About the John Locke Foundation:
The John Locke Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) research institute dedicated to advancing individual liberty, limited constitutional government, and free-market solutions in North Carolina. Through rigorous research, policy analysis, and public engagement, Locke works to inform policymakers and citizens and improve public policy across the state.

The organization is supported by a broad network of individuals, foundations, and businesses committed to these principles. To maintain the independence of our work, we do not accept government funding.

About the Role:
The John Locke Foundation seeks a Director of Government Affairs to lead the organization’s engagement with policymakers, legislative leaders, and key stakeholders across North Carolina government.

The Director of Government Affairs is a senior staff role responsible for developing and executing strategies to communicate Locke’s policy research and recommendations, build relationships with elected officials and agency leaders, and translate the organization’s work into meaningful policy impact.

Working closely with the CEO and senior leadership, as well as Locke’s scholars and communications team, the Director ensures that the organization’s policy ideas reach decision-makers and inform the public policy conversation. This role engages directly with legislative leadership, executive branch officials, and key stakeholders across North Carolina and serves as the organization’s primary bridge between Locke’s research and the policymakers shaping state policy.

The Director will be expected to build strong relationships with key policymakers, expand the reach and influence of Locke’s research, and contribute to meaningful policy outcomes across North Carolina.

This is one of the leading government affairs roles within North Carolina’s state-based policy community, offering the opportunity to directly shape the policy conversation at the highest levels of state government.

This position is based in Raleigh, North Carolina, with the option to work remotely up to two days per week.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Government Relations Strategy: Develop and implement strategies to communicate Locke’s policy research and recommendations to North Carolina state government audiences. Monitor legislative and regulatory developments and identify opportunities to inform policy discussions and decision-making.
  • Policy Engagement: Represent the organization’s research and perspectives to legislators, policymakers, and agency officials. Provide briefings, testimony, and policy analysis aligned with the organization’s mission.
  • Relationship Building: Build and maintain strong relationships with elected officials, legislative staff, government agencies, and allied organizations.
  • Legislative Analysis: Evaluate proposed legislation and regulatory initiatives and provide timely analysis and strategic recommendations to internal teams.
  • Coalition Engagement: Work with partners, coalitions, and advocacy organizations to share research, inform policy discussions, and advance ideas that support liberty and economic opportunity in North Carolina.
  • Public Engagement: Serve as a public spokesperson on policy issues through media appearances, public events, and written commentary.
  • Collaboration with Scholars: Work closely with Locke’s research team to ensure policy ideas are effectively communicated to policymakers and stakeholders.

Qualifications:

  • 5-10 years of experience in government affairs, public policy, legislative staff work, or advocacy
  • Strong understanding of North Carolina state government and the legislative process
  • Bachelor’s or advanced degree in political science, public policy, law, or a related field is preferred but not required. Relevant professional experience and demonstrated knowledge of the legislative process may be considered in lieu of formal education.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Demonstrated ability to build relationships with policymakers and stakeholders
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to translate policy ideas into practical legislative strategies
  • Commitment to the John Locke Foundation’s mission and its principles of individual liberty, limited government, and free-market solutions.

To Apply
Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials in one PDF document to deputy director of operations, Claire Olson, at [email protected]:

  • Resume
  • Cover Letter that includes an introductory paragraph(s) describing why you are drawn to the John Locke Foundation’s mission and how you came to those beliefs, and salary requirements
  • List of three professional references, including email addresses, telephone numbers, and relationship to the reference

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position 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.

John Locke Foundation is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.