Security Agent in Chicago, Illinois at 16 On Center

About Us:

16 On Center Chicago owns and operates several live music venues, third-party production, restaurants, bars, and food halls across Chicago and New York. Join the team of one of the country's leading independent promoters.

Our most effective service to our community comes from a team with a diverse mix of minds, backgrounds, and experiences. 16 On Center actively seeks a diverse applicant pool and encourages candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment, without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, neurodiversity, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Position Summary

As a Security Agent at Thalia Hall, you will play a key role in maintaining a safe, welcoming environment for our guests, artists, employees, and fellow security team members. Security Agents work throughout the venue based on event and operational needs, including entrances, barricades, interior posts, bars, balconies, backstage areas, and other guest-facing or security-related positions.

This role requires a balance of hospitality, awareness, professionalism, and confidence. You will interact directly with guests, help enforce venue policies, identify and respond to potential safety concerns, and use sound judgment and de-escalation skills when navigating difficult or high-pressure situations.

• Assist with guest and employee ingress, including checking IDs, conducting bag checks and security screening, and enforcing credential requirements for backstage and artist areas.
• Greet and interact with guests in a professional, approachable manner while clearly communicating and enforcing venue policies.
• Monitor guest behavior and venue activity to identify and address potentially unsafe or inappropriate conduct.
• Use conflict-management and de-escalation techniques when responding to difficult, intoxicated, or emotionally charged guests.
• Exercise sound judgment in determining when to de-escalate a situation, request assistance, or involve security leadership.
• Assist with crowd management, including monitoring barricades, the photo pit, entry and exit points, and other high-volume areas.
• Respond promptly to incidents, medical situations, and requests for security assistance.
• Escort artists and touring personnel as needed while maintaining professionalism and discretion.
• Assist guests with directions, accessibility needs, medical assistance, and other venue-related needs.
• Communicate effectively with security leadership and fellow team members, including through radio communication.
• Work with the House team to document major incidents and maintain accurate records when required.
• Learn, communicate, and follow venue emergency and evacuation procedures.
• Rotate among security assignments throughout Thalia Hall and its associated spaces based on operational needs, training, experience, and event requirements.
• Perform other tasks or projects as assigned by management.

About You

• Previous security experience in music venues, nightlife, events, or similar environments preferred.
• Current PERC license preferred but not required.
• Strong interpersonal communication and teamwork skills.
• Hospitality-minded, approachable, and able to communicate firmly and professionally when necessary.
• Skilled in conflict management and de-escalation, including interactions with intoxicated or upset guests.
• Able to remain calm and exercise good judgment in high-pressure or emotionally charged situations.
• Comfortable enforcing venue policies and establishing appropriate boundaries with guests.
• Strong situational awareness with the ability to recognize potential safety concerns and respond appropriately.
• Adaptable and proactive, with the ability to work across a variety of security assignments and venue areas.
• Comfortable working in crowded, loud, and fast-paced environments, both indoors and outdoors.
• Ability to stand and remain attentive for extended periods, walk throughout the venue, respond promptly to incidents, and perform the physical functions of the position, including assisting with crowd management and safety incidents, with or without reasonable accommodation.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including late nights, weekends, and holidays.
• 21 years of age or older.

• Mandatory Availability: Open availability is required during Lollapalooza week (end of July/early August) and New Year’s Eve.
• Professionalism & Discretion: Employees must maintain composure, professionalism, and maturity around artists and touring personnel at all times.