Launch the Legacy: Founding Staff Roles

Step into history as a founding staff member of the Obama Presidential Center’s (OPC) opening team. As a founding staff member, you will not only help launch a global destination but also have the unique opportunity to define the Obama Presidential Center's earliest culture and operational excellence. This is your chance to contribute to a lasting legacy, ensuring the OPC is a powerful tribute to what happens when communities unite to achieve greatness.

The early days of the OPC will be defined by rapid evolution and growth. While the mission is clear, many of the day-to-day procedures and workflows will need to be tested and adjusted. This demands that you embrace ambiguity and step up with a high degree of ownership and self-direction. For those energized by the chance to build and ultimately define best practices, this challenge is the greatest reward.

Purpose of the Role

The Security Supervisor for the Obama Presidential Center will be responsible for performing and upholding high standards in building safety services. The role will serve as a main point of contact for Security personnel in daily operations, leading shift operations. This position will be assigned a designated patrol area to respond to guest concerns, security threats, and to establish a welcoming but secure environment. During each shift, the Supervisor will wear a uniform provided by the Obama Presidential Center. Supervisors will also be responsible for providing oversight and direction during an emergency situation. Designated patrol areas may change based on campus needs.

As the Security Supervisor for the Obama Presidential Center, you will be reporting directly to the Head of Security.

Core Job Responsibilities

• Ensure security and safety in spaces throughout the Obama Presidential Center including but not limited to the Museum, Presidential Suite, Forum and Programming spaces, Library, Home Court athletic center, and general grounds.

• Oversee and direct security personnel, including training and evaluating staff. Create and manage shift schedules to ensure adequate coverage at all times. Conduct regular performance reviews and address any issues or concerns with team members.

• Oversee the security operations center, including security technology to oversee safety of visitors, staff, property, and fellow officers.

• Greet and screen visitors, share Center information and directions with guests.

• Maintain high visibility around the Center, sharing a welcoming and respectful presence.

• Assist in development and implementation of safety procedures including but not limited to crowd control, emergency response, or civil unrest. Regularly assess potential security risks and vulnerabilities, and recommend improvements.

Key Deliverables / Outcomes

• Oversee day-to-day security operations, including patrols, monitoring, and emergency response. Maintain assigned sector/campus area with a clear presence, working alongside Visitor Experience staff when applicable for a welcoming and safe environment.

• Establish a working knowledge of security systems and technology onsite, utilizing digital systems to enhance efficiency. Document and report incidents, including detailed records of occurrences, responses, and outcomes.

• Lead safety training of Obama Presidential Center personnel responsible for public-facing roles including Events, Visitor Experience, and programming staff. Participate in training, drills, and certification processes to further the safety of self, staff, guests, and property.

• Keep a working knowledge of safety protocols and equipment, with a clear understanding of standard conduct in the event of an emergency or situation including fire, active assailant, civil unrest, HazMat, etc. Conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential security threats and vulnerabilities.

• Coordinate with local law enforcement, fire departments, and other external agencies to enhance security and respond to incidents.

• Facilitate maintenance, inventory, and adjustments to supplies, equipment, and uniforms.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent (required).

• 2+ years of security experience; 1 year in a supervisory/lead role preferred.

• Valid security guard license or certifications as required by state law.

• Basic computer skills (i.e., incident reporting, email, scheduling systems).

• Commitment to Obama Presidential Center mission and an inclusive environment

• Strong leadership, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.

• Significant experience in security operations, including roles with increasing responsibility. Ideally experience in a supervisory or management capacity.

• In-depth knowledge of security procedures, technology systems, risk assessment, emergency response, and crisis management strategies.

• Knowledge of relevant laws and regulations related to security, safety, and preservation of property.

• Ability to stand and walk on foot for extended periods of time as well as to work both independently and as part of a team

• Strong leadership, communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills.

• 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.

Work Environment

• Indoor and outdoor environments, depending on site needs.

• May require exposure to varying weather conditions.

• Requires calm, decisive action during emergencies.

The pay rate for this role is $24.00/hour.

This is a full-time, in-person role based at the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park.

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.

We are deeply committed to creating an actively anti-racist organization, leveraging our global reach to combat systemic racism and inequity wherever it exists. Read our full statement on anti-racism and equity here.