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

The Senior Associate, Dock and Receiving manages the comprehensive operational flow, digital logistics architecture, and safety enforcement of loading dock activities at the Obama Presidential Center. This role applies advanced functional knowledge to optimize vendor delivery pipelines, operational services, and event logistics in alignment with strict campus security protocols and strategic operational priorities.

Serving as the primary gatekeeper for dock resource allocation, the Senior Associate, Dock and Receiving reports directly to the Operations Manager.

Core Job Responsibilities

Own and optimize the centralized dock request and scheduling architecture and logistics database, establishing standardized scheduling protocols across platforms (Google Forms, Google Calendar, Asset Essentials, Infor).

Review, approve, deny, and schedule dock access requests based on operational priorities, dock availability, and policy requirements.

Coordinate daily dock activity to ensure safe, orderly sequencing of deliveries, pickups, waste hauling, and OPS functions.

Serve as the primary liaison between internal departments, Security, and external vendors regarding dock operations.

Enforce and refine complex dock operating guidelines, establishing strict dwell limits, zoning restrictions, and corrective compliance workflows for external carriers.

Monitor dock conditions to ensure docks remain clear, safe, and available for scheduled activities.

Maintain accurate records of dock activity, vendor compliance, incidents, and operational disruptions.

Proactively analyze logistics data to forecast scheduling bottlenecks, mitigate operational risks, and directly resolve complex or recurring vendor compliance issues.

Support event, exhibit, and program-related dock logistics in coordination with Events and Operations teams.

Oversee the end-to-end chain of custody for the mail and packaging room infrastructure; establish standard operating procedures (SOPs) for incoming freight, and provide functional guidance to front-of-house staff on intake protocols.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Key Deliverables / Outcomes

Consistent enforcement of appointment-based dock operations across Main Campus Service Yard and Home Court Dock.

Reliable separation of OPS / waste servicing and vendor dock activity through adherence to defined operating hours.

Minimized dock conflicts, delays, and operational disruptions.

Accurate and complete dock scheduling records and vendor activity documentation.

Safe, organized, and efficiently managed dock environments.

Effective coordination with Security to support screening, inspections, and access control.

Timely resolution of dock scheduling issues and vendor compliance concerns.

Development and maintenance of a comprehensive vendor compliance scorecard and dock utilization dashboard to drive operational decisions.

Successful cross-functional integration of high-security screening protocols with daily dock logistics, in alignment with the Campus Security Team.

Required Qualifications

3-5 years of progressive experience in loading dock management, advanced logistics, corporate receiving, or commercial facility operations.

Demonstrated experience navigating and administering complex digital inventory, ticketing, or scheduling software architectures (e.g., Infor, Asset Essentials, or equivalent enterprise systems).

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage schedules, requests, and competing priorities.

Proven ability to interpret and enforce rigorous security and operational compliance protocols under time-sensitive, high-profile constraints.

Advanced problem-solving skills with a track record of resolving vendor conflicts and scheduling constraints independently.

Strong team leadership capability, with the ability to influence cross-functional internal departments and external stakeholders without direct authority.

Proficiency with digital scheduling and documentation tools (Google Workspace or equivalent).

Ability to enforce policies and operational standards consistently and professionally.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Candidates typically have at least 1–2 years of experience in operations, logistics, facilities, vendor coordination, or a related environment. Equivalent combinations of education, training, and experience will be considered.

The salary range for this role is between $67,165 – $83,980.

This is an in-office 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 [email protected] if you require a reasonable accommodation to complete this application.