KAP 2025-2026 - Communications Associate - Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy

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.  

Help Shape the Future of Freedom in Appalachia

Are you a talented communicator with a passion for storytelling and a belief in the power of liberty? The Cardinal Institute for West Virginia Policy, a fast-paced, mission-driven think tank, is seeking a Communications Associate to help drive the conversation on public policy and freedom in the Mountain State and beyond.

Founded in 2014, the Cardinal Institute is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to advancing free-market solutions that unleash opportunity, prosperity, and human flourishing across West Virginia. Through bold ideas and creative outreach, we’re working to make Appalachia a beacon of liberty — and we want you on our team.

What You’ll Do

As our Communications Associate, you’ll be the voice behind our message — shaping how West Virginians and national audiences engage with the ideas of economic freedom, limited government, and individual dignity. You'll help lead storytelling efforts across platforms, manage our digital presence, and amplify our policy work to inspire action and support.

Key Responsibilities:

·       Assist in crafting and executing Cardinal’s communications strategy

·       Write and edit high-impact content: blog posts, newsletters, op-eds, emails, and more

·       Create and manage engaging content across social media platforms (X/Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, YouTube)

·       Maintain and update our website with fresh, dynamic content

·       Promote podcast episodes and multimedia content

·       Collaborate with policy and development teams to drive outreach campaigns

·       Track and analyze key performance metrics for digital platforms

·       Support event promotion, press outreach, graphic design, and video storytelling

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who combines excellent writing chops with digital savvy and a deep commitment to liberty. You’ll thrive in this role if you're proactive, creative, and excited to work in a growing, entrepreneurial environment.

Preferred Qualifications:

·       Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in communications, PR, journalism, marketing, or a related field

·       1–3 years of experience in communications or digital media (internships count!)

·       Exceptional writing and verbal communication skills

·       Familiarity with email marketing platforms (Mailchimp, Constant Contact, etc.)

·       Working knowledge of basic graphic design or video editing tools (Canva, Adobe Suite, etc.)

·       A passion for individual liberty, free enterprise, and limited government

·       Highly organized, detail-oriented, and team-minded

What We Offer

·       Health, dental, and vision insurance

·       Generous paid time off and holidays

·       Opportunities for professional development

·       A flexible, supportive team environment

·       The chance to help shape the future of West Virginia and the broader freedom movement

How to Apply

To apply, please submit the following:

- Your resume

- A cover letter explaining why you’re excited about this opportunity and how your background aligns with our mission

- OR a relevant writing sample (e.g., blog post, press release, op-ed, etc.)

Join us in telling a better story — one of freedom, opportunity, and the power of ideas.

About Stand Together Fellowships 

Learn more about Stand Together Fellowships.

Stand Together Fellowships believes that diversity in experiences, perspectives, knowledge and ideas fuels creativity, broadens knowledge, and helps drive success. Our admissions office treats all program participants and applicants with honesty, dignity, respect and sensitivity. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of color, race, religion, religious creed, sex, gender or gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy (including medical needs which may arise from pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), military and veteran status, genetic information, marital or familial status, political affiliation, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances.