We have ambitious plans and we know the most critical step is building an incredible team that reflects the diverse fabric of our nation and embodies our values. Our team is made up of people who are equal parts dreamers and doers. We are people who care as much about how we achieve our goals as we do about the goals themselves. Our values drive our team and are instilled in the work this Foundation does every day. We are also committed to creating an anti-racist organization in order to do our part to help combat racism and inequity in all forms in communities across our nation and around the world. Read our full statement on anti-racism and equity here.

Purpose of Role

Core Job Responsibilities

• Exhibition Production:

  • Ensure exhibition fabrication meets design intent and required rigor to operate daily; track items needing adjustment and remediation.

  • Work with the Manager of Exhibition Production to plan and manage the installation/ de-installation of exhibitions and object rotations coordinating schedules and details with the Exhibitions Collections and Curatorial teams. Attend and participate in project meetings.

  • Oversee and participate in construction painting fabrication of display fixtures mounts and crates as needed. Oversee printing and mounting of internally produced exhibition signage including vinyl text graphics and object labels.

  • Work with outside vendors and contractors in the development and implementation of specific projects including oversight of quality accuracy of work and monitoring schedules.

  • Oversee and maintain the appearance of exhibition spaces including but not limited to dusting cleaning vitrines painting and exhibition light replacement.

  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current museum practices relating to exhibition care and installation.

• Shop Operations

  • Maintain the Exhibitions Woodshop Graphics Shop and onsite storage. Operate and maintain all tools and equipment associated with woodworking limited in-house graphic production mountmaking and exhibit maintenance with the industry technological and aesthetic standards.

  • Research new materials production techniques and technical advances.

  • Provide timely estimates and schedules for construction of displays cases or pedestals as required.

  • Ensure adherence to safe workplace practices and procedures in the operations of the preparator team and its work spaces.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Deliverables / Outcomes

• Develop schedules tracking mechanisms and processes to support the exhibition fabrication maintenance and object rotations production processes.

• Contribute to the future development of exhibition fabrication standards for use by both internal preparators and external vendors.

• Leverage tools to track and store all exhibition casework furniture and attic stock.

• Maintain an exhibition action log and maintenance process to ensure timely repairs of exhibitry on public view.

• Participate in various working groups across the OPC and Foundation such as teams working on exhibition rotation planning temporary exhibition development security cleaning and safety training.

• Garner full comprehension of the exhibition design fabrication drawings base building and campus plans for the Obama Presidential Center and develop the ability to represent them to stakeholders.

Required Qualifications

• At least three to five years of experience in the preparation installation and the handling of valuable art objects at a museum or gallery.

• Aptitude in wood shop operations and production schedule development.

• Proficiency in the safe use of a variety of hand and power tools especially in the application of various materials.

• Advanced knowledge of materials fabrication techniques and construction processes.

• Ability to interpret technical drawings specs and architectural and construction plans.

• Exceptional communication skills both written and verbal.

• Strong analytical planning and organizational skills with an ability to manage competing priorities.

• Fluency with a range of software SaaS programs including Google Suite Microsoft

• Suite Adobe Creative Suite Asana Slack.

• Ability to travel and work extended and/or unusual hours as necessary.

The salary range for this role is between $59755 and $74670.

This is an in-office role based in Hyde Park.

Foundation Values

The Foundation Values are Courage Empathy Integrity Accountability Community Inclusivity Pragmatism Resilience Imagination and Hope.

Dont check off every box in the requirements listed above Please apply anyway! Studies have shown that marginalized communities - such as women LGBTQ and people of color - are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. The Obama Foundation is dedicated to building an inclusive diverse equitable and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging so if youre excited about this role but your past experience doesnt 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 if you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application.