Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the Presidential Appointments Project?

2. Who is eligible to submit a resume to the project?

We welcome resumes from any openly LGBT U.S. citizen who seeks a presidential appointment to a position in the executive branch of the U.S. government during the presidential administration that begins January 20, 2009.

3. What kinds of positions are available? 

The president appoints thousands of executive branch employees across dozens of agencies.  The levels of employment range from agency staff to Cabinet secretaries and ambassadors that require confirmation by the U.S. Senate.  For a complete list of appointed positions, see “United States Government Policy and Supporting Positions, ’’ commonly known as the Plum Book.

4. How many positions in the federal government does the project expect to fill?

The Presidential Appointments Project has no numerical target.  The president has the authority to fill thousands of positions in hundreds of agencies, departments, boards and commissions.

5. Who will “vet” project applicants and how will that happen?

Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute (GLLI) staff will collect, organize and categorize all resumes it receives.  When appropriate, it will meet with the transition staff of the next president to review the most qualified applicants for specific positions.

6. Why would a president want openly gay appointees in his or her administration?

 The next president may or may not be interested in appointing openly gay staff in his or her administration, but most candidates are interested in establishing an administration that is reflective of the larger U.S. population and that will benefit from diversity among its ranks.  Some current presidential candidates have said they intend to appoint staff without regard to sexual orientation, and others have said they intend to appoint openly gay staff.  This project aims to make it easier for the next president to find and appoint professional, vetted openly LGBT staff.

7. Does submitting an application to the project boost an individual’s chances of getting hired by the next president?

GLLI has no authority or official role whatsoever with respect to hiring any personnel in the federal government. Participation in this program does not mean that GLLI will recommend anyone for any position or that applicants will in any way be advantaged in the appointment or nomination process for any such position.

8. When will applicants know whether or not they are being considered for employment?

GLLI expects to begin interacting with the presidential transition team in November 2008.  The next president will continue appointing his or her staff throughout the first half of 2009.  Any applicant under consideration for employment will be contacted directly by the incoming administration and not by GLLI.

9. How do I submit my resume to the project?

Go to www.glli.org/presidential to submit your application and resume.