About the Mercatus Center at George Mason University
For over 40 years, the Mercatus Center at George Mason University has been the world’s premier university source for market-oriented ideas—bridging the gap between academic ideas and real-world problems. A university-based research center, Mercatus works to advance knowledge about how markets work to improve our lives by training graduate students, conducting research, and applying sound economics to offer solutions to society’s most pressing problems.
Position Summary
The External Relations Associate reports to the Director of External Relations as part of the Strategic Engagement Team at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. The External Relations Associate will gain a solid understanding of Mercatus research and work to amplify the impact of Mercatus research and analysis. The Associate will represent Mercatus at events, meetings, briefings, and conferences at the federal and state levels, as well as support communication efforts by fielding incoming interview requests.
This role is ideal for someone who is interested in public policy, free market research, strategic communication, and relationship-building. This is an in-office role based in Arlington, VA.
Key Responsibilities
- Coalition Engagement: Represent Mercatus at regular coalition meetings, relevant events, and other D.C gatherings in order to communicate organizational priorities and identify opportunities for collaboration. Attend state policy conferences and support scholars in state visits as needed.
- Partnership Development: Assist in cultivating and maintaining relationships with federal and state policy organizations, think tanks, and other external partners.
- Public Relations Strategy: Assist in managing incoming media inquiries, placement in digital channels, coordinating podcast interviews with scholars as needed, and occasionally distributing press releases.
- Scholar Promotion: Support efforts to connect Mercatus scholars with government officials, policy organizations, and media opportunities at both the federal and state levels.
- Internal Communication: Coordinate with Mercatus scholars and staff to ensure timely dissemination of policy-relevant research and alignment on engagement opportunities.
- Research Fluency: Maintain a strong understanding of Mercatus research—particularly in core policy areas—and communicate its relevance effectively to external stakeholders.
- Event and Briefing Support: Help organize and execute events, conferences, briefings, and meetings, and manage follow-up communication with attendees and collaborators.
Qualifications
- 1-2+ years of experience in government affairs or public policy.
- Ability to travel on occasion, up to 5%.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Interest in and alignment with public policy, free market ideas, and the mission of the Mercatus Center.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities, work collaboratively, and communicate effectively across teams.
- Bachelor’s degree in public policy, political science, communications, or a related field.
To Apply
To apply, qualified individuals should submit the following application materials in one PDF document:
- Cover letter including:
- An introductory paragraph describing three distinct reasons you are drawn to Mercatus’s mission and how you came to those beliefs. Be sure to include at least one specific issue or policy area that resonates with you.
- 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, Outreach Manager at Talent Market, who is managing the search: [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 is a nonprofit entity dedicated to promoting liberty by helping free-market nonprofits identify talent for critical roles. We provide consulting and recruiting services at no cost to 501(c)3 nonprofit 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.
