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.