Security Officer

Position Details

Title:  Security Officer

Location:  4055 Pāpū Circle, Honolulu, HI

Reports to: Operations Manager

Status: Part time, non-exempt 

How to Apply: Click here to apply and submit a résumé and cover letter. The priority application deadline for this position is August 23rd. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. 

BACKGROUND

Shangri La is a vibrant compound situated on a spectacular, 5-acre, oceanside property in Honolulu. It integrates a 14,000-square-foot house with multiple outbuildings, comprising a series of interlocking spaces, both indoors and out: rooms, courtyards, lanais, terraces, gardens and numerous water features. The property includes spaces for reflection and for gatherings.

Historically operated exclusively as a museum to showcase some of its collection of 4,500 objects from diverse Muslim cultures, Shangri La is in the midst of a strategic transformation that envisions the institution as a global center for personal and societal transformation.

Shangri La is owned and operated by the Doris Duke Foundation (DDF), whose mission is to build a more creative, equitable and sustainable future. We work across three areas: arts & culture, nature, and health & well-being. In addition to Shangri La, DDF operates five national programs as well as Duke Farms, a New Jersey-based center for applied conservation and sustainability. Headquartered in New York City, DDF’s activities are guided by the will of Doris Duke, who endowed the foundation with financial assets that currently total over $2 billion. To learn more, visit www.dorisduke.org.

POSITION

The Security Officer plays a key role in maintaining a safe, secure and welcoming environment for staff, visitors, volunteers and partners at Shangri La. The Security Officer follows established protocols to support daily security operations by monitoring site conditions, conducting patrols, operating security systems and responding appropriately to incidents and emergencies. In addition to safeguarding people, property and collections, the Security Officer serves as a visible and approachable presence on-site, contributing to a positive visitor experience through professionalism, situational awareness and respectful engagement. The position requires sound judgment and the ability to contribute to a safe, respectful and responsive environment at Shangri La.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Daily Security Operations and Response
  • Respond swiftly to alarms, emergencies and safety issues in accordance with written procedures and established protocols.
  • Coordinate emergency and non-emergency communications with all departments and visitors at Shangri La.
  • Monitor and operate security systems, including CCTV, alarms, fire systems, access control and radios, maintaining the highest standard of professionalism.
  • Complete shift logs and incident documentation accurately and efficiently.
  • Observe and report suspicious activity, hazards or policy violations.
  • Verify credentials and enforce access control policies.
  • Conduct routine checks of security equipment and report deficiencies.
• Visitor Support and Access Management

• Serve as a friendly and knowledgeable point of contact for visitors and partners, leveraging your depth of knowledge on the mission and activities at Shangri La.
• Support daily tours, on-site programs and events, ensuring safety and smooth operations.
• Work alongside tour and events staff to maintain an informed and secure visitor experience for daily operations and events.
• Open, secure and close buildings as scheduled; assist with guest and vendor access logistics and visitor flow.

• Facilities and Emergency Preparedness
  • Support disaster response and preparedness efforts, assisting in pre- and post-event procedures and communications.
  • Conduct regular patrols to monitor building interiors, exteriors and grounds for hazards or violations.
  • Provide operational support during emergencies or special events, assisting Facilities or Grounds teams as directed.
  • Participate in safety drills and ongoing training exercises.
• Perform other work, including special projects, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience in security, law enforcement or military police; experience working in a museum or public environment preferred.
• Valid Hawai‘i guard license.
• Ability to remain calm and decisive in emergencies and handle sensitive situations (internal and external) with discretion.
• Comfortable working in varied weather conditions, navigating uneven terrain and performing physical tasks (e.g., lifting up to 50 pounds).
• Clear communication skills with the ability to remain effective in high-pressure scenarios in a dynamic multipurpose environment.
• Experience using CCTV, alarm systems and radio communication tools preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to interact respectfully and professionally with staff, visitors, volunteers and external responders.
• Commitment to providing welcoming, respectful and service-oriented security support. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with a tech-forward mindset and willingness to adopt new technologies.
• Must be available for varied shifts, including evenings, weekends and special events.

WHAT WE OFFER

• The starting hourly range is $21.54 to $26.92, and the final offer will depend on experience.
• Industry-leading benefits, including a 15% employer contribution to your 401(k).
• A values-driven culture rooted in integrity, excellence, collaboration, openness and imagination, and a deep commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

The Doris Duke Foundation is committed to inclusive hiring and equal employment opportunity. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations and communities to apply. Our recruiting and employment practices adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation in the job application process is needed, please contact us here.