Political Candidate

Win your election.

overview

With You at Every Step

Learn the skills to make a successful run for office

Become a conservative political leader.

America’s future hangs in the balance. How much longer can we withstand the onslaught of disastrous leftist policies?

To help our country survive, conservative leaders must step up and lead the way. They must run for office, challenge the left, and win!

Do you want to become one of those conservative leaders? Are you interested in running for office to put your principles into action?

If so, the Leadership Institute can help you succeed. LI training can turn you into a winning, conservative political leader. Here, you can learn what it takes to mount a successful campaign in today’s ever-changing political landscape.

The Leadership Institute offers a host of targeted, proven-effective trainings to help you succeed as a candidate for Congress, for local office, for school board, and more.

No matter what office you aim to run for, the Leadership Institute can give you the skills to handle everything the campaign throws your way. You’ll learn from the best veterans of campaigning and politics. And you’ll come out a leader.

  • LI’s Future Candidate School and Workshop will prepare you to run and win. You’ll learn how to build a strong grassroots base, define your message, and raise campaign funds. You’ll leave this intense training ready to win.
  • LI’s Campaign Academy offers training opportunities across the country. This five-session crash course will prepare you to run and win political races.
  • LI’s Local Leader Workshop will teach you what it takes to lead at your county and precinct party level. You’ll learn everything it takes to recruit candidates and volunteers, share your message, and build an effective organization.
  • LI’s Campaign Management School and Workshop will help you learn all there is to know to run a winning campaign. That includes taking part in practical exercises and activities that simulate real-life campaign scenarios.
  • LI’s Campaign Data Workshop will help you find and learn how to use the latest data to target your voters and get them out to vote. 
  • And if you want to get involved in taking back your local schools from the left, the Leadership Institute offers a full array of School Board Campaign Training. You can learn how to win school board, and what to do once you win. 

Do these Leadership Institute trainings whet your interest? Do you want to make the most of them to learn how to become a successful conservative political leader? Then click below to learn more, and apply to take part.

Make the Leadership Institute your first step toward winning public office — and saving America.

Step one

With You at Every Step

Our dedicated programs offer an array of training opportunities. Learn the strategies and skills that lead to success for conservative principles.

The One-on-One Television Workshop is a custom training developed for the specific demands of each student. The full resources of...

The on-camera workshop takes place in front of the TV cameras in LI’s Norma Zimdahl Master Studio in the Sacher...

You don’t get much lead time before an interview, so take advantage of the time you have now to learn...

This training provides you with the skills to wage and win a successful campaign for your local school board.

...

Step Two

Matching People and Jobs

Whether you’re looking to hire top conservative talent or searching for your next job opportunity, LI has got you covered.
1

The Aileen Chuck Internship Program Summer 2027

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.

March 19, 2026
Arlington

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1

The Aileen Chuck Internship Program Fall 2026

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.

September 14, 2026
Arlington

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1

The Aileen Chuck Internship Program Spring 2027

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.

March 13, 2026
Arlington

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1

State Recruiter- AZ, CO, NM

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

May 05, 2026
Anywhere in AZ CO NM

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1

Assistant Director of Events

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.

April 06, 2026
Arlington

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1

Events Manager

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.

April 06, 2026
Arlington

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1

State Recruiter - IA, KS, & NE

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

June 01, 2026
Anywhere in IA KS NE

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1

State Recruiter - IN

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.

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

May 01, 2026
Anywhere in IN

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1

Studio Fellow

Position Summary

The Leadership Institute Studios seeks highly motivated individuals with a passion for digital media and studio production to serve as Studio Fellows. This fellowship is designed for aspiring creatives interested in careers in photography, videography, graphic design, and content production, who want to use their skills to advance the conservative movement.

Studio Fellows will gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced creative environment, working alongside experienced media professionals to produce high-quality content.

This position is ideal for recent graduates or early-career professionals looking to build a strong portfolio and develop real-world media skills.

Compensation

$46,000 salary for a one year fellowship.

Equipment Stipend

Upon successful completion of the program, Fellows will receive $7,000 (before taxes) to purchase professional equipment.

Location

Arlington, Virginia / DC (relocation required)

Expectations of Role

(Although strongly recommended, we do not require experience in any of these for application)

Studio Fellows will:

  • Assist with photography and videography projects

  • Perform photo, video, and graphic editing using Adobe Suite

  • Support A/V setup, management, and troubleshooting

  • Help set up and run livestreams, podcasts, and webinars

  • Set up, operate, and maintain Leadership Institute Studios for internal and external shoots

  • Conduct professional, documentary-style on-camera interviews

  • Travel offsite for events and shoots, sometimes with short notice

  • Book and manage their own travel for offsite shoots

  • Communicate professionally with internal and external clients

  • Follow Leadership Institute Studios data and file management standards

  • Maintain studio cleanliness, organization, and equipment

  • Operate both Mac and PC systems at a basic level

March 01, 2026
Arlington

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1

Development Operations Officer

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.

March 27, 2026
Arlington

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step Three

Make an Impact at Every Stage

Witness the journey of individuals who, through LI’s guidance,
have made strides in their communities and beyond.

2025
Appointed to House Education Committee

2024
Received the Congressional Patriot Award

2024
Young Americans for Liberty Hazlitt Policy Summit Training from LI

2024
Graduation from Liberty University

2024
Reelection to House State Delegate

2023
Takes office in the West Virginia House of Delegates

2022
Elected to serve as a member of the House of Delegates

2022
Future Candidate School and 38 more trainings from LI

2021
Deputy Assistant to LI President Morton Blackwell

2021
Leadership Institute Intern

2020
Youth Leadership School

2020
Interned for West Virginia Congressman Alex Mooney

2020
West Virginia Republican National Convention Alternate Delegate

2014
Moved to the U.S. from Guatemala

2018
Youth Leadership Summit:

Stevie learns to turn values into vision.

Leadership Institute

2018
Youth Leadership Summit:

Stevie learns to turn values into vision.

2018
Youth Leadership Summit:

Stevie learns to turn values into vision.

2018
Youth Leadership Summit:

Stevie learns to turn values into vision.

Ready to accelerate your political career?  The Leadership Institute’s expert-crafted trainings equip you with essential skills and knowledge for success in politics. 

Leadership Institute offers top-tier trainings that will equip you with the necessary skills and knowledge to become an influential movement leader.