Visitor Engagement Associate (General Interest)

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.

As a Visitor Engagement Associate, you will support various points of engagement for guests, including but not limited to campus tours and facilitating museum exhibit experiences. This position serves as a primary point of contact for guests and external stakeholders in visiting the Obama Presidential Center, a critical component in delivering an inclusive experience at the Center.

In this role, you’ll be reporting directly to the Manager, Visitor Education and Engagement, while also receiving day-to-day instruction and support from the Supervisors, Visitor Education and Engagement. During each shift, the Associate will wear a uniform provided by the Obama Presidential Center.

Core Job Responsibilities

• Navigate a fast-paced environment, with a schedule that rotates between leading tours, exhibit narratives, and programming guidance.
• Demonstrate strong customer service with the ability to refer visitors to another staff member if needed.
• Provide direct customer engagement for an inclusive and welcoming environment.
• Build and maintain a working knowledge of Obama Presidential Center programming and exhibits to anticipate guest questions and exhibit navigation.
• Work closely with onsite security for a welcoming and safe guest experience, assisting in crowd management and evacuation if necessary during an emergency situation.
• Work collaboratively with Visitor Services and Volunteer Ambassadors to create a positive and engaging experience for visitors.
• Perform other duties under the Visitor Engagement area as assigned.

Key Deliverables / Outcomes

• Maintain a working knowledge of updated exhibit and gallery narratives, translating context for audiences in an inclusive manner.
• Build and maintain a working knowledge of digital assets within Museum exhibits, with the ability to assist visitors should they need support.
• Respond to guest questions or assistance needs as appropriate, emphasizing an inclusive environment.
• Participate in regularly scheduled training for evolving exhibit displays and Museum programming.
• Provide guidance to visitors across campus grounds and buildings, answering general questions as needed.
• Apply specialized knowledge of the role to independently complete routine tasks and resolve issues, with the ability to elevate concerns to supervisors as necessary.
• Demonstrate proficiency in core professional duties, and uses discretion and independent judgment to resolve complex problems.

Required Qualifications

• Experience with and willingness to learn local historical context, with the ability to articulate narratives to diverse audiences.
• Interest and/or experience in talking directly with members of the public while providing a welcoming and inclusive experience, regardless of an individual’s background.
• 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.

The pay rate for this role is $24.00/hour. For an overview of our benefits package, including insurance, paid time off, retirement & more, please visit https://www.obama.org/careers/.

This is an 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.