Associate, OPC Venue Management

Obama Foundation•Chicago, IL

5d•$59,755 - $74,670•Onsite

About The Position

The Associate, OPC Venue Management coordinates and facilitates venue operations for the Obama Presidential Center (OPC), executing requirements for internal, external, and public events. Serving as the onsite Venue Manager from planning through execution, the Associate works with event hosts to operationalize event plans. Hosts lead program content and attendee management, while the Associate manages the Museum Event Order (MEO) process, coordinates internal Operations teams, and supports a high-quality, hospitality-driven experience. The role includes managing event intake and scheduling, reviewing event and vendor plans, coordinating with Facilities, Security, and Visitor Experience, and overseeing venue operations during events from load-in through close. The Associate also contributes to improving processes and workflows and provides guidance to Analysts. This is a term-based, onsite role at the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park, with an end date of December 2027. Regular evening and weekend hours are required according to event schedules; weekday schedules may be adjusted, with time off during the week expected to balance event coverage.

Requirements

At least 3 years of experience in event operations, hospitality, hotel conference services, or venue operations.
Experience supporting onsite event execution or guest services in a fast-paced environment.
Strong organizational and communication skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Ability to remain calm under pressure and make sound decisions in real time.
Attention to detail and a strong commitment to quality and service.
Ability to move frequently across the Center’s campus, both indoors and outdoors.
Regular evening and weekend work according to event schedules, with flexibility to adjust weekday schedules and take time off during the week to balance event coverage.

Nice To Haves

Experience with event or venue management systems such as Infor.
Experience with project management systems such as Asana.

Responsibilities

Manage and vet event intake and scheduling, reviewing requests for feasibility, alignment with OPC guidelines, and operational impact.
Partner with internal and external event hosts to review and confirm event details and ensure alignment with OPC operational standards and venue requirements.
Review vendor plans and event logistics to ensure compliance with OPC guidelines, policies, and campus constraints.
Coordinate with OPC Facilities, Security, and Visitor Experience teams to operationalize event requirements and communicate 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.
Serve as Venue Manager during events, overseeing venue operations from load-in through event close.
Coordinate with OPC Facilities, Security, and Visitor Experience teams to deliver services in alignment with MEOs.
Partner with event hosts, who lead program content, attendee management, and vendor deliverables onsite.
Manage event spaces and venue operations in real time, including setup, transitions, timing, and operational flow.
Work with event hosts to identify and resolve operational issues quickly.
Oversee onsite vendor activity to ensure compliance with approved plans, schedules, and OPC standards.
Deliver a welcoming, inclusive, and well-supported guest experience that reflects OPC values.
Contribute to developing and refining Venue Management processes and workflows.
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, tools, and cross-team coordination.
Follow and reinforce established standards to support consistency in planning and execution.
Provide guidance and support to Analysts on processes, tools, and best practices.