About the Organization

For 70 years, National Review has been a leader in the conservative movement and one of the most trusted media institutions in America. Founded in 1955 by William F. Buckley Jr., NR remains the nation’s leading voice for rigorous reporting, sharp commentary, and a steadfast commitment to the principles of a free society. From print to digital, podcasts to live events, NR is expanding its multimedia presence to meet the moment—and to shape the national conversation with clarity, integrity, and intellectual depth.

National Review Institute (NRI) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) that advances American conservatism by promoting the understanding and embrace of its principles. Guided by our enterprise’s core values—constitutional government, free enterprise, moral bedrocks, a strong defense, love of country, and defending Western civilization—we invest in top conservative voices. National Review nurtures both established journalists and emerging talents who report the truth and advocate for these principles with conviction. The Institute reaches new audiences through curated programs, educates and engages conservatives, and strengthens our movement.

Position Summary

NRI is seeking a highly organized, detail-oriented Development & Events Associate to support the Institute’s fundraising operations and its national program of donor cultivation events, regional seminars, and flagship conferences (including the William F. Buckley Jr. Prize Dinner, the Ideas Summit, and regional seminars). This role sits at the intersection of development and events — supporting donor stewardship and gift processing while also playing a hands-on role in the planning and execution of NR’s events calendar. This is an excellent opportunity for someone early in their career who wants exposure to nonprofit fundraising, high-level donor relations, and large-scale event production in a mission-driven organization.

This is a full-time, exempt role based in-office in Arlington, VA, with the option to work from home one day per week depending on the event schedule. The Development & Events Associate reports directly to the EVP, Major Gifts.

Key Responsibilities

Development Support

  • Process and acknowledge gifts, pledges, and donations in the donor database (Virtuous), ensuring accurate records and timely, personalized acknowledgment letters.
  • Support prospect research and help prepare donor briefings, meeting materials, and stewardship reports for senior staff.
  • Assist with the preparation of grant proposals, sponsorship materials, and year-end appeals.
  • Track and report on fundraising metrics, pipeline status, and event revenue against goals.
  • Maintain donor and prospect files, ensuring confidentiality and data integrity.

Event Planning & Execution

  • Support the planning and logistics of NR’s capstone events such as the annual William F. Buckley Jr. Prize Dinner, Ideas Summit, regional seminars, and salon dinners — including venue research and contracting, catering, printed materials, signage, and vendor coordination.
  • Own event data and RSVPs, including direct correspondence with NRI’s generous donor partners.
  • Draft and manage event communications: invitations, agendas, briefing documents, and other materials.
  • Coordinate speaker and staff travel and logistics; serve as a point of contact for speakers and staff attending events.
  • Manage on-site event logistics, including registration, seating, the staff office, printing, place cards, programs, event giveaways, and troubleshooting day-of issues.
  • Coordinate with the communications team on event promotion, photography, and post-event follow-up.

Cross-Functional & Administrative

  • Provide general administrative support to the development and events teams, including scheduling, correspondence, and meeting preparation.
  • Help maintain and update event and donor timelines/project trackers (e.g., in Asana or similar project management tools).
  • Support ad hoc projects as needed across the development and events functions.

Qualifications

  • 1–3+ years of experience in development, events, hospitality, political fundraising, or a related field (internship experience considered).
  • Exceptional organizational skills and acute attention to detail; comfortable managing multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including a polished, professional tone for donor- and speaker-facing correspondence.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); experience with a CRM, and project management tools (Asana or similar) a plus.
  • Ability to work well under pressure, especially in the lead-up to and during live events.
  • Willingness to travel occasionally (up to 5%)  and to work some evenings and weekends around the event calendar.
  • A genuine interest in and familiarity with National Review’s mission and conservative ideas.
  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.

What Success Looks Like

  • Donor communications and gift processing are accurate, timely, and reflect NRI’s professionalism and gratitude toward its supporters.
  • Events run smoothly, on budget, and on brand — from a well-organized rollout to a seamless on-site guest experience.
  • Development and events staff can rely on this person to anticipate needs, follow through on details, and flag issues before they become problems.

Compensation

The salary range for this role is $55,000 – 65,000, depending on skills and experience.

How to Apply

To apply, qualified individuals should submit the following application materials in one PDF document:

  • Cover letter including:
    • Your interest in the mission of National Review Institute, and why you’re a good fit for the role
    • Salary requirements
  • Resume

Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/.

Questions can be directed to Bailey Drouant, Project Manager at Talent Market, who is managing the search process: [email protected].

There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled.

While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.

Talent Market, the liberty movement’s talent agency, is a nonprofit that connects liberty-minded professionals with free-market nonprofit jobs at no cost to candidates or organizations. We work with 501(c)(3) organizations that clearly and directly focus on advancing the principles of economic freedom, free enterprise, free trade, free speech, property rights, rule of law, and limited regulation. Visit Talent Market to explore open roles, join our talent network, or work with us on your next hire.