Associate, OPC Venue Management – Obama Foundation
The Obama Foundation is hiring an Associate, OPC Venue Management to support venue operations at the Obama Presidential Center (OPC) in Jackson Park, Chicago, United States. This full-time, onsite position is responsible for coordinating event logistics, managing venue operations, and ensuring a high-quality experience for event hosts, vendors, and guests.
The role is particularly suited to professionals with experience in event operations, hospitality, hotel conference services, venue management, or guest services who are comfortable working in a fast-paced environment and managing events from planning through execution.
The position is term-based through December 2027 and requires regular evening and weekend work depending on the event schedule.
About the Obama Foundation
The Obama Foundation works to inspire, empower, and connect people to create positive change in their communities. The Foundation is developing the Obama Presidential Center on Chicago’s South Side as a global center focused on programming, community engagement, education, and opportunities that encourage people to turn hope into action.
The Foundation operates according to its Hope to Action Values, which include Courage, Empathy, Integrity, Accountability, Community, Inclusivity, Pragmatism, Resilience, Imagination, and Hope.
Associate, OPC Venue Management – Key Responsibilities
The Associate will coordinate venue operations for internal, external, and public events at the Obama Presidential Center.
Event Logistics and Coordination
Responsibilities include:
- Managing and reviewing event intake and scheduling requests.
- Assessing event requests for feasibility, operational impact, and alignment with OPC guidelines.
- Working with internal teams and external event clients to confirm event details.
- Reviewing vendor plans and event logistics for compliance with venue requirements.
- Coordinating with Facilities, Security, and Visitor Experience teams.
- Managing event information through the Museum Event Order (MEO) process.
- Identifying operational gaps, risks, and conflicts before events take place.
- Working with event hosts and internal teams to resolve issues in advance.
Event Execution and Onsite Coordination
The Associate will also serve as the onsite Venue Manager during events.
Duties include:
- Overseeing venue operations from load-in through event close.
- Coordinating Facilities, Security, and Visitor Experience services.
- Managing event spaces, setup, transitions, timing, and operational flow.
- Working with event hosts to resolve operational issues in real time.
- Overseeing vendors onsite and ensuring compliance with approved plans.
- Maintaining a high standard of hospitality.
- Helping create a welcoming, inclusive, and well-supported experience for guests.
Process and Team Support
The role will also contribute to improving Venue Management processes and workflows.
This includes:
- Identifying opportunities to improve efficiency and cross-team coordination.
- Supporting the development of tools and processes.
- Reinforcing established venue planning and execution standards.
- Providing guidance and support to Analysts on processes, tools, and best practices.
Required Qualifications
Applicants should have:
- At least 3 years of experience in event operations, hospitality, hotel conference services, or venue operations.
- Experience supporting onsite event execution or guest services in a fast-paced environment.
- Strong organizational and communication skills.
- The ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
- The ability to remain calm under pressure and make sound decisions in real time.
- Strong attention to detail and a commitment to quality and service.
- The ability to move frequently across the Obama Presidential Center campus, both indoors and outdoors.
Experience with event or venue management systems such as Infor, as well as project management platforms such as Asana, is an advantage.
Working Hours and Location
This is a full-time, onsite position based at the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park, Chicago.
Because the role supports events, applicants must be willing to work regular evenings and weekends depending on event schedules. The successful candidate will also need flexibility to adjust weekday schedules and take time off during the week when necessary to balance event coverage.
The position is term-based and runs through December 2027.
Salary
The salary range for the Associate, OPC Venue Management position is:
$59,755 – $74,670 per year
The Obama Foundation also provides a benefits package that includes insurance, paid time off, retirement benefits, and other employee benefits.
Application Deadline
Deadline: November 19, 2026
Applicants are encouraged to apply even if they do not meet every qualification listed. The Obama Foundation states that candidates whose experience does not perfectly match every requirement may still be considered for this or another opportunity.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should apply through the official Obama Foundation careers portal.
Job title: Associate, OPC Venue Management
Location: Obama Presidential Center, Jackson Park, Chicago, USA
Job type: Full-time, onsite
Contract: Term-based through December 2027
Salary: $59,755 – $74,670 per year
Application deadline: November 19, 2026
Applicants should review the complete vacancy details and submit their application before the closing date.
Equal Opportunity Employer: The Obama Foundation is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds.
