Senior Associate, OPC Venue Management

The Barack Obama Foundation; United States; On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

The Obama Foundation in Chicago’s South Side seeks a Senior Associate, OPC Venue Management to coordinate and execute venue operations for the Obama Presidential Center. You will partner with internal teams, hosts, and vendors to ensure seamless events from planning through wrap.

This onsite, term-based role requires flexible hours, including evenings and weekends, with an end date of December 2027. You will drive the Museum Event Order process and deliver hospitality-driven experiences aligned

Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in event operations, hospitality, hotel conference services, or venue operations.
• Regular evening and weekend hours are required based on event schedules; flexibility to adjust weekday schedules and take time off during the week is expected to balance event coverage.
• Experience supporting onsite event execution or guest services in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate event intake, feasibility, and scheduling with OPC guidelines.
• Serve as Venue Manager during events, overseeing load-in through event close.
• Collaborate with Facilities, Security, and Visitor Experience to meet Museum Event Orders (MEOs).
• Improve Venue Management processes and cross-team coordination.

Skills

Event operations

Hospitality

Vendor coordination

Onsite coordination

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.

Purpose of the Role

The Senior Associate, OPC Venue Management coordinates and facilitates seamless venue operations for the Obama Presidential Center (OPC). Responsible for executing requirements across a range of internal, external, and public events, this role serves as the onsite Venue Manager from the planning phase through execution for highly complex events.

Operating similarly to a Conference Services Manager or Event Concierge, the Senior Associate partners with event hosts to own venue execution. While hosts lead program content and attendee management, this role drives the Museum Event Order (MEO) process, coordinates internal Operations teams, and ensures a high-quality, hospitality-driven experience.

This role requires regular evening and weekend hours based on event schedules; flexibility to adjust weekday schedules and take time off during the week is expected to balance event coverage. This is a term-based, onsite role with an end date of December 2027, located at the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park.

Core Job Responsibilities

Event Logistics & Coordination

• Manage and vet event intake and scheduling, including reviewing requests for feasibility, alignment with OPC guidelines, and operational impact
• Partner with event hosts (internal teams and external clients) to review and confirm event details, ensuring alignment with OPC operational standards and venue requirements
• Review vendor plans and event logistics provided by the host to ensure compliance with OPC guidelines, policies, and campus constraints
• Coordinate with OPC Facilities, Security, and Visitor Experience teams to operationalize event requirements, including managing and communicating details through the Museum Event Order (MEO) process
• Identify gaps, risks, or conflicts and work with event hosts and internal teams to resolve them in advance of the event

Event Execution & Onsite Coordination

• Serve as the Venue Manager during events, responsible for overseeing venue operations from load-in through event close
• Coordinate with OPC Facilities, Security, and Visitor Experience teams to deliver services in alignment with Museum Event Orders (MEOs)
• Partner with the event host, who onsite leads program content, attendee management, and vendor deliverables
• Manage event spaces and venue operations in real time, including setup, transitions, timing, and overall operational flow
• Work with the event host to identify and resolve operational issues quickly to maintain a seamless environment
• Oversee vendor activity onsite to ensure compliance with approved plans, schedules, and OPC standards
• Deliver a high standard of hospitality that reflects OPC values, ensuring a welcoming, inclusive, and well-supported experience for all guests

Process & Team Contribution

• Contribute to the development and refinement of Venue Management processes and workflows
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, tools, and cross-team coordination
• Support consistency in planning and execution by following and reinforcing established standards
• Provide guidance and support to Analysts on processes, tools, and best practices

Key Deliverables / Outcomes

• Events are executed smoothly, on time, and in alignment with approved plans and OPC standards
• Guests and event hosts experience a high level of service, professionalism, and hospitality
• Event details are accurately scheduled, documented, and operationalized through MEOs
• Venue operations are well-coordinated across internal teams and vendor partners
• Onsite issues are resolved quickly with minimal disruption
• Effective and respectful cross-team collaboration with OPC colleagues and partners
• Consistently demonstrate OPC values

Required Qualifications

• 4+ years of experience in event operations, hospitality, hotel conference services, or venue operations
• Regular evening and weekend hours are required based on event schedules; flexibility to adjust weekday schedules and take time off during the week is expected to balance event coverage
• Experience supporting onsite event execution or guest services in a fast-paced environmen