We have ambitious plans, and we know the most critical step is building an incredible team that reflects the diverse fabric of our nation and embodies our values. Our team is made up of people who are equal parts dreamers and doers. We are people who care as much about how we achieve our goals as we do about the goals themselves. Our values drive our team and are instilled in the work this Foundation does every day. We are also committed to creating an anti-racist organization in order to do our part to help combat racism and inequity in all forms, in communities across our nation and around the world. Read our full statement on anti-racism and equity here.

Purpose of Role

The Senior Associate for Exhibit Audio-Visual (AV) will work closely with the Manager of Exhibitions AV Systems to oversee the installation and operation of multiple AV systems in the Museum of the Obama Presidential Center. The Obama Foundation is looking to build a team of qualified AV technicians to support AV systems on campus, and the candidate for this position will take an active role in building that team.

The Museum for the Obama Presidential Center contains over 50 individual media experiences, ranging from large scale blended projections, to single screen digital interactives. The right candidate for this position has technical experience in related museum AV systems, excellent organizational and documentation skills, and an eagerness to learn new AV technology. This is a leadership position, and upon opening the museum will be responsible for daily operational maintenance, as well as guiding and educating AV Technicians who will support this role.

As the Senior Associate, OPC Exhibit AV, you’ll be reporting directly to the Manager, AV & Integrated Systems.

Core Job Responsibilities

• Supervise, track, and review the installation of Museum AV Exhibits at the Obama Presidential Center.

• Develop Standard Operating Procedures for Museum AV Operations.

• Operate and maintain audio visual equipment throughout Museum exhibitions.

• Maintain AV hardware supporting inclusive accommodations for guests, visitors, and staff with disabilities.

• Collaborate with Museum staff to integrate creative technical and accessible solutions.

• Perform preventative maintenance on Exhibit audio visual assets, recommending system modifications as needed.

• Lead and train AV Technicians to support the Museum exhibitions as needed.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Deliverables / Outcomes

• Maintain a working proficiency with all AV system technology used in the Museum.

  • QSC and Dante Audio Systems; Pixera media servers; Windows based interactive computers; Crestron NVX encoder/decoders; Christie, Epson, and Panasonic projectors; LG, NEC, Elo displays; CueServer lighting processor and assorted DMX lighting fixtures, etc.

• Work closely with Museum teams in planning, installing, maintaining, and transitioning equipment.

• Collaborate with Operations and Maintenance teams to adhere to work order processes, working closely with staff trades workers as needed for exhibit transitions.

• Troubleshoot and repair equipment and network components throughout Museum exhibit facilities.

• Participate in, and occasionally lead, ongoing training to continuously improve exhibit AV experiences.

Required Qualifications

• Experience with a range of AV Hardware and Systems, ideally QSC audio systems and Pixera media servers.

• Attention to detail as well as strong communication/problem-solving skills. Ability to work and problem solve independently while also contributing to a team environment.

• Commitment to Obama Presidential Center mission and an inclusive environment.

• Flexibility of hours including but not limited to early morning, late night, weekends, and holidays across campus in both indoor and outdoor environments. Ability to work out of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park and/or other Obama Foundation locations in Chicago.

This is a permanent, full-time role with anticipated minimal travel.

The salary range for this role is between $79,040 and $98,800.

This is an in-office role based at our Chicago location in Jackson Park.

Foundation Values

The Foundation Values are Courage, Empathy, Integrity, Accountability, Community, Inclusivity, Pragmatism, Resilience, Imagination, and Hope.

Don’t check off every box in the requirements listed above? Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women, LGBTQ+ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. The Obama Foundation is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable, and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging – so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to still consider submitting an application. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another one of our openings!

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Foundation is committed to creating a diverse work environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. The Foundation does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, disability, parental status, veteran status, or any other protected status under applicable laws. We encourage individuals of all backgrounds to apply. If you are a qualified candidate with a disability, please e-mail us at [email protected] if you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application.