Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Presidential Appointments Project?
The Presidential Appointments Project serves as the talent bank for openly LGBT professionals seeking appointed positions in the Obama administration. Its mission is to advance equality by ensuring that qualified lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) individuals have a voice in government.
Who is organizing the Project?
The Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute is organizing the project, along with ten partner organizations. Project partners include Federal GLOBE, Council for Global Equality, Human Rights Campaign, Lambda Legal, Log Cabin Republicans, National Stonewall Democrats, National Black Justice Coalition, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, AFL-CIO Pride at Work, and Servicemembers Legal Defense Network.
Who is eligible to apply 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 Obama administration that begins January 20, 2009. Submit applications online at www.glli.org/presidential.
What kinds of appointed positions are available?
The president appoints thousands of executive branch employees across dozens of federal agencies, boards and commissions. 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.
How many positions in the federal government does the project expect to fill?
The president has the authority to fill thousands of positions in hundreds of agencies, departments, boards and commissions. The goal of the Project is to place as many qualified LGBT applicants in those positions as is reasonably possible.
Who will “vet” project applicants and how will that happen?
With the assistance of Project partners, the Gay & Lesbian Leadership Institute (GLLI) staff collects, organizes and categorizes all resumes it receives. When appropriate, it will meet with staff from the Obama-Biden Transition Project to review the most qualified applicants.
Why would a president want openly gay appointees in his or her administration?
The Obama-Biden Transition Project has announced it will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, or any other basis of discrimination prohibited by law. We expect President-elect Obama will seek a leadership team that reflects the diversity of the American people.
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. Ultimately, all information submitted by applicants will be shared with Obama-Biden Transition Project.
When will applicants know whether or not they are being considered for employment?
Any applicant under consideration for employment will be contacted directly by the incoming administration and not by GLLI.
How do I submit my resume to the project?
Go to www.glli.org/presidential to submit your application and resume.