About Dia Art Foundation

Located in Beacon, New York, Dia Beacon presents Dia Art Foundation’s renowned collection of art from the 1960s to the present as well as special exhibitions, new commissions, and educational and public programs. Occupying a former box-printing factory on the banks of the Hudson River, the contemporary art museum spans nearly 300,000 square feet and features installations of works by some of the most significant artists of the last half-century. 

Position summary

The Security Supervisor is responsible for overseeing and guiding the Security team during day-to-day operations. The Security team is part of Dia Beacon’s public-facing staff and is principally accountable for the safety and security of our visitors and employees as well as the protection of Dia’s art collection. 

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer and working closely with the Visitor Services and Facilities managers, the Security Supervisor is tasked with leading the Security team, managing schedules and payroll, and initiating improvements to existing policies and procedures in alignment with best practices. The individual in this role functions as a mentor to the Security team, ensuring they are well-trained in security protocols and customer service and maintain a positive environment for visitors and employees.

The Security Supervisor promotes interdepartmental relations and provides security assistance to all museum departments, as needed. The Security Supervisor has sensitivity to the unique nature of a contemporary art institution and the ability to coordinate and cooperate with multiple departments on both open-to-visitors and closed days as well as during programs and special events.

This position’s schedule is Thursday–Monday (Tuesday and Wednesday off).

Essential duties and responsibilities

• Facilitate excellent communication between Security, Visitor Services, Facilities, and Exhibitions teams, and lead collaborative initiatives and projects
• Supervise over the Security team, including training, scheduling, and payroll
• Mentor the Security team; provide ongoing constructive feedback and professional coaching on both individual performance and professional development, as well as procedural improvements and training
• Ensure consistency in the execution of opening and closing procedures; provide training on de-escalation practices, customer service, and other best practices; and ensure compliance with New York State license and training requirements
• Maintain security protocols and emergency action plan (EAP), continually updating as needed; attend supplemental trainings and webinars and pass along information to the team
• Respond to and professionally handle all institutional emergencies and security incidents, acting as the main point of contact for visitors and staff, providing direction, and taking appropriate action according to the EAP
• Support Visitor Services managers and staff with de-escalation, visitor management, and accessibility assistance while maintaining a professional demeanor and courteous communication
• Document all incidents related to security and the safety of visitors, staff, and institutional assets and assist in their investigation
• Promptly report all incidents, violations, and security concerns to senior management
• Create and implement an annual training plan, specifically for the security team and EAP as well as First Aid and safety training for other public-facing staff
• Supervise the parking area and its management, including traffic flow; direct visitors, staff, deliveries, buses/tours, and groups entering the museum; and manage staff parking passes
• Supervise the delivery system in conjunction with the Facilities department; ensure proper delivery protocols, maintain shipping and receiving logs, and effectively communicate with various departments about packages and parcels
• Monitor the closed-circuit video and security system and manage staff access cards
• Provide informed recommendations to senior management on security-related operations and advocate for Security staff’s needs and support

Other duties and responsibilities

• Inform Facilities department of needed repairs, leaks, power outages, and other extenuating circumstances
• Assists in artwork handling and protection as necessary
• Provide assistance to museum visitors by answering questions and giving directions to local venues and suggesting travel routes

Education, certifications, and experience

• Current New York State Security Guard license
• Certifications in CPR, AED, and First Aid by the American Heart Association
• High school diploma or equivalent preferred

Knowledge, skills, and abilities

• Minimum three years of security experience in a museum, retail, or other customer-service environment
• One to two years of direct supervisory experience preferred
• Possess excellent customer-service skills and enthusiasm for the role
• Demonstrate leadership in a team environment
• Ability to communicate effectively and interact with staff and visitors in a professional and diplomatic manner
• Availability for a full-time schedule of Thursday–Monday (with Tuesday and Wednesday off), including most holidays
• Computer literacy and report-writing skills; detail-oriented
• Knowledge of museums, contemporary art, or cultural organizations a plus

Working conditions and physical demands

• Standing and walking for long periods of time
• Using handheld radios to communicate
• Working outdoors in various weather conditions
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs.
• Must be capable of performing light maintenance, such as cleaning windows, removing debris from gallery floors, and occasionally assisting with furniture setup for special events

Qualified candidates are invited to apply by completing the online job application, linked here and attaching a resume and letter of interest.   

Dia provides a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package with significant employer contributions towards the cost of healthcare premiums. The 401(k) plan provides 100% employer match up to 4% of the employee’s deferral and immediate vesting. Paid time‐off benefits include three weeks of vacation, ten days of sick leave, thirteen holidays, and a generous parental leave program. Work-related travel expenses are fully covered. Additionally, staff ID badges gain reduced or free admission to most American museums and arts organizations.   

Dia Art Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of age, color, national origin, ethnic origin, citizenship status, disability, race, religion, creed, gender, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law in its employment policies. In addition, Dia will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and supports an equitable, inclusive, and neurodiverse workplace.