by teaching universal lessons that combat hatred, prejudice, and indifference. The Museum activates this mission through world-class exhibitions, public programming, and educational initiatives to equip audiences with knowledge, skills, and courage to take a stand for humanity. Today, IHMEC is the third largest Holocaust museum in the world and second largest in the country, impacting hundreds of thousands of students, teachers, law enforcement and community members annually. As a world leader in connecting the history and lessons of the Holocaust, we inspire visitors to become Upstanders, who speak out for what's right - turning powerful lessons of history into positive actions today.

THE POSITION

Position Title: Associate Director of Security Operations

Location: Skokie, IL and Chicago, IL

Reports To: Director of Security & Emergency Management

The Associate Director of Security Operations serves as the operational leader for IHMEC's Security & Emergency Management program and acts as a key strategic partner to the Director of Security & Emergency Management. Responsible for the day-to-day management, supervision, and performance of IHMEC's security operations, the Associate Director helps advance departmental priorities while translating security strategies, policies, and standards into effective operational practices. The position provides leadership for security personnel, emergency response, event security, vendor relationships and operational readiness, while serving as a trusted resource for internal and external stakeholders. This is an exempt, full-time, onsite position that requires one weekend day and occasional evening availability.

SPECIFIC KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Partner with the Director to advance department security strategies, initiatives, and priorities, and provide recommendations regarding security operations, risk management, technology, staffing, and continuous improvement opportunities.
• Serve as the designated department representative in the Director's absence, providing leadership continuity, representing the department with internal and external stakeholders, and exercising appropriate decision-making authority consistent with the established policies and the Director's direction.
• Establish, implement, and continuously evaluate department operating procedures, resulting in effective, consistent, and compliant security operations.
• Provide direct leadership of contract and in-house security personnel, including onboarding, training, scheduling, time and attendance monitoring, and performance management.
• Coordinate security operations for Museum programs, special events, and VIP visits, ensuring appropriate staffing, preparedness, and risk mitigation.
• Manage security vendors, contracts, and service providers in partnership with the Director to ensure performance, compliance, and accountability.
• Document, investigate, and analyze safety and security incidents, lead post-incident reviews, and implement improvements to strengthen protocols and operational readiness.
• Assist in the development and management of the departmental budget, including resource allocation, invoice review, and fiscal accountability of vendors and contractors.
• Maintain knowledge of industry best practices, security technologies, and applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations to support operational excellence and regulatory compliance.
• Support in the design and delivery of security training programs for employees and volunteers focused on situational awareness, personal safety, emergency response, and mission-aligned service.

THE PERSON

Education| Experience

• Minimum of 5+ years of experience managing internal and external security teams.
• College Degree preferred.
• Must pass a thorough criminal background check.
• Availability to work a flexible schedule including some nights and weekends.
• Licenses or certificates, such as Certified Protection Professional (CPP), Physical Security Professional (PSP), or comparable physical security/emergency management credentials is a plus.

Knowledge| Skills | Abilities

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to convey information effectivey to a variety of stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to make quick, informed decisions, assess situations accurately, and act promptly with speed and efficiency.
• Proven ability to lead a team environment with a focus on collaboration, communication, and achieving departmental goals.
• Experience exercising sound judgment, discretion with managing sensitive or confidential interactions and matters, and flexibility in shifting priorities.
• Thorough knowledge of physical security systems, including CCTV, access control systems, walk-through metal detectors, and radio communication systems.

OTHER INFORMATION

Salary and Benefits

• Salary Range is $85,000-$110,000
• Generous benefits, including medical/vision/dental coverage, paid time off, and retirement plan contributions, among other industry-leading benefits.

Committed to Diversity

Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. People of color, women, LGBTQ+ people, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Physical Requirements

Able to stand for extended periods of time; Ability to climb up and down stairs; to bend, stoop, and lift or move materials; to pull/push, lift, and carry up to 25 pounds; and to reach both above and below shoulder height.

Learn More

Visit our website, engage in virtual experiences, and learn more at ilholocaustmuseum.org.