Security Officer (General Interest)

Obama Foundation; Chicago, Northern (IL, KY); Hybrid; USD 55,104,000 - 66,125,000; Full time

Job summary

The Obama Foundation is seeking a Security Officer for the Obama Presidential Center on Chicago's South Side. You will patrol, monitor, and safeguard guests, staff, and property, while maintaining a welcoming environment.

You will enforce security policies, respond to emergencies, coordinate with law enforcement, and ensure access control. Requires a high school diploma; CPR/First Aid/AED preferred and 1–2 years of relevant experience.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1–2 years prior security, law enforcement, or military experience preferred.
• Valid state Security Guard License preferred.
• CPR/First Aid/AED certification preferred or required within 60 days of hire.
• Experience with security monitoring systems and incident reporting is a plus.
• Experience or interest in working in a direct-facing role with the general public and security technology.
• Strong observational and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in stressful or emergency situations.
• Comfortable using radios, security software, and electronic reporting tools.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow procedures consistently.
• Commitment to Obama Presidential Center mission and inclusive environment.
• Ability to work at the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park and/or other Obama Foundation locations in Chicago.

Responsibilities

• Maintain high visibility around the Center with a welcoming and respectful presence.
• Ensure safety by monitoring behavior, addressing suspicious activities, and enforcing security policies.
• Provide guidance on safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Monitor and patrol premises to prevent theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access.
• Ensure security systems are operational.
• Greet visitors and provide information and directions.
• Screen guests as defined in security protocols.
• Control access points and ensure only authorized personnel enter restricted areas.
• Implement emergency response protocols when needed.
• Coordinate with local law enforcement and emergency services for incidents.
• Protect artifacts and exhibits from damage or theft.
• Enforce security policies including photography and handling of exhibits.
• Maintain records and reports of incidents and security activities.
• Review footage to deter and investigate incidents.
• Participate in training, drills, and certifications.

Skills

Observational skills and problem‑solv.

Verbal and written communication

Calm under pressure

Security monitoring systems

Security reporting tools

Education

High school diploma or GED

CPR/First Aid/AED certification

Security Guard License (preferred)

Tools

Security monitoring software

Incident reporting systems

Job description

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.

Security Officer – Role Overview

The Security Officer for the Obama Presidential Center will be responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the Obama Presidential Center’s guests, staff, and property. 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 Officer will wear a uniform provided by the Obama Presidential Center. Officers will be responsible for providing direction during an emergency situation, and designated patrol areas may change based on campus needs. As a Security Officer for the Obama Presidential Center, you will be reporting directly to a Security Supervisor, who will also provide day-to-day support.

Core Job Responsibilities

• Maintain high visibility around the Center, sharing a welcoming and respectful presence.
• Ensure the safety of visitors and staff by monitoring behavior, addressing any suspicious activities, and enforcing security policies and procedures.
• Provide guidance on safety protocols and emergency procedures (i.e., fire, active shooter, civil unrest, HazMat, etc.).
• Monitor and patrol the premises to prevent theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access.
• Ensure that all security systems (i.e., alarms, surveillance cameras, etc.), are operational.
• Greet visitors, share Obama Presidential Center information and directions with guests.
• Screen guests as defined in security protocols.
• Manage and monitor access points ensuring that only authorized personnel and visitors enter restricted areas.
• When necessary, implement emergency response protocols or responses.
• Work closely with local law enforcement and emergency services to ensure a coordinated response to security threats or incidents.
• Ensure the security and preservation of valuable artifacts and exhibits while protecting items from physical damage and/or theft.
• Enforce organizational policies and procedures related to security, including those governing visitor behavior, photography, and handling of exhibits.

Key Deliverables / Outcomes

• Maintain assigned sector/campus area with a clear presence, working alongside Visitor Experience staff when applicable to facilitate a welcoming and safe environment.
• Manage and monitor access to the facility, including issuing and tracking identification badges, controlling entry points, and ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive areas.
• Provide excellent customer service by greeting guests and providing introductory information as needed to answer questions including campus layout, service locations, etc.
• Operate and monitor security cameras and surveillance systems.
• Regularly review footage to deter and investigate suspicious behavior or incidents.
• Participate in training, drills, and certification processes to further the safety of self, staff, guests, and property.
• Respond to, document, and report any incidents, breaches, or security concerns.
• Accurately document and report any security incidents, including breaches, accidents, or unusual activities.
• Maintain detailed records and provide reports to management as required.
• Regularly assess and evaluate security risks and vulnerabilities.
• Propose measures to mitigate these risks and enhance the overall security posture of the facility.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1-2 years prior security, law enforcement, or military experience preferred.
• Valid state Security Guard License preferred.
• Current CPR/First Aid/AED certification preferred or required within 60 days of hire.
• Experience with security monitoring systems and incident reporting is a plus.
• Experience or interest in working in a direct-facing role with the general public and utilizing security technology systems.
• Strong observational and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in stressful or emergency situations.
• Comfortable using radios, security software, and electronic reporting tools.
• Attention to detail and ability to follow procedures consistently.
• Commitment to Obama Presidential Center mission and an inclusive environment.
• Ability to work out of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park and/or other Obama Foundation locations in Chicago.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand and walk on foot for extended periods of time, patrol large areas, and respond quickly to security incidents.
• Ability to lift up to 25-50 lbs as needed.
• Ability to climb stairs, conduct foot patrols, and operate security equipment.

Work Conditions

Strong observational and problem-solving abilities. Must be able to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed. Must be willing to work outdoors and indoors in varying weather conditions.

The pay rate for this role is $20.00/hour. For an overview of our benefits package, including insurance, paid time off, retirement & more, please visit https://www.obama.org/careers/.

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 [e-mail] if you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application.

At the Obama Foundation, we are guided by a core belief: that ordinary people working together can change history. We seek to bring people together to build a better tomorrow, believing in the power of collective action to change the world. 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 and the people’s progressive legacy. Join us for more information, please visit www.obama.org.