Security Guard (Overhire)

The David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center opened in April 1964 as the New York State Theater. The theater was designed by the renowned architect Philip Johnson, built with funds from the State of New York, and given to the City of New York as a home for performing arts organizations. Today, the theater is home to the New York City Ballet as well as a growing number of national and international touring performing arts groups.

Position Summary

The Overhire Security Guard provides supplemental security coverage for the David H. Koch Theater (DHKT) in support of performances, events, rehearsals, rentals, building operations, and other venue activities. This role supports the safety and security of guests, artists, employees, visitors, vendors, and facilities through a visible, professional, and service-oriented security presence.

The Overhire Security Guard works as part of the DHKT Venue Management Department and is assigned according to operational needs and the theater's performance and event calendar. Overhire status does not guarantee a set number of hours or a fixed schedule.

Reporting Relationship

Reports to the David H. Koch Theater Security Department, under the direction of the Security Supervisor and/or designated Security leadership.

Essential Responsibilities

• Provide visible security coverage throughout the David H. Koch Theater, including public areas, lobbies, entrances and exits, backstage areas, offices, and other assigned posts.
• Monitor and control access to restricted areas and verify credentials, identification, passes, and other authorized access.
• Staff assigned security posts and conduct patrols as directed, maintaining awareness of activity and conditions throughout the venue.
• Support security operations during performances, rehearsals, rentals, special events, load-ins/load-outs, and other high-occupancy or operationally sensitive activities.
• Respond promptly and professionally to security concerns, emergencies, disturbances, suspicious activity, medical incidents, and other situations requiring security intervention.
• Follow DHKT security policies, post orders, emergency procedures, radio protocols, access-control procedures, and established chain of command.
• Prepare clear and accurate incident reports, daily activity reports, logs, and other required documentation.
• Able to work overnight hours for staff coverage as requested.
• Assist with crowd management, guest movement, queuing, ingress/egress, and the protection of designated areas as directed by Security leadership.
• Maintain a professional security presence while providing courteous and appropriate assistance to guests, artists, employees, visitors, and vendors.
• Coordinate as directed with Venue Operations, Guest Experience, Production, Facilities, visiting organizations, vendors, and law enforcement or emergency personnel.
• Immediately escalate significant incidents, policy violations, access-control concerns, or other security matters to the appropriate Security leadership.
• Maintain confidentiality and discretion regarding security operations, artists, guests, employees, visiting organizations, and venue activities.

Venue-Specific Expectations

• The David H. Koch Theater is a major performing-arts venue and the home of New York City Ballet; security operations must support a professional theater environment while maintaining firm adherence to venue protocols.
• Security Guards are expected to understand and consistently enforce established DHKT access, credentialing, stage-door, pass-through door, and restricted-area procedures.
• Security Guards do not independently make exceptions to established security policies or access requirements. Questions or requests for exceptions must be referred through the established chain of command.
• Security Guards must maintain appropriate awareness around stage, backstage, artist, production, and staff areas and ensure that only authorized individuals enter restricted spaces.
• Security Guards are expected to follow all DHKT emergency procedures and to communicate clearly with Security leadership and other operational departments during incidents.

Qualifications

• Prior experience in security, public safety, performing arts, hospitality, event operations, or a related environment preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to remain professional and composed in a busy public-facing environment.
• Sound judgment and the ability to assess situations, follow established procedures, and escalate appropriately.
• Ability to de-escalate challenging situations using professional communication and appropriate security practices.
• High level of discretion, reliability, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and perform the physical requirements associated with assigned security posts.
• Availability to work evenings, weekends, holidays, performances, rehearsals, and special events based on operational needs.
• A valid New York State security registration/license, where required by applicable law and assignment.
• Fire Guard and CPR/AED certifications are preferred where applicable.

Work Schedule

This is an overhire/as-needed position. Scheduling is based on the David H. Koch Theater's operational requirements and performance/event calendar. Assignments may include evenings, overnights, weekends, holidays, and extended event or performance hours. The position does not guarantee a minimum number of hours or a fixed schedule.

Professional Standards

• Arrive on time, in proper uniform/attire, and prepared for the assigned post.
• Maintain alertness and professional conduct throughout the shift.
• Use radios and other security communications appropriately and in accordance with DHKT procedures.
• Follow direction from Security leadership and maintain the established chain of command.
• Protect confidential information and avoid discussing security matters outside appropriate operational channels.
• Represent the David H. Koch Theater with professionalism, courtesy, and sound judgment at all times.

Physical & Environmental Requirements

The position requires the ability to stand and walk for extended periods; move throughout multiple levels and areas of a performing-arts facility; remain attentive during extended performances or events; and respond to changing operational and emergency conditions. Reasonable accommodations may be made where appropriate.

EEO Statement

New York City Ballet is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion in all aspects of recruiting and employment. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply and will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, marital status, citizenship status, disability, pregnancy, creed, genetic predisposition or carrier status, military status or veteran status, status as a victim of domestic violence, unemployment status, familial status, sexual violence or stalking victim status, caregiver status, arrest or conviction record to the extent required by applicable law, credit history or any other characteristic protected by law.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

New York City Ballet, one of the foremost ballet companies in the world, pursues the highest levels of artistic excellence and innovation. Therefore, we seek to attract, retain, and cultivate the most talented dancers, musicians, designers, stage technicians, and arts administrators. To this end, we are deeply committed to creating and sustaining an organizational culture that values and reflects inclusion, equity and access for all.  We are inspired by our founders, George Balanchine and Lincoln Kirstein, who envisioned an authentically American expression of ballet with a company that reflects the rich cultural diversity of this nation. In pursuit of their vision, we are committed to all by educating, developing, and supporting an organization that welcomes and amplifies the voices and lived experiences of everyone.