Obama Foundation
Security Officer, Obama Presidential Center
Obama Foundation, Indianapolis, Indiana, United States
Security Officer, Obama Presidential Center
Launch the Legacy: Founding Staff Roles
Step into history as a founding staff member of the Obama Presidential Center’s (OPC) opening team. As a founding staff member, you will not only help launch a global destination but also have the unique opportunity to define the Obama Presidential Center's earliest culture and operational excellence. This is your chance to contribute to a lasting legacy, ensuring the OPC is a powerful tribute to what happens when communities unite to achieve greatness.
Purpose of the Role The Security Officer for the Obama Presidential Center will be responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the Obama Presidential Center’s guests, staff, and property. The Officer will respond to guest concerns, security threats, and establish a welcoming but secure environment. Officers will provide direction during an emergency and patrol assigned areas. The Officer reports directly to a Security Supervisor and receives day‑day support.
Core Job Responsibilities
Maintain high visibility around the Center, sharing a welcoming and respectful presence.
Ensure the safety of visitors and staff by monitoring behavior, addressing suspicious activities, and enforcing security policies and procedures.
Monitor and patrol premises to prevent theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access; keep all security systems operational.
Greet visitors, provide information, and screen guests per protocols.
Implement emergency response protocols when necessary.
Work closely with local law enforcement and emergency services to coordinate responses.
Protect valuable artifacts and exhibits from physical damage and theft.
Enforce organizational policies related to visitor behavior, photography, and handling of exhibits.
Key Deliverables / Outcomes
Maintain assigned sector with a clear presence and facilitate a welcoming and safe environment.
Manage and monitor access to the facility, including issuing and tracking identification badges.
Provide excellent customer service by greeting guests and answering questions.
Operate and monitor security cameras and surveillance systems; review footage regularly.
Participate in training, drills, and certification processes.
Respond to, document, and report any incidents, breaches, or security concerns.
Regularly assess security risks and propose mitigations to enhance security posture.
Required Qualifications
High school diploma or GED required.
1‑2 years security, law enforcement, or military experience preferred.
Valid state Security Guard License preferred.
Current CPR/First Aid/AED certification required within 60 days of hire.
Experience with security monitoring systems and incident reporting is a plus.
Experience or interest in working in a public‑facing role with security technology systems.
Strong observational and problem‑solving abilities.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to remain calm and professional in stressful or emergency situations.
Comfortable using radios, security software, and electronic reporting tools.
Attention to detail and consistent adherence to procedures.
Commitment to the Obama Presidential Center mission and an inclusive environment.
Ability to work out of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park and/or other Obama Foundation locations in.
Physical Requirements
Stand and walk on foot for extended periods while patrolling large areas.
Lift up to 25–50 lbs as needed.
Climb stairs, conduct foot patrols, and operate security equipment.
Work Conditions
Must be able to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Must be willing to work outdoors and indoors in varying weather conditions.
Pay Rate The pay rate for this role is $20.00/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! 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 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. 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.
Seniority level Entry level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Other, Information Technology, and Management
Industries Non‑profit Organizations
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Purpose of the Role The Security Officer for the Obama Presidential Center will be responsible for ensuring the safety and security of the Obama Presidential Center’s guests, staff, and property. The Officer will respond to guest concerns, security threats, and establish a welcoming but secure environment. Officers will provide direction during an emergency and patrol assigned areas. The Officer reports directly to a Security Supervisor and receives day‑day support.
Core Job Responsibilities
Maintain high visibility around the Center, sharing a welcoming and respectful presence.
Ensure the safety of visitors and staff by monitoring behavior, addressing suspicious activities, and enforcing security policies and procedures.
Monitor and patrol premises to prevent theft, vandalism, and unauthorized access; keep all security systems operational.
Greet visitors, provide information, and screen guests per protocols.
Implement emergency response protocols when necessary.
Work closely with local law enforcement and emergency services to coordinate responses.
Protect valuable artifacts and exhibits from physical damage and theft.
Enforce organizational policies related to visitor behavior, photography, and handling of exhibits.
Key Deliverables / Outcomes
Maintain assigned sector with a clear presence and facilitate a welcoming and safe environment.
Manage and monitor access to the facility, including issuing and tracking identification badges.
Provide excellent customer service by greeting guests and answering questions.
Operate and monitor security cameras and surveillance systems; review footage regularly.
Participate in training, drills, and certification processes.
Respond to, document, and report any incidents, breaches, or security concerns.
Regularly assess security risks and propose mitigations to enhance security posture.
Required Qualifications
High school diploma or GED required.
1‑2 years security, law enforcement, or military experience preferred.
Valid state Security Guard License preferred.
Current CPR/First Aid/AED certification required within 60 days of hire.
Experience with security monitoring systems and incident reporting is a plus.
Experience or interest in working in a public‑facing role with security technology systems.
Strong observational and problem‑solving abilities.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to remain calm and professional in stressful or emergency situations.
Comfortable using radios, security software, and electronic reporting tools.
Attention to detail and consistent adherence to procedures.
Commitment to the Obama Presidential Center mission and an inclusive environment.
Ability to work out of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park and/or other Obama Foundation locations in.
Physical Requirements
Stand and walk on foot for extended periods while patrolling large areas.
Lift up to 25–50 lbs as needed.
Climb stairs, conduct foot patrols, and operate security equipment.
Work Conditions
Must be able to work evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.
Must be willing to work outdoors and indoors in varying weather conditions.
Pay Rate The pay rate for this role is $20.00/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! 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 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. 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.
Seniority level Entry level
Employment type Full‑time
Job function Other, Information Technology, and Management
Industries Non‑profit Organizations
#J-18808-Ljbffr