MISSION
The Art Institute of Chicago shares its singular collections with our city and the world. We collect, care for, and interpret works of art across time, cultures, geographies, and identities, centering the vision of artists and makers. We recognize that all art is made in a particular context, demanding continual, dynamic reconsideration in the present. We are a place of gathering; we foster the exchange of ideas and inspire an expansive, inclusive understanding of human creativity.
We offer a competitive, comprehensive benefits package:
- Generous paid time off
- Paid holidays (up to 14 days)
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Generous parental, caregiver, and medical leave benefits
- Competitive retirement plan
- Tuition remission and Tuition Exchange Program
- Great employee discounts
- Complimentary general admission to participating cultural institutions
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Salary Grade 4
OUR VALUES
All staff members are expected to embrace the museum’s commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable institution and to adhere to the museum’s shared values.
- Our museum reflects and deepens our collective humanity; the arts are integral to an inspired and just society.
- We respect and acknowledge each of our colleagues’ contributions and expertise across all roles within our organization.
- We share in the responsibility to create an antiracist culture built on equity, inclusion, and justice for all, acknowledging that these efforts are intersectional and ongoing.
- We encourage and advance a culture of hospitality, empathy, and gratitude for each visitor, supporter, and member of our staff.
- We embrace innovation and foster change with a progressive understanding of—and obligation to reconsider—our past.
- We sustain an open and dynamic civic platform, inviting and advancing the diverse perspectives of our city, staff, visitors, and supporters.
ABOUT THE DEPARTMENT
The mission of the Department of Protection Service is to protect our staff, patrons, facility, and art. We operate a preventative security program, using a vast array of overt and covert tools, techniques, training, and technology. Collaboration with museum staff and external partners are the cornerstone of the department’s security mission.
ABOUT THE POSITION
Observes, assists and controls Museum access to protect the collection by serving as a deterrent to acts of vandalism or violence, monitoring fire, safety and security systems, screening employees and visitors entering and exiting the facility, assisting in crowd control and patrolling premises. Provide general information to the public in a courteous manner.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Controls access to the museum.
- Monitors visitors, staff, and contractors in all public and private areas of the museum, particularly looking for unusual or suspicious actions.
- Demonstrates knowledge of the physical layout of the museum, including offices, restrooms, restaurants, galleries and special exhibit spaces.
- Demonstrates strong organizational skills and embraces a “team” concept with good problem solving skills and ability to articulate solutions.
- Works regularly in all Control areas; inspects parcels, issues keys, visitor and contractor management, answering radio traffic and telephones, etc.
- Assists in enforcing policies and procedures and protecting property; observes and assists in preventing acts of theft, touching, handling, tampering, moving or any other action that might cause damage to exhibits or museum property.
- Has a working knowledge of fire and security systems and the ability to operate. Responds to all fire and/or security alarms to confirm whether false or actual and take appropriate action. Completes Incident Report for each response.
- Informs officers and/or supervisors of emergency situations and dispatches them to various locations as emergency events require.
- Performs shift fire, security and HVAC patrols as directed per DoPS Policies and Procedures.
- Tests all security equipment as instructed.
- Provides courteous assistance to visitors and staff by responding to questions and furnishing appropriate information.
- Monitors AIC parking areas to detect and report suspicious vehicles; maintains parking spaces for authorized vehicles; keeps fire and handicap zones open and assists with bus arrivals and departures.
- Observes surroundings to detect any evidence of physical damage to the structure or works of art.
- Keeps the appropriate manager informed of any suspicious activities, the smell of smoke, fire, water leaks, faulty equipment, electrical failure, or sick and injured persons in a timely fashion.
- Escorts or assists visitors, VIP dignitaries or contractors as needed for the operation.
- Performs relief duties as necessary as per DoPS policy
- Follows all instructions and adheres to all Policies and Procedures as presented in the DoPS Policy.
- Performs special assignment work such as training new officers.
- May be required to work all shifts or overtime depending on operational needs including a shift at a time or possibly 30 to 90 days on a different shift.
QUALIFICATIONS
- High School diploma or GED required
- Two year of security or related experience
- Must have customer service and strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagrammatic form
- Ability to work under pressure and take direction from DOPS management representatives in emergency situations.
- Basic computer knowledge
Physical Requirements:
- Seeing, hearing, speaking and writing clearly in order to communicate with employees and clients, observe and report incidents, and direct others.
- Must be physically fit to respond to alarms and/or emergencies.
- Must be physically able to stand over 67% of a shift.
- Must be physically able to walk up to 67% of a shift.
- Must be able to climb straight ladders and steeper stairs up to 33% of time during a shift.
- Ability to perform prolonged standing, walking on ramps, climbing and walking through narrow passageways
- Must be able to bend to reach controls, to lock/unlock doors, look under desks, and check flush pins.
- Must be able to stoop under beams and through 49” height doorway in lay light area when patrolling.
- Must be able to squat and/or kneel to unlock doors and assist patrons and/or employees in an emergency.
- Must be able to lift and/or carry an up to 50 pounds.
- May be exposed to all climatic conditions when patrolling outside the museum.
ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION
The Art Institute of Chicago is an equal opportunity, equal access employer fully committed to achieving a diverse and inclusive workplace. We believe in a staff culture that benefits from a wide range of experience, backgrounds, and career paths, and we encourage nontraditional candidates to apply.
