Only 'Skilled Volunteers' Requested to Work at the Obama Library While Insiders Rake in Six Figures

The Obama Presidential Center is gearing up for its grand opening in June, but there is still lots to do before the doors open. One of those things is getting people in place who will staff the facility. But if you thought that working in Chicago's newest "unique" building might land you a decent salary, well, think again. Your "salary" will come in the form of getting to be part of the "experience."

The Obama Center is looking for unpaid volunteers to make up the workforce. While volunteering for something you believe in is a noble cause, it's just that — volunteering — and volunteering doesn't put food on the table. But one person who doesn't have to worry about putting food on the table is the Chief Executive of the Obama Center, longtime Obama advisor and CEO of the Obama Foundation, Valerie Jarrett, who will rake in a cool $740,000 salary.

Imagine that ~ ~ Obama Presidential Center wants 100 unpaid volunteers as Valerie Jarrett makes $740K https://t.co/CP9tPdyG17 pic.twitter.com/XOrXglrZPP
— Mary (@matjendav4) March 15, 2026

The Center would like to hire 75 to 100 volunteers, known as "ambassadors." They will serve as greeters and guides for guests around the Center, in addition to several other duties. Jarrett herself talked up the volunteer workforce, saying:

“The Obama Presidential Center is a place where the world meets the best of the city of Chicago, and our volunteers will help bring that vision to life every day."

She added that the volunteers:

“will create a welcoming and inclusive experience for visitors while representing the strength, resilience, and leadership of this community. Together, we are building something that inspires service, connection, and action far beyond our walls.”

Apparently, working for the Obama Foundation is a premium gig. In addition to Jarrett, several other former Obama White House officials have also been brought in with six-figure salaries associated with the Foundation. In 2018, total salaries and benefits paid out by the Foundation totaled $18.5 million. In 2024, that increased to $43.7 million with 337 employees.

Socialist 101. They take and take, they want you to work for free.

Obama Center Seeks Skilled Unpaid

Volunteers While CEO Valerie Jarrett‘s

Salary Is $740K https://t.co/0gcycAjHz7 via @BreitbartNews
— Patriotic 🇺🇸Suzanne⭐️⭐️⭐️ (@suzost) March 15, 2026

The Obama Center frames its call for volunteers on the former president's days as a community organizer in a press release, saying:

"The program reflects President Obama’s longstanding conviction that the strength of American democracy is rooted in the willingness of its people to serve, help, and work together. Volunteerism has been central to President Obama’s vision of civic life since his earliest days as a community organizer on Chicago’s South Side."

On the volunteer application page, there is a quote from Obama himself, “I’m calling on all Americans to make volunteering and community service part of your daily life and the life of this nation.”

ALSO READ: Obama Center Gets Even Uglier As Massive Mind-Numbing Text Display Goes Up

Local businesses near the Obama Presidential Center are hoping for extra revenue and economic impact from tourists coming to visit the center. If that happens, then good on the Obamas for helping the Southside economy. But calling for unpaid volunteers just sounds like another Democrat grab for cheap, or in this case, free labor.

Note to the Obamas: America is still dealing with the last time Democrats wanted cheap and free labor.

NEW: Obama Center Seeks ‘High-Skilled,’ Unpaid Volunteers Despite High Executive Salaries - https://t.co/Kky8RN6T3g
— wisemom113 (@wisemom113) March 15, 2026

Editor's Note: The Democrat Party has never been less popular as voters reject its globalist agenda.

Help us continue exposing Democrats' plans to lead America down a dangerous path. Join RedState VIP and use promo code FIGHT to get 60% off your membership.