Gallery Security Specialist (Unarmed)

International African American Museum; Charleston (SC); On-site; USD 46,838,000 - 50,971,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free parking

Paid time off

Medical, Vision, Dental

Life Insurance

403(b) Retirement Plan

Free museum membership

Job summary

The International African American Museum is hiring Gallery Security Ambassadors to monitor galleries, lobby, and exterior grounds, ensuring safety and preserving artworks. Roles include both full-time and part-time shifts, with emphasis on a welcoming, dignified guest experience.

Starting pay is $17.00 per hour, with free parking, paid time off, and comprehensive benefits for full-time and part-time staff.

Qualifications

• To qualify for a Gallery Security Ambassador position, you must be able to work weekends, evenings, and holidays, including possible overtime for full-time roles.
• CPR, AED, and First Aid certification or the ability to obtain upon hire.
• Ability to stand, walk, and access stairs for extended periods including outdoor patrols.
• Maintain calm, effective, and professional demeanor under pressure.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Responsibilities

• Monitor galleries, lobby, entrances, exterior grounds, and parking facilities to ensure safety and preservation of artworks.
• Manage visitor traffic to keep navigation orderly and safe.
• Respond to medical incidents, disturbances, alarms, severe weather, and emergencies.
• Support emergency preparedness and assist first responders when needed.
• Observe and report incidents, hazards, and policy violations.
• Verify credentials for staff, contractors, vendors, and approved guests.
• Assist with crowd management during high attendance and events.
• Greet visitors warmly and provide directional assistance.
• Assist visitors requiring ADA accommodations.

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Job description

FIRST SHIFT AND SECOND SHIFT POSITIONS AVAILABLE! The International African American Museum is currently hiring unarmed Full-Time and Part-Time Gallery Security Ambassadors to monitor our galleries, lobby, and exterior grounds to ensure the safety of our guests and preservation of our treasured artworks. Our Gallery Security Ambassadors play a vital role in protecting our sacred space while creating a welcoming and dignified experience for every visitor. By ensuring safety and accessibility, this role supports the IAAM’s mission to honor the untold stories of the African American journey at one of our country’s most sacred sites and to empower people with knowledge of the past.

What We Offer:

• Starting pay of $17.00 per hour + free parking (a savings of over $6,000 per year)!
• Paid Time Off for Part-Time Employees– Employees working at least 20 hours per week receive up to 40 hours Vacationeach year!
• Paid Time Off for Full-Time Employees– Employees working at least 30 hours per week receive up to 80 hours of Vacation each year with progressive increase in time off, up to 96 hours of paid sick time and 10 Paid Holidays!
• Other Benefits for Full-Time Employees – Medical, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance, Short-Term Disability, 403(b) Retirement Plan & Paid Sick Time. Free museum membership with reciprocal opportunities at other local and nationwide museums and attractions.

To qualify for a Gallery Security Ambassador Position, we require the following:

• Ability to work on weekends, evenings, and holidays, including possible overtime for those in full-time roles.
• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• CPR, AED, and First Aid certification or the ability to obtain upon hire.
• Ability to stand, walk, and access stairs for extended periods including outdoor patrols.
• The ability to remain calm, effective, and professional under pressure.
• The ability to handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

As a Gallery Security Ambassador, you will:

• Monitor assigned posts including galleries, lobby, entrances, exterior grounds, maritime adjacent areas, and parking facilities to ensure the safety and preservation of artworks from visitor-related risk.
• Monitor visitor traffic to maintain orderly and safe navigation through the gallery spaces.
• Respond promptly to medical incidents, disturbances, alarms, severe weather, and other emergency situations, including but not limited to fire and evacuation.
• Support emergency preparedness protocols and assist first responders.
• Observe and report incidents, suspicious activity, hazards, and policy violations.
• Verify credentials for staff, contractors, vendors, and approved guests.
• Assist with crowd management during high attendance days and special events.
• Greet visitors warmly and provide directional assistance.
• Assist visitors requiring ADA accommodations.

EEO Statement

The International African American Museum provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, and pregnancy-related conditions), gender identity or expression (including transgender status), sexual orientation, marital status, religion, age, disability, genetic information, service in the military, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws and ordinances. Equal employment opportunity applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training.