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 Custodial Team Lead for the Obama Presidential Center will be responsible for performing and upholding high-standards in building custodial services and building upkeep. This role will manage work orders and actively address building maintenance needs to ensure seamless operations in accordance with Obama Foundation and standard operating procedure guidelines. During each shift, the Team Lead will wear a uniform provided by the Obama Presidential Center. This role will serve as a main point of contact for Custodial personnel in daily operations, leading shift operations.

As the Custodial Team Lead for the Obama Presidential Center, this position will report directly to the Custodial Operations Supervisor.

Core Job Responsibilities

• Coordinate, oversee, and actively participate in the work of the custodial staff, ensuring the proper upkeep of the Obama Presidential Center.

• Collaborate effectively with other departments, such as Facilities, Security, Events, and Visitor Experience, to ensure a seamless integration of custodial services throughout the museum campus.

• Utilize onsite maintenance systems to manage work orders, assets, inventory, workloading, and inspections efficiently.

• Provide comprehensive and ongoing training for the custodial team, including the proper and efficient performance of maintenance tasks.

• Maintain a clean and orderly environment to protect the safety and health of visitors and fellow staff. Ensure compliance with safety protocols, museum policies, and sustainability goals as a direct representation of the Center’s mission.

• Contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment for Obama Presidential Center guests and visitors.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Deliverables / Outcomes

• Lead utilization of reporting and work order systems to ensure current and reliable inventory of equipment and tools as well as work assignments.

• Collaborate with other museum departments to ensure that custodial services align with programmatic needs, such as exhibitions, educational events, and special functions.

• Lead team in sanitizing public and staff spaces including but not limited to museum exhibits, classroom and programming rooms, performance spaces, and Presidential rooms as assigned.

• Adhere to established procedures to uphold a safe work environment including alignment with OSHA, state and local, federal, and Obama Presidential Center standards. Facilitate and participate in training and certifications to ensure the safety and wellbeing of self, staff, guests, and property.

• Clean and maintain restrooms, advising and facilitating assignments across campus area.

• Manage waste, recycling, and compost systems per the Obama Presidential Center’s sustainability standards.

Required Qualifications

• Ability to stand and walk on foot for extended periods of time.

• Experience or interest in facility maintenance, particularly at a cultural institution, university, or hotel.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team, addressing problems appropriately and elevating to supervisor as needed.

• Commitment to the 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.

The pay rate for this role is $24.50/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.