About the Obama Foundation

At the Obama Foundation, we are guided by a core belief: that ordinary people working together can change history. Our mission is to inspire those people to take action, empower them to change their world for the better, and connect them so they can achieve more together than they can alone.

We were founded by community organizers, so when we seek change, we do it by bringing people together. 

That approach begins at home, on the South Side of Chicago, where we are building the Obama Presidential Center. The Center represents a historic opportunity for Chicago: a chance to build a world-class museum and public gathering space that celebrates our nation’s first African American President and First Lady, steps away from where he began his career, where she was raised, and where—together—they made their home. 

But that approach extends to all our work, whether it’s holding leadership training sessions in communities throughout the U.S., bringing local leaders together in countries around the world, working to support the global education of girls, or ensuring young men of color have pathways to opportunity.

As President Obama has said, “we cannot solve the challenges of our time unless we solve them together.” So join us. 

For more information, please visit www.obama.org.

Location

Chicago, IL

Purpose of the Role

The Superintendent of Operations and Maintenance for the Obama Presidential Center (OPC) will be responsible for leading the skilled trades workers in sustaining the campus as a whole. This role will manage the planning of facility maintenance during the pre-opening phase, ensure a smooth transition between construction and operation phases, and oversee the implementation of systems once the Center is open for a high-performing and sustainable operating model. Spaces will include a museum, auditorium, restaurant and cafe, a public library, Athletic Center, and extensive grounds. 

The Superintendent, Operations and Maintenance,  will report directly to the Director of Campus Facility Operations.

Core Job Responsibilities

  • Organize and coordinate OPC maintenance via onsite operators, electricians, carpenters, and laborers.
  • Manage multiple trades and unions across the campus, serving as a liaison for union contracts. 
  • Lead oversight in operating standards including WELL and LEED certifications, as well as other sustainability practices. 
  • Ensure smooth and efficient coordination between operations and other internal teams including Building Services, Security, and Integrated Systems for comprehensive attention across all spaces on the OPC campus without interruption to programming and services.
  • Oversee predictive and routine preventive maintenance to ensure consistent, high-quality experience for guests without service interruptions. 
  • Maintain a working knowledge of building facilities including but not limited to sustainable systems such as geothermal and solar energy systems, glass and bronze features, lighting and shade systems, and other integrated campus features. 
  • Demonstrate a commitment to building an inclusive setting, adapting to team needs, and upholding OPC mission and values. 
  • Perform other duties as assigned. 

Key Deliverables / Outcomes

  • Support the Director of Campus Facility Operations in developing and implementing standard operating procedures, while assisting in the commissioning of mechanical, electrical, and plumbing scopes.
  • Assist in the roll out and application of automated systems for work orders, workforce safety, and efficient operations. 
  • Lead transition out of the construction phase and completion of punch list items, developing a working knowledge of industry best practices to preserve equipment and facilities into the operational phase, with a particular emphasis on preparations for a public opening milestone.
  • Oversee contractors and vendors including but not limited to elevators, fire and life safety, generator, water treatment services.
  • Participate in safety inspections, training, hazard abatement, and OSHA compliance to ensure a safe environment for guests and staff. 
  • Recommend best practices for equipment procurement and trainings to improve operations and reduce costs. 
  • Hire, train, and supervise a diverse staff of trades workers committed to creating an inclusive environment aligned with OPC mission.

Required Qualifications

  • Experience leading facility operations and maintenance with oversight on both long-term planning and day-to-day management.
  • Experience or strong familiarity with some or all of the following: carpentry and millwork, HVAC functionality, irrigation and water retention, complex electrical systems. Ideally such experience has been in support of a cultural or entertainment space.
  • Experience collaborating between teams, particularly museum operations and spaces for public programming and/or high profile events. 
  • Literate or thorough understanding of multiple trades’ operations in a campus-like setting with a commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, and inclusion.
  • 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 $87,020 and $108,775.

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!

In the interest of employee health and safety during the pendency of the COVID-19 global pandemic, the Obama Foundation is requiring that all prospective employees present proof that they are fully-vaccinated against COVID-19, or seek a reasonable accommodation for religious or medical reasons, prior to their first day of employment.

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 careers@obama.org if you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application.

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