Jump-start your career in politics! Join the Leadership Institute staff team as a summer 2027 intern.

The internship will run from May 10, 2027 through August 13, 2027. The deadline to apply is April 9, 2027.

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, a $1,000 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.

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

The internship will run from September 14, 2026 through December 18, 2026. The deadline to apply is August 7.

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, a $1,000 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.

Jump-start your career in politics! Join the Leadership Institute staff team as a spring 2027 intern.

The internship will run from January 11, 2027 through April 9, 2027. The deadline to apply is December 1, 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, a $1,000 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.

About the Role

The Leadership Institute is hiring a Correspondent Editor for its campus news website Campus Reform (campusreform.org). As America’s leading source for conservative college news, Campus Reform serves as a watchdog to our country’s higher education system, with a mission to expose liberal bias and abuse on college campuses.

The Correspondent Editor leads journalism trainings for Campus Reform’s Young Journalists Program and edits correspondents’ articles in a mentorship-driven environment. The Correspondent Editor is also expected to research and write investigative news articles under deadline, and multitask across multiple projects.

This is a full-time position that reports directly to the Deputy Editor. Candidates who can work five days per week in Campus Reform’s Arlington, VA, office are strongly preferred.  

Responsibilities

·      Edit daily news articles at the line level for clarity, style, and accuracy

·      Mentor and train freelance student reporters

·      Report investigative or breaking news on deadline

To Apply

Qualified candidates should submit their resume and cover letter to Deputy Editor Jared Harris at jharris@leadershipinstitute.org. Cover letters should note salary requirements and willingness to relocate to the Washington, DC area.

Donor Communications Manager

Leadership Institute (LI) trains conservatives to lead and win in the public policy process.  Since 1979, LI has trained more than 368,000 conservative activists, students, and leaders.  Today, Leadership Institute graduates serving in elected office include four U.S. Senators, 37 U.S. Representatives, and more than 400 state legislators nationwide.

Leadership Institute’s Donor Communications Manager advances this mission with the production of direct mail communications with Leadership Institute’s generous donors.  The position reports to LI’s Senior Director of Donor Communications.

This position is based on-site at Leadership Institute headquarters in Arlington, Virginia. Remote work is not available.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Mail Production

• Manage the production of direct mail campaigns from planning through completion

• Coordinate with internal teams and outside vendors to ensure campaigns are accurate, timely, and cost-effective

• Maintain quality control across campaign materials, data, proofs, and final production

• Anticipate production challenges and help resolve issues before they affect deadlines or results

Budget and Expense Management

• Track production costs, vendor invoices, estimates, and campaign expenses

• Coordinate with Finance to ensure accurate coding, reconciliation, and reporting

• Help evaluate vendor pricing and identify opportunities for cost savings

Data Management and Reporting

• Maintain accurate campaign records in Salesforce and internal systems

• Support reporting on campaign performance, donor response, and trends

• Coordinate with internal teams to ensure gifts and campaign results are recorded accurately

Qualifications

Required

• 2+ years of professional experience

• Sound judgment, integrity, curiosity, and a proactive approach to solving problems

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment

• Demonstrated initiative and ability to learn new systems, processes, and workflows quickly

• High standards for accuracy, quality, and accountability

Preferred

• Experience in direct mail or direct marketing production

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Salesforce CRM

• Experience with data management and/or data analysis

Compensation and Benefits

Leadership Institute offers a competitive salary and benefits package, commensurate with experience.

To Apply

Please apply through Leadership Institute’s ConservativeJobs.com and include a cover letter, resume, and completed Public Policy Questionnaire.

Leadership Institute (LI) trains conservatives to lead and win in the public policy process.  Since 1979, LI has trained more than 368,000 conservative activists, students, and leaders.  Today, Leadership Institute graduates serving in elected office include four U.S. Senators, 37 U.S. Representatives, and more than 400 state legislators nationwide.

Leadership Institute's Director of Partnerships advances this mission by leading the major donor fundraising team and strengthening relationships between generous donors and Leadership Institute.  The director reports to the Vice President for Development.

The director manages and mentors a team of Partnership Advisors, sets revenue and portfolio goals, strengthens moves management strategy, and ensures that major donor relationships are cultivated, solicited, and stewarded with excellence.

Key Responsibilities

Major Partnerships Leadership

• Lead, manage, and mentor 5-7 full-time Partnership Advisors responsible for LI’s major donor relationships.

• Set annual and quarterly goals for revenue, renewals, upgrades, donor movement, and portfolio health.

• Implement standards and expectations for donor contact, moves management, proposals, stewardship, and Salesforce documentation.

• Review and approve major donor strategies, proposals, briefings, and stewardship plans.

• Conduct regular coaching, caseload reviews, pipeline reviews, and performance evaluations.

Fundraising Strategy and Revenue Growth

• Maintain a limited personal portfolio of high-level donors and prospects.

• Partner with Leadership Institute’s senior leadership to cultivate, solicit, and steward high-capacity donors and transformational gifts.

• Develop and implement the strategy to grow major donor revenue, retention, upgrades, and the number of donors giving at the major donor level.

• Work with Development leadership to set forecasts, track progress, and identify risks and opportunities.

• Oversee donor pipeline strategy, including qualification, portfolio assignment, upgrades, solicitation planning, and stewardship.

Leadership Across the Organization

• Partner with Leadership Institute's programs leadership to identify fundable priorities and present them clearly to donors.

• Help translate LI programs and initiatives into compelling, mission-aligned donor opportunities.

• Support new Leadership Institute initiatives and special projects by shaping donor strategy, funding opportunities, and stewardship expectations.

Qualifications

Required

• 7-10+ years of fundraising experience in political, conservative movement, or other values-based fundraising.

• Proven experience managing fundraising staff, with the ability to coach fundraisers, evaluate performance, set goals, and hold team members accountable.

• Strong understanding of major gift strategy, moves management, donor stewardship, and revenue forecasting.

• Strong personal commitment to Leadership Institute’s mission and values.

• Willingness to travel regularly (up to 20%) for donor meetings, events, and organizational priorities.

Preferred

Strong preference for job candidates available to work from Leadership Institute’s Arlington, Virginia headquarters.  Remote or hybrid work will be considered for exceptional candidates.

Compensation and Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits commensurate with experience.

About the Leadership Institute

Founded in 1979 by its president, Morton C. Blackwell, the Leadership Institute (LI) is a non-partisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to training conservatives of all ages to succeed in politics, government, and the media. LI has trained more than 300,000 activists, leaders, and students through its programs in campaigns, fundraising, grassroots organizing, youth politics, and communications.

Position Overview

The Assistant Director of Events plays a critical role supporting the planning, coordination, and execution of the Leadership Institute’s robust events portfolio. Reporting to the Director of Events, this role focuses on supporting event logistics, planning, execution, and on-site and off-site event management, ensuring that all events are delivered smoothly, professionally, and in alignment with LI’s mission.

This position is ideal for a highly organized, proactive professional who thrives in fast-paced environments, proficient with technology and takes pride in executing complex events with precision and high-end customer service. The Assistant Director of Events will work closely with internal departments, vendors, guests, and will serve as the operational lead before, during, and after events.

This is an in-office position based in Arlington, VA.

Key Responsibilities

Event Planning & Execution

• Support and help manage the full event lifecycle of an event from initial planning through post-event evaluation.

• Serve as an on-site lead to ensure seamless execution and high-quality guest experiences.

• Coordinate event logistics such as timelines, run-of-show documents, room setups, catering orders, A/V coordination, registration, and staffing.

• Assist with guest lists, RSVP tracking, seating, materials, and donor hospitality.

• Oversee event setup and breakdown, vendor coordination, and real-time problem-solving.

• Support external clients using LI event and rental spaces, ensuring professional and mission-aligned experience.

• Collaborate and be a team lead in the execution of LI’s major events portfolio that support donor, alumni, and stewardship events including the Annual Conservative Fourth of July Soirée, Independence Day Celebration Donor Events, and Wednesday Wake-Up Club Breakfasts.

Vendor & Partner Coordination

• Communicate with vendors (caterers, A/V, rentals, photographers, etc.) to confirm details and ensure expectations are met.

• Track contracts, invoices, and deliverables in coordination with the Director of Events.

• Maintain preferred vendor lists and post-event evaluations.

Operations Support

• Assist in scheduling, preparing, and maintaining LI’s event spaces, including meeting rooms, dormitories, kitchens, and events spaces.

Administrative & Team Support

• Support the Director of Events with administrative tasks, research, and special projects as assigned. Maintain event calendars, planning documents, and internal checklists.

• Assist with post-event wrap-up, including feedback collection, expense tracking, and reporting.

Qualifications

• 2–5 years of experience in event planning, event operations, hospitality, or nonprofit programming.

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail; ability to manage multiple events simultaneously.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills; comfortable interacting with donors, speakers, and senior leaders.

• Ability to remain calm and solution-oriented in high-pressure, live-event environments.

• Willingness to work occasionally early mornings, evenings, and weekends for events.

• Ability to travel up to 10% as needed.

• Familiarity with conservative organizations, political events, or nonprofit fundraising preferred.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Compensation

Salary range commensurate with experience.

About the Leadership Institute

Founded in 1979 by its president, Morton C. Blackwell, the Leadership Institute (LI) is a non-partisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to training conservatives of all ages to succeed in politics, government, and the media. LI has trained more than 300,000 activists, leaders, and students through its programs in campaigns, fundraising, grassroots organizing, youth politics, and communications.

Position Overview

The Events Manager supports the planning and execution of the Leadership Institute’s events by assisting with logistics, coordination, and on-site operations. Reporting to the Director of Events and working closely with the Assistant Director of Events, this role helps ensure that events run smoothly and efficiently.

This position is ideal for a detail-oriented and dependable professional looking to grow in event management. The Manager of Events plays a key supporting role in executing LI’s events portfolio and maintaining high-quality experiences for guests, donors, and partners.

This is an in-office position based in Arlington, VA.

Key Responsibilities

Event Planning & Execution

• Assist in the management, coordination and execution of events from planning through completion.

• Support the preparation of event materials and assist in coordinating logistics including room setups, catering, A/V, registration, and event materials.

• Provide on-site event support, including setup, guest check-in, and breakdown.

• Assist with managing guest lists, RSVPs.

• Ensure event spaces are properly prepared and maintained before and after events.

Vendor & Logistics Management

• Communicate with vendors to confirm orders, deliveries, and event-day needs.

• Assist with tracking invoices, contracts, and basic vendor information.

• Help coordinate deliveries and ensure all materials arrive on time and as expected.

Operations Support

• Assist in maintaining LI’s event spaces, including meeting rooms and common areas.

• Support internal scheduling and logistics for events and space usage.

• Help ensure supplies, materials, and equipment are organized and ready for use.

Administrative & Team Support

• Maintain event documents, checklists, and calendars.

• Support post-event wrap-up, including organizing materials, tracking expenses, and collecting feedback.

• Assist the events team with administrative tasks and special projects as needed.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years of experience in event planning, hospitality, or administrative support (internships included).

• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

• Willingness to work early mornings, evenings, and occasional weekends as needed for events.

• Ability to lift and move event materials as needed.

• Interest in event planning, nonprofit work, or political organizations preferred.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.

Compensation

Salary range commensurate with experience.

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

d)     Approve or deny speaker grants and requests

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

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

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

h)     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 elect 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.

Salary range is $55,000-$65,000

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.

Salary range is $50,000-$65,000