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

As the Receptionist at the Obama Presidential Center, you will be responsible for creating a welcoming environment for guests, managing our front-desk operations, serving as a key back-up to the Call Center, and providing additional administrative support to the Foundation team.

Core Job Responsibilities

• Guest Relations: Greet and welcome office guests; direct visitors to the appropriate office.

• Communication: Answer, screen, and forward incoming phone calls and emails while providing basic information when needed. Provide dedicated back-up support to the Call Center to ensure seamless coverage and guest assistance during peak times.

• Office Logistics: Maintain office security by following safety procedures and controlling access via the reception desk, while maintaining a welcoming environment.

• Mail & Deliveries: Support Office Coordinator as needed in receiving, sorting, and distributing daily mail; occasionally send outgoing mail and courier services in coordination with the Loading Dock Manager.

• Additional Operations & Administrative Support: As needed help with office operations including restocking office supplies and assisting with tasks like filing, collating documents, or booking office conference rooms.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Deliverables / Outcomes

• Guest Relations:

  • Ensure guests are greeted & welcomed quickly.

  • Maintain a professional and organized lobby environment.

• Communication: Effective phone routing, demonstrated knowledge of the Foundation in order to efficiently direct inquiries.

• Office Logistics: Ensure office security by adhering to security procedures with a positive and inclusive attitude.

• Mail & Deliveries: Support daily distribution of mail and seamless coordination with the Loading Dock and Security.

• Additional Operations & Administrative Support: Contribute to day to day tasks completed by the Workplace Services team, including restocking kitchen or office supplies, booking conference rooms, making coffee, etc.

Required Qualifications

• 1 - 3 years of experience as a receptionist, front office representative, or similar role.

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to prioritize tasks and work under pressure.

• An ability to be proactive and able to problem solve with minimal supervision.

• Proficient in technology.

The pay rate for this role is $21.50/hour.

This is a full-time, 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 careers@obama.org if you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application.