Black Talent Initiative
The Black Talent Initiative (BTI) is the largest database of Black talent in the United States for presidential appointments. We are working with the President’s administration to identify a pool of top Black candidates for positions in government who will make decisions that could trigger long-term systemic change in federal policies and practices.
African Americans account for about 20% of Democratic voters but are regularly underrepresented in both Democratic and Republican administrations. For example, African Americans accounted for only 9% of the senior political appointees in 2009 (Obama Administration), and 4% of senior political appointees a year earlier (G.W. Bush Administration).
Therefore, we are building on our 2016 transition efforts by convening over 45 Black-led organizations to work on presidential appointments. Our staff and advisory board bring extensive expertise in presidential personnel appointments, (including knowledge of agencies, positions, and the selection and vetting processes). With the help of our partners, we are positioned to provide hundreds of candidates to the administration for positions at the White House, executive branch agencies, independent agencies, and the judiciary.
Want us to consider recommending you to the Administration? Apply here.
Disclaimer: BTI’s form is not a formal application for a position in the Biden-Administration. We highly recommend you fill out the White House form and apply for the position you are interested in through USAjobs.gov or the agency’s career page.
Thinking about a career in public service? Review the materials below to explore whether serving in government is right for you.
The Biden-Harris administration will have over 4000 political appointments. We recommend these resources to anyone exploring whether public service is a good fit.
First, get an overview of the key steps in the appointment process. Then, get a snapshot of the levels of positions (e.g., PAS, PA, SES, Schedule C) and tips on what to do and not do in seeking a political appointment. As you move deeper into the process, explore the specific positions available in the Plum Book.