At The Obama Foundation, our mission is to inspire, empower, and connect people to change their world.  We seek to build an active democratic culture where people are equipped and motivated to make change in the communities where they live, work, and play. Right here on the South Side of Chicago, we’re building a home for this vision, a global center for change with a range of opportunities - coordinated programming, community outreach events, educational moments, and more - that invite visitors from down the block or across the globe to turn hope into action.

Achieving our ambitious goals starts with an exceptional team built on our Hope to Action Values - Courage, Empathy, Integrity, Accountability, Community, Inclusivity, Pragmatism, Resilience, Imagination, and Hope. A Framework that anyone, anywhere, can use to build trust, activate participation, and expand opportunity in their community.

Purpose of the Role

We're continuously accepting applications for our active openings over the next few months! We can't wait to see how your unique skills and perspective can help our mission thrive as we grow.

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 onsite at 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! 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.