On Friday, September 29, the Obama Foundation began its search for a diversity consultant to attain minority contracting goals and help ensure jobs are available for South and West Side residents.

Goals for minority contracting were previously revealed in August. The goals are intended to benefit targeted communities—like ex-offenders and youth, among others—throughout Chicago.

The means by which these goals would be enforced were not explicitly addressed at the announcement in August.

Various community groups have advocated for a Community Benefits Agreement (CBA) for the betterment of local minority-owned businesses and Chicago residents.

The Obama Presidential Center has yet to officially commit to public demands about the CBA. 

According to the Foundation, they recommend that the diversity consultant have “a history of working with unions and engaging with underemployed populations including ex-offenders and youth to increase the pipeline of talent.”

The foundation also encourages the consultant to be inclusive by having partnerships with minority-owned companies, women, veterans, the disabled, and the LGBTQ+ community, for example.

Further details about the position are unavailable unless a non-disclosure agreement is sent to the foundation. 

Applications for the position are open until October 13.