Jump-start your career in politics! Join the Leadership Institute staff team as a summer 2026 intern.

The internship will run from May 11, 2026 through August 14, 2026.

This intensive program allows you to gain professional experience in a real working environment, further your knowledge of the conservative movement, and sharpen your skills for future success. Leadership Institute interns receive free housing, an $825 monthly stipend, priority access to the Institute’s Employment Placement Service, free tuition to all Leadership Institute schools and workshops, weekly private lunches and dinners with conservative VIPs, and the opportunity to build public policy references.

For more information, please visit us on the web by clicking here.

To apply, please submit a resume, cover letter, and a letter of recommendation through Conservative Jobs.

Cover letters and letters of recommendation should be addressed to the Intern Program Manager, Arin Steiner.

The Leadership Institute seeks individuals interested in careers in media or content production to join the studio's team to become a Studio Fellow.

The Studio Fellowship Program will teach and train those interested in how to produce video, podcasts, photographic content, and graphic design. Work will be in coordination with all departments of the Leadership Institute, including campus, events, programs, and external affairs as well as other conservative groups that will benefit from the Studio Fellows work.

The candidate should possess an interest in graphic design and video editing or marketing. They will assist with the daily content needs of both LI and partner organizations. They will help develop social media graphics, marketing materials, presentations, and videos. The position requires becoming familiar with the studio space in the Leadership Institute for the purposes of external rentals and for recording video and podcast content in-house. They will become fluent in the Leadership Institute’s branding language.

Candidates for this position must have a knowledge and understanding of conservative philosophy and possess strong interpersonal skills, excelling in both written and oral communication. This position involves relocation to Virginia and a moderate amount of travel. At the completion of the program, qualified individuals will receive an equipment stipend to purchase necessary gear to help jumpstart their careers.

Interested individuals should apply here and then send a link to their portfolio and cover letter to chuynh@leadershipinstitute.org

Compensation:

Fellows will receive the following.

• $23,000 salary for six months with the potential to extend to one year
• at the completion of the program, they will receive 7,000 to purchase equipment.

Position Responsibilities:

-      Determine production requirements by reviewing client requirements and considering internal scheduling factors.

-      Develop content strategies by examining project objectives and planning, scheduling, and completing design and production requirements.

-      Improve creative standards

-      Media and production file storage, including backing up all media, creating and maintaining file storage solutions, transferring files to external clients and LI departments

-      Travel with the team for live streaming events and taking footage of various LI training

-      Attended training to help better develop skills

Summary:

LI Recruiters identify and recruit students to start conservative student organizations or publications on campus within an assigned territory.  Recruiters will develop a territory action plan to evaluate all college campuses within the territory and assign recruitment and training resources.  Recruiters will also approve or deny membership into LI’s CLP network and develop a strategic activism and training plan.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Includes the following, the exercising of discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance and other duties as required.

Regional Network Development:

a)     Build and maintain relationships between LI, students, and groups within the region.

b)    Research, analyze and recruit conservative students to participate in LI programs.

c)     Make membership decisions. Analyze and determine which groups within the region qualify to participate in LI’s CLP network.

d)    Develop a strategic plan to expand membership with LI in a territory each semester.

e)     Create and develop regional training plan for your territory.

f)     Approve and distribute LI resources to CLP groups.

g)    Approve or deny requests from new CLP groups to join LI’s CLP network.

h)    Approve or deny activism grant requests for group in the LI network

i)      Evaluate all higher education institutions to determine overall compatibility with CLP programs.

j)      Build relationships with partner organization counterparts

 Program Management:

a)     Manage your territories’ activism budget

b)    Approve or deny students for the Campus Ambassador program  membership

c)     Approve or deny scholarships for Leadership Institute trainings

Qualifications:           

Candidates for this position must have a knowledge and understanding of conservative philosophy with a dedication to grassroots activism and organization. Candidates should also have strong interpersonal skills and should excel in both written and oral communication.

Summary:

LI Recruiters identify and recruit students to start conservative student organizations or publications on campus within an assigned territory.  Recruiters will develop a territory action plan to evaluate all college campuses within the territory and assign recruitment and training resources.  Recruiters will also approve or deny membership into LI’s CLP network and develop a strategic activism and training plan.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Includes the following, the exercising of discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance and other duties as required.

Regional Network Development:

a)     Build and maintain relationships between LI, students, and groups within the region.

b)    Research, analyze and recruit conservative students to participate in LI programs.

c)     Make membership decisions. Analyze and determine which groups within the region qualify to participate in LI’s CLP network.

d)    Develop a strategic plan to expand membership with LI in a territory each semester.

e)     Create and develop regional training plan for your territory.

f)     Approve and distribute LI resources to CLP groups.

g)    Approve or deny requests from new CLP groups to join LI’s CLP network.

h)    Approve or deny activism grant requests for group in the LI network

i)      Evaluate all higher education institutions to determine overall compatibility with CLP programs.

j)      Build relationships with partner organization counterparts

 Program Management:

a)     Manage your territories’ activism budget

b)    Approve or deny students for the Campus Ambassador program  membership

c)     Approve or deny scholarships for Leadership Institute trainings

Qualifications:      

Candidates for this position must have a knowledge and understanding of conservative philosophy with a dedication to grassroots activism and organization. Candidates should also have strong interpersonal skills and should excel in both written and oral communication.

Summary

This office-based role facilitates the flow of information and resources between the Leadership Institute, students, and groups within LI’s Campus Leadership Program (CLP) network.  The Regional Field Manager will distribute LI grants, scholarships, and resources among members within the region.  In addition, the Manager will conduct a semi-annual audit of the groups.

Objectives:

Includes the following, the exercising of discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance and other duties as required.

 Membership Relations

a)     Market and distribute LI trainings and resources to students in your region.

b)    Research and identify LI training, and recruitment opportunities.

c)     Research and analyze the most effective campuses to place Campus Ambassadors.

d)    Approve and award Campus Ambassadors scholarships to students within the region.

e)     Approve or deny speaker grants and requests

f)     Approve or deny activism kits to groups within the regions

g)    Perform a semi-annual membership audit of all groups within your region.

h)    Review, analyze, and determine membership status of groups within your region.

i)      Analyze the activity and effectiveness of existing Campus Ambassadors at the beginning of each semester to renew or deny their placement in the program.

Program Management

a)     Manage regional travel budget each semester

b)    Decide what groups receive speaker grants

c)     Manage regional speaker budget and authorize grant payments to speakers.

d)    Recruit, evaluate, and elected candidates for Field Staff Interviews.

Supervisory

Supervisory

Responsibilities:        

Oversee, budget for, and pay Campus Ambassadors

Qualifications:   

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily and make independent decisions. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, or ability required.

Well organized, have the ability to handle several projects at one time under time constraints and a willingness to travel and work nights and weekends. Experience as a campus activist or political grassroots organizer is preferred.

Summary:

LI Recruiters identify and recruit students to start conservative student organizations or publications on campus within an assigned territory.  Recruiters will develop a territory action plan to evaluate all college campuses within the territory and assign recruitment and training resources.  Recruiters will also approve or deny membership into LI’s CLP network and develop a strategic activism and training plan.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Includes the following, the exercising of discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance and other duties as required.

Regional Network Development:

a)     Build and maintain relationships between LI, students, and groups within the region.

b)    Research, analyze, and recruit conservative students to participate in LI programs.

c)     Make membership decisions. Analyze and determine which groups within the region qualify to participate in LI’s CLP network.

d)    Develop a strategic plan to expand membership with LI in a territory each semester.

e)     Create and develop a regional training plan for your territory.

f)     Approve and distribute LI resources to CLP groups.

g)    Approve or deny requests from new CLP groups to join LI’s CLP network.

h)    Approve or deny activism grant requests for the group in the LI network

i)      Evaluate all higher education institutions to determine overall compatibility with CLP programs.

j)      Build relationships with partner organization counterparts

 Program Management:

a)     Manage your territories’ activism budget

b)    Approve or deny students for the Campus Ambassador program  membership

c)     Approve or deny scholarships for Leadership Institute trainings

Qualifications:      

Candidates for this position must have a knowledge and understanding of conservative philosophy with a dedication to grassroots activism and organization. Candidates should also have strong interpersonal skills and should excel in both written and oral communication.

Summary:

LI Recruiters identify and recruit students to start conservative student organizations or publications on campus within an assigned territory.  Recruiters will develop a territory action plan to evaluate all college campuses within the territory and assign recruitment and training resources.  Recruiters will also approve or deny membership into LI’s CLP network and develop a strategic activism and training plan.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Includes the following, the exercising of discretion and independent judgment with respect to matters of significance and other duties as required.

Regional Network Development:

a)     Build and maintain relationships between LI, students, and groups within the region.

b)    Research, analyze, and recruit conservative students to participate in LI programs.

c)     Make membership decisions. Analyze and determine which groups within the region qualify to participate in LI’s CLP network.

d)    Develop a strategic plan to expand membership with LI in a territory each semester.

e)     Create and develop a regional training plan for your territory.

f)     Approve and distribute LI resources to CLP groups.

g)    Approve or deny requests from new CLP groups to join LI’s CLP network.

h)    Approve or deny activism grant requests for the group in the LI network

i)      Evaluate all higher education institutions to determine overall compatibility with CLP programs.

j)      Build relationships with partner organization counterparts

 Program Management:

a)     Manage your territories’ activism budget

b)    Approve or deny students for the Campus Ambassador program  membership

c)     Approve or deny scholarships for Leadership Institute trainings

Qualifications:      

Candidates for this position must have a knowledge and understanding of conservative philosophy with a dedication to grassroots activism and organization. Candidates should also have strong interpersonal skills and should excel in both written and oral communication.

The Office Administrator operates a multiline telephone system at the Leadership Institute's headquarters to answer incoming calls and directs callers and visitors to appropriate personnel. The ideal candidate for this position is mission-driven, people oriented, has a very pleasant and clear speaking voice, takes time and care to learn about the Institute and all its resources, and is willing to go the extra step to be helpful. Extra-competent people in this role often are often hired for another position at the Institute.

Office Administrator Responsibilities:

-Retrieves messages from voicemail and forwards to the appropriate personnel.

-Answers incoming telephone calls, determines purpose of callers, and forwards calls to appropriate personnel or department.

-Takes and delivers messages or transfers calls to voicemail when appropriate personnel are unavailable.

-Answers questions about the organization and provides callers with addresses, directions, and other information about LI's trainings and resources.

-Welcomes on-site visitors, determines nature of business, and announces visitors to appropriate personnel.

-Receives and disperses UPS, Fedex, office supplies, and similar deliveries and notifies appropriate person of delivery.

-Preforms other administrative duties as needed.

Requirements:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The responsibilities listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Candidate must also be able to keep a strict 8:30am-5:30pm business day schedule, in-office, with scheduled one hour lunch breaks.

Desired Candidate Attributes:

-Experience with spreadsheets (or translatable organizational skills)

-Excellent interpersonal skills

-Attention to detail

Compensation: starting $50,000 salary. Includes benefits and paid time off.

Start Date: Monday, December 29th.

About the Leadership Institute

Founded in 1979 by its president, Morton C. Blackwell, the Leadership Institute (LI) — a non-partisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit — provides training in campaigns, fundraising, grassroots organizing, youth politics, and communications. The Institute teaches conservatives of all ages how to succeed in politics, government, and the media. Since its founding, LI has trained more than 300,000 conservative activists, leaders, and students.

Position Overview

The Director of Events is responsible for the strategic planning, management, and execution of the Leadership Institute’s events portfolio — including flagship programs, fundraising events, donor engagements, and staff activities. This senior role oversees event operations, logistics, and staff, ensuring excellence in execution and alignment with the Institute’s mission and development goals.

The Director serves as a key leader in the organization, managing the Events team, collaborating across departments, and cultivating vendor relationships. This role also plays a leading role in the planning and execution of special donor receptions and high-profile public events that advance the Institute’s visibility and impact.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Lead, mentor, and develop the Events team, including direct oversight of the Programs Operations Coordinator and other event staff.

• Establish and manage departmental goals, budgets, and timelines to ensure smooth and efficient operations.

• Develop and implement systems for event planning, vendor management, and post-event evaluation.

• Oversee the use and maintenance of all LI event spaces, including the 3rd floor rental space, dormitories, and staff apartment.

Event Planning & Execution

• Oversee the strategic planning, promotion, and management of key Institute events such as:

  • The Wednesday Wake-Up Club Breakfast

  • The Annual National Conservative Fourth of July Soirée

  • Donor and alumni events

  • Regional or national conferences and receptions

• Manage the full event lifecycle — from concept and logistics to staffing, sponsorship, and post-event analysis.

• Ensure high-quality experiences that reflect the Institute’s standards of professionalism and mission alignment.

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Partner with the Development Department to plan and execute fundraising events and donor stewardship activities, in the office and around the country.

• Identify and pursue sponsorship and partnership opportunities that support event success and Institute growth.

• Contribute to donor communications and event-related marketing to maximize engagement and financial support.

Operations & Facilities Management

• Oversee the use, maintenance, and scheduling of shared building spaces and facilities.

• Manage external clients utilizing LI’s rental and event spaces, ensuring a professional and mission-aligned experience.

• Direct the maintenance and stocking of all kitchens and onsite meetings spaces to ensure they are prepared to serve the needs of internal and external clients.

• Conduct regular inventory checks and ensure adequate supplies for all events and operations.

Staff & Culture Events

• Plan and execute internal events such as staff meetings, retreats, trainings, and appreciation activities.

• Foster a positive, organized, and mission-driven environment across all event and operations initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

• Minimum 5–7 years of event management experience, including supervisory and budgetary responsibilities.

• Proven experience with fundraising events, donor relations, or nonprofit development.

• Excellent leadership, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

• Strong attention to detail, ability to multitask, and commitment to excellence.

• Familiarity with conservative organizations or political movements preferred.

Leadership Institute is hiring a Development Operations Officer, a crucial member of the Development team who raises and processes millions of dollars in donations every year.

This is the ideal position for anyone looking to begin a career in fundraising. The skills and knowledge learned in this position create a strong foundation to propel someone into the many kinds of fundraising and conservative movement careers. 

Your work to service our generous donors will contribute to the training of conservative leaders and activists through the programs and trainings conducted by Leadership Institute.

The job is entry-level, easy to learn and provides extraordinary growth potential into a career in fundraising. Alongside that, general professional development is a priority for the Development Operations team to grow its staffers in foundational business practices.

Your day-to-day responsibilities include:

• Caging hundreds of donations sent to Leadership Institute daily.

• Maintaining data hygiene within the entire LI donor base, which consists of tens of thousands active donors.

• Processing donor correspondence and promptly communicating said correspondence to essential team members.

• Acknowledging and receipting every donation within 24 hours of its processing.

Our ideal candidate is:

• Detail-oriented

• Hard-working

• Self-motivated

• Personally organized

• Able to work closely with a tight-knit team

• Innovative/creative

• Driven

Fundraising is one of the most important skills you can learn; it's the art and science of building an organization that will stand the test of time.

If you know how to raise money, you will always add value to any and every organization you go to.

This position has tremendous room for growth. The leadership will work with you on identifying your passions, skills, and opportunities for growth and foster those to shape you into a stronger professional.

Past employees who occupied this position have gone on to become highly successful major gifts officers, Salesforce specialists, direct mail marketing managers, and more; both within the company and outside of the organization.

Qualifications and compensation

You must complete the Public Policy Questionnaire (PPQ) and an uploaded resume to apply.

We love hiring people with a variety of work backgrounds and experiences – and our team would love to build upon those skills.

An understanding of conservative ideals and principles is a must.

Salary starts at $50,000 a year and is paired with an excellent healthcare plan, and transportation assistance provided.