Security Supervisor

BOF The Barack Obama Foundation; United States; On-site; USD 27,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Insurance

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Careers & growth opportunities

Job summary

Obama Foundation in Chicago seeks a Security Supervisor for the Obama Presidential Center to lead shift operations, oversee security staff, and ensure a welcoming but secure environment for visitors and staff.

You will coordinate safety procedures, train personnel, and respond to emergencies, reporting to the Head of Security. The role requires on-site work at Jackson Park with varied hours.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2+ years of security experience; 1 year in a supervisory role preferred.
• Valid security guard license or relevant state certifications.
• Ability to stand and walk for extended periods and work independently or with a team.
• Flexibility for early morning, late night, weekends and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Oversee and direct security personnel and training.
• Create and manage shift schedules for full coverage.
• Oversee operations center and security tech to ensure visitor safety.
• Greet, screen visitors and provide Center information.
• Lead safety training for public-facing staff and participate in drills.
• Coordinate with local authorities and maintain incident records.

Skills

Leadership

Security operations

Communication

Conflict resolution

Team supervision

Education

High school diploma

Tools

Incident reporting systems

Security technology

Job description

About the Obama Foundation

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

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 out of 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.

Compensation & Benefits

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. 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.

Our Mission

At the Obama Foundation, we are guided by a core belief: that ordinary people working together can change history. 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.