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

We’re continuously accepting applications for our active openings over the next few months! We can’t wait to see how your unique skills and perspective can help our mission thrive as we grow.

The Custodian will be responsible for executing both routine and specialized cleaning plans for the facility and surrounding campus to ensure the safety and well-being of all guests and staff. During each shift, the Custodian will wear a uniform provided by the Obama Presidential Center. This position will be assigned a designated coverage area, though assignments may change based on campus needs and shift requirements.

As a Custodian for the Obama Presidential Center, you will be reporting directly to a Custodial Team Lead, who will also provide day-to-day support.

Core Job Responsibilities

Ensure Obama Presidential Center public spaces uphold cleanliness and sanitation standards as a direct representation of the Center’s mission.

Actively protect upkeep of Obama Presidential Center grounds and surfaces within assigned campus area, including floors, counters, walls, and high-touch surfaces.

Utilize the work order system to efficiently carry out cleaning schedules, receive real-time alerts for urgent cleaning tasks, manage inventory, and equipment status; ensuring complete transparency and accountability.

Respond promptly to custodial emergencies (e.g., spills.), minimizing disruption to museum operations and visitor experiences.

Uphold industry standards and operating procedures for safe work environments, including OSHA compliance while maintaining professional interaction with staff and visitors.

Contribute to a welcoming and inclusive environment for Obama Presidential Center guests.

Key Deliverables / Outcomes

Sanitize all assigned public and staff spaces; including but not limited to museum exhibits, classrooms, programming rooms, performance spaces, and presidential rooms. Ensure that practices adhere to APPA Level 1 cleanliness standards and sanitation practices as well as the Center’s mission and sustainability practices.

Clean and maintain restrooms and other facilities within the assigned campus area, ensuring restocking of supplies and timely waste disposal, while adhering to the museum’s sustainability guidelines.

Assist in the setup and breakdown of special events, ensuring custodial and sanitation duties are completed efficiently.

Perform routine checks on custodial equipment, promptly reporting damages or malfunctions to supervisors for repair or replacement.

Participate in ongoing training and certification programs to continuously improve cleaning techniques, safety protocols, and sustainability practices, ensuring alignment with the Center’s goals for health, safety, and environmental stewardship.

Utilize digital work order and asset management systems to manage tasks, track inventory, and complete assignments efficiently and on time.

Replace or replenish supplies across public spaces including restrooms and refuse receptacles.

Required Qualifications

Ability to stand and walk on foot for extended periods of time.

Able to work independently and as part of a team, addressing problems appropriately and elevating to team leads as needed.

Experience or interest in facility maintenance, particularly at a cultural institution, university, or hotel.

Commitment to the Obama Presidential Center mission and an inclusive environment.

Flexibility of hours including but not limited to early morning, late night, weekends, and holidays across campus in both indoor and outdoor environments.

Ability to work out of the Obama Presidential Center in Jackson Park and/or other Obama Foundation locations in Chicago.

The pay rate for this role is $20.50/hour. For an overview of our benefits package, including insurance, paid time off, retirement & more, please visit https://www.obama.org/careers/.

This is an 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.