Public Programs Producer, OPC Programs

Obama Foundation•Chicago, IL

1d•$59,755 - $74,670•Onsite

About The Position

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 Public Programs Producer for Public Programs at the Obama Presidential Center (OPC) plays a critical role in the planning, production, and execution of public programming across the campus. Working across a range of spaces—including the auditorium, media suite, program rooms, library, fruit and vegetable garden, and outdoor public areas—the Program Producer ensures that programs are delivered with operational excellence and aligned with OPC’s mission to inspire, empower, and connect communities. Reporting to the Manager of Arts and Social Practice, the Public Programs Producer supports the advancement of program concepts from planning through live execution. The role is responsible for coordinating production logistics, managing program timelines, supporting vendor and talent logistics, preparing promotional and program content materials, and overseeing on-site event operations. The Public Programs Producer works cross-functionally across the Foundation to ensure that programs are delivered on time, on budget, and in accordance with institutional standards. This role supports a diverse portfolio of public-facing initiatives, including talks and workshops, community-based programs, outdoor activations, and community space use.

Requirements

Willingness and ability to work evenings and weekends during program delivery
Proven experience planning and producing mid-to-large scale public programs, with a minimum 3 years experience with live events, or cultural programming
Demonstrated experience managing complex program logistics in cultural organizations, creative companies, civic institutions, or educational settings
Experience coordinating programming for diverse audiences including adults, families, and youth
Strong understanding of event production requirements including staging, sound, lighting, technical production, and venue operations
Experience working with high-profile talent, artists, speakers, or public figures
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to work effectively with internal stakeholders, partners, vendors, and talent
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, collaborative environment
Technical production knowledge related to audio / visual (AV), sound, lighting, staging, or exhibition installation

Nice To Haves

Proficiency of Spanish is a plus, but not required.

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain detailed production timelines, project plans, and run-of-show documents for public programs
Coordinate program logistics across OPC spaces, including scheduling, technical requirements, and operational needs
Coordinate logistics with vendors, artists, speakers, and community partners
Coordinate talent logistics including travel, hospitality, scheduling, and on-site support
Review and manage technical riders, hospitality requirements, and production specifications
Serve as a primary production lead during program execution, ensuring seamless event delivery
Coordinate closely with OPC Operations teams, including Convenings, Facilities, Security, and Visitor Experience
Manage load-ins, rehearsals, technical runs, and strikes for live programs and events
Troubleshoot real-time production challenges with professionalism and efficiency
Support program budget management including invoice processing, expense tracking, and financial reconciliation
Prepare production documentation including logistics briefs, production schedules, and post-event reports
Coordinate program content and operational details needed for communications, marketing, and promotional materials
Maintain organized program documentation and production records to support ongoing program planning and evaluation
Successfully produce and implement public programs that advance the OPC Programming Strategy and support the broader mission and goals of the Obama Presidential Center
Maintain accurate and up-to-date program production plans, timelines, and administrative documentation in coordination with the Arts & Social Practice Manager and OPC Programs team
Ensure high-quality execution of public programs by coordinating production, technical, and operational needs from planning through post-event reporting
Provide flexible production support across the OPC programming portfolio based on institutional priorities and program needs