Senior Associate, OPC Venue Management

Obama Foundation•Chicago, IL

6d•$79,040 - $98,800•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Associate, OPC Venue Management coordinates and facilitates seamless venue operations for the Obama Presidential Center (OPC). The role executes requirements across internal, external, and public events, serving as the onsite Venue Manager for highly complex events from planning through execution. Similar to a Conference Services Manager or Event Concierge, this position partners with event hosts to own venue execution. Hosts lead program content and attendee management, while the Senior Associate drives the Museum Event Order (MEO) process, coordinates internal Operations teams, and supports a high-quality, hospitality-driven experience. This term-based, onsite role is based at the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park and ends in December 2027. Regular evening and weekend hours are required according to event schedules, with flexibility to adjust weekday schedules and take time off during the week to balance event coverage. The role involves frequent mobility across the Center’s campus, both indoors and outdoors.

Requirements

At least 4 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, including the ability to manage multiple priorities.
Ability to remain calm under pressure and make sound decisions in real time.
Detail-oriented, with a strong commitment to quality and service.
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.
Must be based onsite at the Obama Presidential Center.
Frequent mobility across the Center’s campus, both indoors and outdoors, is required.

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 confirm event details and ensure alignment with OPC operational standards and venue requirements.
Review host-provided vendor plans and event logistics for 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, and 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 the event host, who leads 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.
Provide a welcoming, inclusive, and well-supported guest experience consistent with OPC values and hospitality standards.
Contribute to the development and refinement of Venue Management processes and workflows.
Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, tools, and cross-team coordination.
Follow and reinforce established standards to support consistent planning and execution.
Provide guidance and support to Analysts on processes, tools, and best practices.