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 Grounds Supervisor for the Obama Presidential Center will work closely with internal teams to ensure smooth operations and integrity in maintaining the external spaces of the campus. This role will support the coordination of upkeep and services across the campus grounds, escalating priorities and maintaining workflows in alignment with the Foundation’s goals.

As the Grounds Supervisor for the Obama Presidential Center, you’ll be reporting directly to the Superintendent of Building Services.

Core Job Responsibilities

• Lead and supervise all groundskeeping activities for the Obama Presidential Center campus, ensuring consistent, high-quality maintenance of turf, gardens, plazas, trails, and other exterior elements.

• Oversee and manage service contracts for landscaping and snow removal, ensure vendors meet performance standards and sustainability requirements outlined in SITES and Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum frameworks.

• Develop and implement work schedules for internal grounds associates and coordinate with external service providers to maintain comprehensive coverage and seasonal responsiveness.

• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure exterior conditions meet visitor, programming, and operational needs. Teams may include though are not limited to onsite convenings, Visitor Experience, Museum, Facilities, and Operations.

• Manage irrigation systems in collaboration with building engineers to ensure year-round functionality and adherence to environmental regulations.

• Perform and document routine inspections using a Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) to identify hazards, maintenance needs, or areas for improvement; generate work orders and analyze trends to inform future improvements.

• Manage the safe operation and maintenance of equipment, tools, and utility vehicles; ensure inventory levels and staff training support efficient and safe task execution.

• Serve as the primary manager for grounds operations staff, providing oversight, coaching, and technical expertise for the Grounds Associates.

Key Deliverables / Outcomes

• Maintain all exterior spaces at the American Physical Plant Association (APPA) Level 1 standards and in alignment with SITES and LEED Platinum certification criteria.

• Oversee landscape contractors, snow removal vendors, and other external partners to ensure contract compliance and track performance through clear documentation.

• Use CMMS software to document, track, and analyze all grounds-related work orders, inspections, and inventory, ensuring data-driven operations.

• Coordinate safety inspections and annual training in alignment with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), LEED, and SITES requirements; fostering a safe, well-trained, and responsive team.

• Contribute to the Foundation’s sustainability goals through the implementation of best practices in grounds operations.

• Schedule and manage preventative and seasonal maintenance tasks, including but not limited to mowing, aeration, pruning, weeding, mulching, and seasonal planting.

• Oversee inventory control of grounds’ supplies and coordinate procurement of materials to meet operational needs.

Required Qualifications

• Applies specialized knowledge of professional function to independently complete advanced tasks and resolve issues involving relatively complex factors.

• Exhibits working proficiency in modeling and addressing duties of professional area; utilizes discretion and independent judgment to solve non-routine problems.

• 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.

The salary range for this role is between $79,0409 and $98,800.

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.