Stand together

KAP 2026-2027 - Intellectual Talent Development (ITD) Specialist - Institute for Humane Studies

Arlington, Virginia Full Time
The Koch Associate Program (KAP) is a career accelerator for early to mid-career professionals with a drive to tackle our country’s most pressing challenges in more effective, principled ways. KAP equips associates with the tools, mindsets, and community to succeed as social entrepreneurs—individuals excited to find new and better ways to break barriers and eliminate injustice. Associates spend one day each week engaging in experiential learning with Stand Together Fellowships and work at one of our many partner organizations the rest of the week. Our curriculum is designed to supercharge your development and equip you for long-term success as you seek to have an impact on the problems that prevent people from realizing their potential.  

Job Summary

The Intellectual Talent Development (ITD) Specialist supports the execution of graduate-level talent development programs and contributes to scholar identification and engagement efforts. This role combines program coordination, research, and relationship support to strengthen the graduate scholar pipeline and ensure consistent program delivery aligned with organizational priorities. The position reports to the Associate Director of Intellectual Talent Development.

The Institute for Humane Studies (IHS) develops and connects the brightest minds applying the principles of freedom to address society’s biggest questions and most complex challenges.

For 65 years, IHS has cultivated a network—now more than 7,000 strong—of university professors, policy experts, and civil society leaders. Rooted in the liberal intellectual tradition, this network produces the research needed to advance a society grounded in the dignity and equality of all people and constitutional restraint.

Duties and Responsibilities

Program Management and Execution

  • Coordinate the execution of a portfolio of graduate-level programs, including workshops and related initiatives.
  • Manage program logistics, communications, and materials in collaboration with internal teams and faculty partners.
  • Support refinement of program themes and participant selection processes in coordination with the Associate Director and faculty partners.
  • Coordinate faculty engagement and communications throughout the program lifecycle.
  • Conduct post-program follow-up, including participant tracking and documentation of outcomes.
  • Support the development and implementation of new program initiatives.
  • Up to 15% travel required to support program delivery and events.

Prospect Research and Pipeline Activation

  • Conduct research to identify graduate student prospects and emerging scholars aligned with program priorities.
  • Compile and synthesize information to support evaluation of scholar fit and engagement planning.
  • Conduct outreach to prospective scholars and communicate program opportunities.
  • Schedule and support introductory meetings and ongoing engagement touchpoints.
  • Coordinate connections between scholars and appropriate programs or internal stakeholders.
  • Maintain awareness of relevant academic disciplines, institutions, and faculty networks.

CRM and Data Management

  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in Salesforce, including prospect entry, career updates, and engagement tracking.
  • Ensure data integrity across talent pipelines and support reporting needs.
  • Utilize CRM data to support program coordination and pipeline visibility.

 

Required Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • 2+ years of relevant experience in program coordination, academic administration, research support, or related fields.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of and engagement with classical liberal thought, political philosophy, or related intellectual traditions relevant to IHS’s mission.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage multiple workflows and coordinate across stakeholders.
  • Strong research and information synthesis skills.
  • Clear written and verbal communication skills appropriate for academic audiences.
  • Experience with CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce) or structured data management.

 

Preferred Qualifications

  • Experience working with graduate students, faculty, or academic programming.
  • Exposure to talent pipeline development, fellowships, or scholar networks.
  • Experience in nonprofit, academic, or research-oriented environments.

 

Additional Information

  • Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the United States. The Institute for Humane Studies (IHS) is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.
  • This position is primarily remote. The role requires occasional travel (up to approximately 15%) to support organizational programming and periodic in-office collaboration. Travel frequency and locations may vary based on team and organizational needs.