Operations Manager

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.

We are deeply committed to creating an actively anti‑racist organization, leveraging our global reach to combat systemic racism and inequity wherever it exists.

Read our full statement on anti‑racism and equity here.

The Operations Manager will be responsible for facilities that offer world‑class operational support and resources to Foundation staff and guests. Primary responsibilities include overseeing office operations, developing and refining workplace procedures, and working closely with the Sr. Director, Operations to help make the Obama Foundation a top‑rated place to work. The Operations Manager will manage the Washington D.C. and Chicago work spaces, ensuring successful daily office functions and a workspace that is secure and welcoming.

They will oversee team communications across departments and will work closely with the full Operations team to ensure that Foundation staff have what they need to carry forward our mission of inspiring, empowering, and connecting people to change the world.

Office Operations

• Manage daily office operations, workflows, and administrative processes.
• Maintain and develop a plan for accommodating staff as the Foundation continues to grow and prepares to operate the Obama Presidential Center.
• Responsible for creating, controlling, and managing Foundation facilities costs and Operations team budgets under the guidance of the Sr. Director, Operations.
• Ensure a consistently excellent experience for all Foundation staff and visitors.
• Provide leadership in campus space planning initiatives to optimize facility use and support institutional growth and strategic objectives. Oversee opening and closing of office spaces.
• Work collaboratively with Foundation teams to coordinate site visits, board meetings, and campus events, ensuring logistical efficiency and positive guest experiences.

Employee Engagement and Culture

• Identify, evaluate and implement workplace and employee engagement initiatives that will enhance the employee experience for Foundation employees.
• Support communication between in‑office and remote teams to ensure inclusivity.
• Support employee engagement initiatives for both remote and in‑office staff.

Security Operations

• Work closely with the Security and Engineering teams to ensure that the Foundation Emergency Preparedness Plan is aligned with institutional policies; utilizing quarterly training, annual reviews and readiness assessments.
• Plan and facilitate required safety and emergency response training for faculty and staff, including CPR, First Aid, AED certification, and campus emergency procedures.

Operating Policies and Procedures

• Collaborate with other teams to develop, refine, and implement consistent policies and procedures. Ensure compliance and effective execution of these policies.

Contract & Vendor Management and Facilities Coordination

• Oversee contracts related to work spaces, including those with external contractors, service providers, and vendors. Ensure agreements are current, compliant, and effectively managed to meet operational and financial objectives.
• Manage day‑to‑day communication with facilities management, operating engineers, and contracted service providers. Serve as the primary point of contact for…