The Obama Foundation Seeks 100 Volunteers to Work Unpaid at the Obama Presidential Center
The Obama Foundation is on the lookout for 100 volunteers to work without pay at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, alongside highly paid executives, when it opens its doors in June.
Presenting these volunteer opportunities as part of Barack Obama’s legacy of civic engagement, officials aim to have these volunteers complement the existing workforce of about 300 full- and part-time employees at the long-awaited center.
The volunteer program, known as “ambassadors,” will be responsible for greeting and assisting visitors around the campus, providing information about exhibits, and ensuring a positive visitor experience.
The foundation views the volunteer program as a crucial aspect of its mission, emphasizing that volunteers will represent the organization’s values both onsite and in the community.
While the salary range for paid workers remains undisclosed, recent tax filings shed light on compensation at the senior levels of the organization. Former top Obama aide Valerie Jarrett, the CEO of the organization, received $740,000 in 2024. Total salaries and benefits at the foundation have seen a significant increase over the years as the organization has expanded its staff and revenue.
The Obama Foundation’s main office in Hyde Park, Chicago, serves as a hub for leadership and community programs both domestically and internationally. Despite this, the foundation is seeking a dedicated group of volunteers to contribute to the operations of the new presidential center.
It is common practice for presidential libraries, museums, and nonprofit organizations to utilize unpaid volunteers to support their activities and engage with visitors.
In a press release, the foundation highlighted the importance of volunteerism in President Obama’s vision of civic life and community engagement. Valerie Jarrett, a key advisor to the Obamas and CEO of the foundation, expressed excitement about the role volunteers will play in bringing the center’s vision to life.
The Obama Presidential Center, set to open on Juneteenth, aims to not only commemorate the end of slavery in the United States but also to serve as an economic catalyst for Chicago’s South Side. With projections of significant economic activity and job creation, the center is poised to make a lasting impact on the community.
Former Obama administration officials, including David Simas and Adewale Adeyemo, have also played key roles at the foundation, earning substantial compensation for their contributions. The foundation remains committed to its mission of promoting civic engagement and fostering positive change in communities.
