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 Talent Pipeline Manager to lead its internship program and help emerging talent build meaningful connections to Locke’s work. This position combines hands-on program management and intern supervision with recruitment, alumni engagement, and efforts to strengthen our workplace community.

The ideal candidate enjoys developing people, building lasting relationships, and managing the details that make programs run well. This is an opportunity to help talented people grow while supporting Locke’s mission.

This is a full-time position based in Raleigh, North Carolina, reporting to the Director of Operations, with the option to work remotely up to two days per week. The role involves occasional evening and weekend events and travel within North Carolina, with scheduling flexibility.

Responsibilities

Internship Program

  • Recruit and interview candidates for spring, summer, and fall internships, with a goal of three interns per term; coordinate selection and applicant communications with leadership.
  • Supervise interns and work with department supervisors to establish schedules, assignments, expectations, and regular feedback.
  • Arrange guest speakers, field trips, and learning opportunities that introduce interns to public policy, journalism, and professional pathways.
  • Ensure each intern completes an independent project and receives individualized feedback and guidance on next steps, providing recommendations as appropriate.

Talent Recruitment and Development

  • Build relationships with universities, professional associations, and aligned organizations to identify promising candidates for internships, fellowships, and future employment.
  • Work with department leaders to identify talent needs and connect prospective candidates with opportunities. This position will also lead the operations of employee recruitment, posting openings, coordinating with outside recruitment, departmental leads or hiring managers, fielding resumes and conducting interviews as needed.
  • Track recruitment, program participation, alumni engagement, and career outcomes to assess and improve Locke’s talent pipeline.

E.A. Morris Fellowship for Emerging Leaders

  • Serve as Locke’s primary point of contact and collaborator with the contracted program manager, who leads program execution; provide support with reference checks, participant communications, and logistics as needed.

Alumni Engagement and Mentorship

  • Maintain relationships with former employees, interns, and fellows—including E.A. Morris alumni—through regular communication about Locke’s work, professional opportunities, and alumni accomplishments.
  • Connect participants and alumni with mentors, professional networks, and career opportunities; engage alumni as speakers, advisers, and sources of talent referrals.

Employee Experience and Office Operations

  • Coordinate a welcoming employee experience that helps new staff build relationships across departments and understand Locke’s work.
  • Partner with leadership to arrange mentorship and peer learning opportunities and recognize employee milestones.
  • Gather feedback from employees and program participants to improve their experience and inform organizational improvements.
  • Support day-to-day office operations and administrative coverage, including facility coordination, office supplies, vendor communication, meeting and event logistics, and donor gift entry. Directing and assisting interns with covering phone calls, email inquiries, mail distribution.

Qualifications

  • Experience in recruitment, talent development, program management, alumni relations, employee engagement, or a related field.
  • Strong relationship-building skills and clear, professional written and verbal communication.
  • Excellent organization and follow-through, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
  • Sound judgment and discretion when handling applicant information and participant feedback.
  • Ability to collaborate across departments, take initiative, and contribute to shared team responsibilities.
  • Comfort maintaining contact databases, tracking outcomes, and using digital recruitment and communication tools.
  • Commitment to the John Locke Foundation’s mission.

Experience working with students, leadership development programs, or mission-driven organizations is especially helpful.

Benefits

  • Paid time off and 13 paid holidays.
  • 401(k) with an employer match.
  • Travel savings account program with an employer match.
  • Medical, dental, and vision coverage and a flexible spending account (FSA).
  • Life and disability insurance.
  • Hybrid work opportunities.

How to Apply

Please email the following materials to Alex Steadman at [email protected]:

  • A resume highlighting relevant qualifications and experience.
  • A cover letter explaining your interest in Locke’s mission, your fit for the Talent Pipeline Manager role, and your salary requirements.

Questions may also be directed to Alex at the email address above. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.