Security Manager

Museum of Science and Industry; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Benefits starting day one

Free admission for family and friends

Free admission to other museums

Free parking

Job summary

Griffin Museum of Science and Industry seeks a Security Manager to lead operations, oversee a contract security provider, and ensure safety for staff and visitors.

The role involves risk assessments, incident reporting, and emergency planning, with a focus on regulatory compliance and customer service. Relevant certifications are a plus, and the team promotes a collaborative security culture.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in criminal justice or security management.
• Minimum of 3 years in security management.
• Experience managing contract security providers.
• Strong knowledge of security systems and best practices.
• Excellent leadership and communication skills.
• CPP or PSP certifications are a plus.
• Ability to handle stressful situations with sound judgment.
• Ability to interpret laws and administer security policies.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Customer service mindset.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement security plans and procedures.
• Monitor security systems and conduct risk assessments.
• Oversee contract security provider performance.
• Respond to incidents and coordinate with law enforcement.
• Lead security training and awareness programs.
• Ensure regulatory compliance and reporting.
• Collaborate with other departments on security projects.

Skills

Security management

Contract security oversight

Risk assessments

Leadership

Communication

Security systems

Incident reporting

Emergency management

Policy development

Collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or security management

Tools

Surveillance cameras

Access control systems

Alarm systems

Security management software

Job description

About Us

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago is the largest and most interactive science museum in the Western Hemisphere. Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry (MSI) expose guests of all ages to awe-inspiring exhibitions that spark curiosity and bring science to life. MSI’s mission – to inspire the inventive genius in everyone – is realized through its world-class exhibitions and engaging guest experiences. The Museum of Science and Industry provide programs and experiences that deepen the engagement of students and teachers in science and science-related disciplines, with a vision to inspire and motivate our children to achieve their full potential in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math.

We offer a creative, collaborative, and innovative environment for our employees. Our employees get great perks such as: benefits starting day one of your employment, free admission to MSI for family and friends, free admission to other museums, free parking in MSI’s garage and more! If you are equally passionate about our vision and want to be surrounded by a team of dynamic, smart and innovative people, the Museum of Science and Industry is the right place for you!

The Security Manager is responsible for overseeing the safety and security operations of the Kenneth C. Griffin Museum of Science and Industry, including the management of a contract security provider. This position ensures the protection of Museum staff, visitors, assets, and facilities while maintaining compliance with relevant regulations and standards. This role will assist in developing, implementing, and monitoring security policies, procedures, and systems to ensure a secure environment.

Responsibilities

Security Operations Management:

• Assist to develop and implement comprehensive security plans, policies, and procedures.
• Conduct regular risk assessments and recommend improvements to mitigate risks.
• Monitor security systems, including surveillance cameras, access control, and alarm systems, ensuring they are operational and effective.
• Prepare and file safety, criminal, incident, and other department reports.
• Participate in setting and achieving short-term and long-term goals for the Security Department

Contract Security Provider Oversight:

• Act as the primary point of contact for the contract security provider.
• Review and approve schedules, ensuring appropriate staffing levels are maintained.
• Monitor performance and compliance of the contract security team with organizational policies and contractual obligations.
• Conduct regular audits and evaluations of contract security personnel.

Incident/Emergency Management:

• Respond to and manage security incidents, including theft, vandalism, trespassing, and emergencies.
• Conduct investigations and prepare detailed incident reports.
• Coordinate with law enforcement and emergency services as necessary.
• Assist in overseeing the emergency preparedness and recovery plans, operations, and operations.
• Participate in all disaster preparedness activities, assist in coordinating emergency drills, manage, and coordinate central dispatch and communications in time of disaster and implement the emergency action plan/disaster plan.
• Assist in periodic inspection program of facilities to assure compliance with applicable fire, safety, security codes and regulations.
• Assist in coordinating emergency response activities, including emergencies involving medical situations, active threats, civil unrest etc. Ensure Museum is prepared for emergency responses including maintaining current emergency action plan, emergency boxes, and first aid kits.

Training and Awareness:

• Develop and conduct security training programs for Museum staff and contract security personnel.
• Promote a culture of security awareness across the organization.

Compliance and Reporting:

• Ensure compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations.
• Maintain records of security activities, including incident reports, audits, and training sessions.
• Prepare and present regular security reports to senior management.

Collaboration:

• Work closely with other departments to ensure alignment of security measures with organizational goals.
• Participate in cross-functional teams to address security-related challenges and projects
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, security management, or a related field (preferred).
• Minimum of 3 years of experience in security management or a related role.
• Proven experience managing contract security providers.
• Strong knowledge of security systems, technologies, and best practices.
• Excellent leadership, verbal, written, and electronic communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle stressful situations and make sound decisions under pressure.
• Certifications such as Certified Protection Professional (CPP) or Physical Security Professional (PSP) are a plus.
• Skill in project and time management with minimum supervision.
• Ability to work cooperatively within a team environment and maintain effective working relationships.
• Ability to interpret appropriate laws and regulations; administer security policies and activities; formulate procedures.
• Knowledge of investigative techniques and principles and procedures of record keeping and report writing
• Knowledge of procedures of psychology and crowd control and emergency evacuation, and investigative techniques and practices
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise judgement and diplomacy in dealing with sensitive issues such as confidential matters that involve staff and visitors involved in incidents or activities.
• Ability to deliver a high level of customer service for staff and visitors.
• Skill in verbal de-escalation in crisis and conflict resolution
• Language:
  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.
  • Ability to write routine reports and correspondence.
  • Ability to speak effectively before groups of employees of the organization.
• Mathematical:
  • Ability to calculate basic figures and amounts such as percentages, area, etc.
• Reasoning:
  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists.
  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, or schedule form.
• Physical:
  • While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel & talk or hear, stand, sit, walk, and reach with hands & arms.
  • The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; kneel or crouch; taste or smell.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close, distance, color & peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
• Work Environment:
  • The employee is occasionally exposed to wet and/or humid conditions; high, precarious places; fumes or airborne particles; toxic or caustic chemicals; outside weather conditions; extreme cold; extreme heat; and vibration.
  • The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The salary for this position is $70,000. This position was posted on 9/4/2026.

Our Inclusion and Belonging Statement

The Griffin Museum of Science and Industry is committed to advancing diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion across our workforce, experiences, and day-to-day operations. As Griffin MSI employees, we are each responsible for making the Museum a welcoming place externally for guests and internally for our colleagues within the scope of our roles.

Griffin MSI is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, which includes providing equal opportunity without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status.