Cultural Property Security Supervisor

Princeton University’s Department of Public Safety (DPS) is the primary department responsible for creating a safe and secure environment on campus. Operating 24/7, 365 days a year, DPS comprises 153 staff members, including professional University police, security officers, dispatchers, and administrators. The department holds dual accreditation from the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) and the New Jersey State Association of Chiefs of Police Law Enforcement Accreditation Commission (NJLEAC), reflecting its commitment to meeting and exceeding national and state standards for public safety.

About the role

Under general supervision, the Cultural Property Security Supervisor (CPSS) assists in overseeing the security operations of the Princeton University Art Museum (PUAM). This role involves supervising front-line security personnel, ensuring the safety of museum exhibits and facilities, scheduling security staff, and maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for visitors and staff. The CPSS acts as the on-site security authority in the absence of senior management, resolves incidents, provides training, and communicates security and maintenance concerns to appropriate personnel.

The nature of the work requires sustained physical effort, including standing and walking for extended periods. The position may involve rotating shifts, weekends, holidays, and overtime, as well as assignments at the off-site storage facility or other campus locations.

Responsibilities

• Provide leadership and oversight to front-line security officers and day-to-day security operations.
• Evaluate the work performance of assigned security officers.
• Understand and operate access control, camera, fire, and life safety systems, including emergency exits.
• Complete shift operations reports thoroughly and on time.
• Maintain effective working relationships with students, faculty, staff, alumni, docents, and visitors.
• Coach security staff to meet departmental, university, and community expectations.
• Carry out supervisory responsibilities, including interviewing, hiring, training, planning, assigning work, appraising performance, and addressing complaints.
• Identify opportunities for process and procedural improvements; assist in creating or reviewing department policies.
• Assist in preparing schedules and timesheets; serve as the initial point of contact for scheduling or personnel-related issues.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Customer service orientation with physical security experience, law enforcement, or military background.
• Art museum or library experience is a plus.
• Ability to work all shifts (8, 10, or 12 hours), including weekends, holidays, and mandatory overtime.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Minimum of two years of supervisory experience.
• Excellent interaction skills to manage a diverse workforce.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience with security and life safety systems, including intrusion alarms, surveillance/CCTV, visitor management, key control, and access systems.
• Proficiency with computer software for word processing, spreadsheets, and personal information management.
• Successful completion of fitness-for-duty assessments, including written exams, pre-employment medical exams, and background checks.

Skills

• Knowledge of public safety techniques and practices for preventing loss or damage to museum exhibits and facilities.
• Ability to plan, schedule, train, assign, motivate, and monitor subordinate personnel.
• Tactful and appropriate interaction with the public and staff, including during emergencies.
• Proficiency in operating computerized security surveillance and fire detection systems.
• Physical ability to stand and walk for extended periods, stoop, kneel, crouch, lift, carry, push, pull, climb, balance, and exert up to 30 pounds of force frequently.
• Moderate exposure to unusual elements such as extreme temperatures, loud noises, and physical risks to personal safety.

Preferred Qualifications

• 3–5 years of security experience.
• Degree from an accredited college or university (preferred but not required; education, training, or work experience will be considered).
• Certifications such as CIPS, CISS, CIPM, and/or CPP.

Benefits

Princeton University offers a comprehensive benefits program to eligible employees. Learn more about benefits.

Pay

Salary range: $70,000 to $82,000.

Schedule

• Standard workweek: 40 hours.
• Shifts: 8, 10, or 12 hours, including weekends, holidays, and mandatory overtime.
• Eligible for overtime.
• Probationary period: 180 days.