On-Call Security Officer Special Events

The MFAH is an organization that is more than 100 years old and ranks nationally among the top 10 art museums in exhibition space memberships endowments and attendance. The MFAH is a multifaceted institution comprising multiple gallery buildings a sculpture garden two art schools and two house-museums for decorative arts. The encyclopedic collection numbers more than 70000 works of art in a wide range of media. As an employer MFAH offers a supportive collegial and inclusive work environment and competitive compensation for this specialized role.

The MFAH is seeking enthusiastic dependable individuals who are eager to grow professionally and are looking to supplement their income in an inspiring environment. No security background required we welcome candidates with a strong customer service mindset who are curious about hospitality event operations and museum security. The Museum Special Events Security Officer supports the safety of the Museums world-class collections facilities and guests while delivering a welcoming experience for all visitors attending our robust special events calendar. This role offers an excellent opportunity to build real-world skills work alongside experienced staff and be part of some of Houstons most exciting cultural events all on a flexible on-call schedule with irregular hours ideal for those balancing multiple priorities.

Major Special Events & Event Series (Past 12 Months)

Signature / After-Hours Events

• Night at the MFAH: Frida Forever (May 2026) after-hours event with live music cocktails and full gallery access tied to a major exhibition
• Spring Nights at the MFAH (Spring 2025) evening social event series with extended hours
• Happy Hour Fridays recurring evening social programming with performances and programming

Festival-Style & Large Public Events

• Winter Festival: Year of the Horse (Lunar New Year) (Feb 2026) large-scale family-friendly cultural festival with performances food and activities
• College Week multi-day engagement event for students with extended hours and programming
• Family Day at Bayou Bend & Rienzi campus-wide programming across multiple sites

Exhibition-Driven Events & Openings

• Frida: The Making of an Icon programs & events (JanMay 2026) talks tours and themed programming
• Louvre Couture at MFAH activation events (late 2025early 2026) fashion-focused programming

Performance Film & Cross-Disciplinary Events

• Movies Houstonians Love (Film Series) curated film screenings and cinema programming

Educational Talk & Community Events

• Youth Poetry Celebrations live youth arts events
• Exhibition Talks & Lecture Series (e.g. Looking North: Arctic Exploration in Print)
• Gallery Talks & Drop-In Tours (ongoing high-frequency programming)

Workshops Retail & Auxiliary Events

• MFA Shop Trunk Shows retail-driven events
• Art-Making Workshops / Glassell School Programs hands-on engagement events
• Spring Break Art-Making Programs seasonal high-volume programming

What This Tells You

From a security staffing standpoint MFAH special events fall into a few distinct categories:

1. High-attendance after-hours events

Night at MFAH Spring Nights

Require elevated security alcohol monitoring crowd flow control

2. Festival / campus-wide events

Festivals Family Days

Multi-location coverage heavy guest services security coordination

3. Exhibition-driven programming

Opening events late nights themed activations

Focus on gallery protection VIP presence

4. Recurring programs

Talks films tours

Lower intensity but high frequency

Important for You to Know

The museum hosts hundreds of events annually (many weekly/daily) and a portion are considered special events in a security. The above list prioritizes:

• Named ticketed or large-scale events
• Events with operational complexity (crowds after-hours alcohol multi-site)
• This list does not include private events

This is your chance to gain hands-on experience in a world-class cultural institution explore the fields of hospitality events and security and earn competitive pay all on a flexible event-driven schedule. APPLY NOW!

Position Available:

Title: On-Call Security Officer Special Events

Reports to: Security Manager

Classification: Non-exempt/Hourly

Schedule: Will vary depending on availability and Museums Events Schedule

Pay Rate: $19.00/hr. (On-Call Special Events Rate)

Work Location: All MFAH Campus Locations

Position Summary

The On-Call Temporary Security Officer Special Events supports the safety security and guest experience of the Museum of Fine Arts Houston during special events exhibition openings programs and private rentals. This role plays a critical part in protecting the Museums world-class collections facilities and people while ensuring a welcoming and professional environment for all guests.

Assignments are scheduled on an as-needed basis and primarily occur during evenings weekends and holidays.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide a professional highly visible security presence during special events to ensure the safety of visitors staff artwork and facilities
• Safeguard the Museums collections by monitoring galleries and event spaces and enforcing proximity and handling guidelines
• Manage access control points including guest check-in credential verification and restricted area access
• Conduct routine patrols of assigned areas remaining alert to safety security or facility concerns
• Respond promptly and effectively to incidents emergencies or disruptions escalating as appropriate
• Support crowd management and event flow including directing guests and maintaining clear pathways
• Enforce Museum policies and event guidelines with a strong emphasis on customer service and de-escalation
• Collaborate closely with Special Event Membership and Guest Services curatorial and development staff and external vendors to support seamless event execution
• As needed prepare clear accurate and timely incident and activity reports
• Assist with emergency procedures including evacuations and coordination with first responders as needed

Qualifications Skills Knowledge and Abilities:

• No prior security experience required; previous experience in customer service hospitality events or a public-facing role is a plus
• Strong customer service mindset with ability to interact with the public to analyze situations and anticipate needs of guests and staff
• Availability for a flexible event-driven schedule including evenings weekends and holidays
• Must be tactful and polite in dealing with the public which includes the ability to remain calm under pressure
• Comfort interacting with diverse audiences including Museum patrons members donors and VIP guests
• Must be proficient in English both written and verbal communications skills
• Present a neat and professional appearance at all times
• Ability to remain alert and observant over a long period of time which includes the ability to stand for those long periods of time
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Must have in good standing or be qualified to obtain - level 2 Non-Commissioned Security Guard license with Texas Department of Public Safety.
• Security personnel must pass a national criminal background check in order to maintain non-commission status through the Texas Commission on Private Security.
• All applicants are required to have a valid state issued ID or driver license in order to complete the application process.
• Able to pass pre-employment job-specific physical skills assessment.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands:

With or without reasonable accommodation the individual selected must have the capacity to perform effectively all essential addition to the other demands mentioned the demands of the job may or will also include:

• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods across multiple buildings and gallery spaces
• Ability to navigate stairs and large campus environments
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds as needed
• Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varying conditions
• Dynamic public-facing museum environment with high visitor volumes during events
• Regular interaction with artwork requiring heightened awareness and adherence to preservation standards
• Evening- and weekend-heavy schedule tied to exhibitions programs and private events

Equal Opportunity Employment

The Museum of Fine Arts Houston is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees. We welcome candidates whose experience and skills align with the needs of the role and the Museums mission.

Employment decisions are made based on qualifications merit and organizational needs. The Museum does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race color religion sex national origin age disability genetic information veteran status or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal state or local law.

We recognize that candidates may bring a range of experiences and skills to a role and encourage individuals to apply if their background aligns with the responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job description.

The Museum is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities throughout the application and hiring process and during employment. This includes accommodations needed to participate in the application process interview process perform essential job functions and access employment benefits and privileges. To request an accommodation please contact Human Resources at

Compensation

• Hourly rate $19.00/hr
• This is an event-based role with no guaranteed minimum hours; scheduling is driven by Museum programming and special events schedule and related activities
• In many cases the museum will be able to provide Special Events Security Officers with a schedule in advance based upon upcoming programming

Application Procedure

Interested applicants should apply online its quick and easy! No cover letter required. Simply submit your resume or a brief summary of your background and availability. We encourage anyone whose schedule attitude and interests align with this role to apply.

Applications or letters of interest sent via mail fax or direct email to a staff member will not ensure consideration.

Required Experience:

Unclear Seniority