Security Manager

Canyon seeks a full-time Security Manager to lead the security operation of Canyon's Lower East Side venue, overseeing a hybrid team of in-house and contracted security personnel.

Canyon is a new media art institution opening on the Lower East Side of Manhattan in fall 2026. Spanning approximately 40,000 square feet, the venue encompasses exhibition galleries, a 120-seat performance space, an 800-person event hall, a restaurant, bar, mezzanine café, and theater. Canyon presents two major exhibitions per year alongside a year-round program of live events, performances, screenings, and community programming.

The Security Manager is responsible for the safety and security of Canyon's visitors, staff, artists, and collection. This role oversees a hybrid team of in-house security staff and contracted security vendors, and is responsible for developing and maintaining the protocols, training, and staffing needed to serve a public venue hosting exhibitions and live performances. This role will report to Canyon's Director of Facilities.

Because Canyon is a public-facing venue, the Security Manager and their team will regularly interact with patrons - answering questions, offering way finding, and shaping visitors' first and last impressions of the organization. As Canyon's first Security Manager, this role carries a rare opportunity: to build a security culture from the ground up, one that reflects Canyon's commitment to a welcoming, unhurried environment where visitors feel at ease - whether they're experiencing art, sharing a meal, or simply spending time.

The ideal candidate understands that security in a cultural setting is as much about hospitality and public engagement as it is about safety - and brings the vision and experience to instill that philosophy across an entire team.

• Develop, implement, and maintain security policies, Standards, procedures, and post orders for Canyon's building, exhibitions, and events
• Recruit, hire, and onboard in-house security staff; establish clear performance expectations, conduct regular evaluations, and manage disciplinary processes in partnership with HR; oversee timekeeping and payroll approval for security personnel
• Manage the day-to-day security operation, including scheduling, supervision, and performance management of in-house security staff
• Manage relationships with contracted security vendors, including scoping, scheduling, and quality assurance
• Attend regular operational and planning meetings; partner with the Events Producer and Director of Visitor Services to anticipate staffing needs for large events, performances, and rentals, and coordinate contracted security accordingly
• Develop and deliver training for security staff on emergency response, visitor engagement, and venue-specific protocols
• Conduct regular security assessments and walkthroughs of the building, identifying vulnerabilities and recommending improvements
• Develop and lead emergency evacuation drills and tabletop exercises for all staff
• Manage the security budget, including forecasting labor costs and vendor contracts
• Oversee patron management protocols for high-attendance events, including crowd flow, line management, and capacity monitoring
• Oversee access control, CCTV, alarm, and related security systems in coordination with the Director of Facilities
• Serve as the primary point of contact for emergency response, including coordination with NYPD, FDNY, and EMS as needed
• Maintain incident documentation and produce regular reports on security operations, including end of day reports.
• Ensure all security staff present a welcoming, helpful, and professional presence for Canyon's visitors

• Minimum 8 years of professional experience in security operations, with at least 2 years in a supervisory or management role
• Experience managing both in-house staff and contracted security vendors, including recruitment, onboarding, and performance management
• Strong knowledge of access control, CCTV, and alarm systems
• Demonstrated ability to train and develop staff, particularly in public-facing, hospitality-oriented environments
• Familiarity with OSHA and NYC Department of Buildings safety compliance requirements
• Basic first aid / CPR certification
• Comfort with technology platforms for scheduling, incident reporting, and access control management
• Valid NYS Security Guard license, or ability to obtain prior to start
• Excellent judgment, communication, and interpersonal…