Security Services Director

Security Services Director

Getty is one of the world's most influential cultural and philanthropic organizations dedicated to the visual arts. Through its work in Los Angeles and across the world, Getty advances the understanding, presentation, and conservation of the world's cultural heritage through four distinct programs: the Getty Museum, Getty Foundation, Getty Research Institute, and Getty Conservation Institute.

Getty's activities are supported by world-renowned architecture and gardens on two campuses: the 750-acre Getty Center and the 70-acre Getty Villa, both on the Westside of Los Angeles.

The Getty Center is Getty's main campus, headquarters of the J. Paul Getty Trust and home to Getty's four programs. It includes administrative offices, exhibition galleries, an art history library, collection storage areas for Getty's extensive museum and library collections, conservation studios, scientific laboratories, and extensive outdoor public spaces.

The Getty Villa is home to Getty's collection of Greek, Roman, and Etruscan antiquities, as well as administrative offices, scientific laboratories, conservation studios, and an outdoor amphitheater regularly used for performances.

In addition to these facilities, Getty utilizes two remote leased spaces to store collections and materials. Further, Getty owns a 40-unit apartment complex in Brentwood that houses participants in its scholar program and a 45,600 square foot office building at 640 N. Sepulveda, Los Angeles.

Reporting to and in partnership with the Assistant Vice President (AVP), Visitor & Security Services, the Security Services Director provides leadership for the planning, administration, and execution of Getty's security operations across all locations.

This role is responsible for helping to ensure the safety and security of staff, visitors, collections, and property through leadership, operational oversight, and people management.

Lead and manage Security Operations Managers as direct reports, ensuring oversight of all Security Supervisors and Officers – a population of approximately 200 staff in total.

As a partner with Visitor Services and Security Training, Security Technical, Volunteer Management, and Emergency Preparedness, the Director role is in support of enterprise‑wide emergency preparedness and response, implementation of security programs, policies, and procedures aligned with institutional goals, and focused efforts on the visitor experience. The position represents the department in both internal and external engagements and acts on behalf of the AVP during absences, emergencies, or special events as required.

Getty has engaged executive search firm Opus Partners for this role. Katie Dean, Senior Partner, and Thomas Lapierre, Senior Associate, are leading the search. Confidential inquiries, applications, and nominations should be submitted by email to Thomas at View email address on click.appcast.io. To be considered by Getty's search committee, candidates must provide a resume and a letter of introduction that addresses the specific responsibilities, expectations, and qualifications described. Please consult Opus Partners for more information about the application process. Only individuals who express interest with Opus Partners will be considered for this search.

Major Job Responsibilities

• Partner with the AVP to develop and implement comprehensive security strategies for all Getty properties and collections.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to the AVP on matters related to security operations, risk, and preparedness.
• Establish policies, standards, service levels to enhance safety, efficiency, and the visitor experience.
• Identify and assess security policy issues and the impact of new initiatives or program changes.
• In partnership with Getty's Legal and Human Resources, ensure compliance with all applicable legal, regulatory, and accreditation standards related to museum security and its staff.
• Provide oversight of daily security operations for the Getty Center, Getty Villa, and other Getty locations.
• Serve as the primary operational leader for security services across all sites.
• Direct security operations staffing models and deployment strategies to ensure effective 24/7 security coverage.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high‑performing workforce aligned with One Getty Values of inclusivity and belonging.
• In collaboration with Human Resources, guide managers in employee relations matters including investigations, documentation, addressing issues in a timely fashion and performance reviews.
• In coordination with AVP and Sr. Emergency Preparedness Specialist, provide leadership for emergency/disaster response planning, and incident management in partnership with internal stakeholders.
• Manage incident response protocols, investigations, reporting, and after‑action reviews.
• Exercise operational authority when serving as acting AVP during emergencies or special events.
• Collaborate with the department's training leadership to ensure robust training programs for security personnel, including required Getty-wide training, museum protocols, emergency response, and visitor engagement.
• Collaborate with Facilities and other departments to assess and mitigate risk.
• Recommend for development and implementation new concepts, systems, methods, and service standards to improve operational effectiveness and visitor experience.
• Establish and maintain strong partnerships with local, state, and federal law enforcement, fire departments, emergency services, and industry peers.
• In AVP's absence, represent Getty in high‑level internal and external meetings related to security, safety, and risk.
• Provide security leadership for complex construction, renovation, and capital improvement projects.
• Oversee all transportation‑related security and operational activities across Getty sites, including shuttle services, drivers, and vendor coordination.
• Support security‑related budget planning and resource allocation as directed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Law, Criminal Justice, Management, or a related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in security, operations, visitor engagement, or similar role, including at least 5 years in a senior‑level role.
• Strong knowledge of physical security systems, emergency management, and large‑scale public operations.
• Ability to work flexible schedules, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required.
• Ability to navigate change, lead process improvement and inspire trust during organizational transitions.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

The successful candidate will bring a strong operational background, demonstrate a high level of comfort with rapidly evolving security technologies, and possess a keen understanding of high-end guest engagement. They will also exhibit exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.

The ideal candidate will be:• A strong manager and collaborative leader who is approachable, inclusive and able to communicate effectively with staff at all levels.• A clear, responsive and transparent communicator who is comfortable being highly visible within and outside the organization. • Experienced in navigating complex institutional structures and systems, ideally with a background in experience in a museum, cultural institution, academic campus, theme park, or similarly complex public environment strongly preferred.

Benefits and Perks

Here are just some examples that Getty offers/provides for full-time employees:

• Medical, Dental and Vision insurance coverage, starting on date of hire. Getty pays 75%-95% of the premium, depending on the plan selected.
• 403(b) Employee Investment retirement plan – with up to 5% Getty Match
• Getty contribution of 6%, on behalf of employee, to 401(a) retirement account
• Educational Assistance and professional development
• Paid Vacation, Sick and Personal Days
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Many positions have bi-weekly Off-Fridays
• On-Site Fitness Center at Getty Center
• Community service opportunities

To learn more about our comprehensive benefits and long list of perks, go to Getty HR .