About the Cato Institute
The Cato Institute is a public policy research organization – a think tank – dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. Its scholars and analysts conduct independent, nonpartisan research on a wide range of policy issues.
Founded in 1977, Cato owes its name to Cato’s Letters, a series of essays published in 18th-century England that presented a vision of a society free from excessive government power. Those essays inspired the architects of the American Revolution. And the simple, timeless principles of that revolution – individual liberty, limited government, and free markets – turn out to be even more powerful in today’s world of global markets and unprecedented access to information than Jefferson or Madison could have imagined. Social and economic freedom is not just the best policy for a free people, it is the indispensable framework for the future.
Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Description
The Cato Institute seeks a dynamic, experienced professional to join our marketing team. The Senior Manager, Social Media and Email Marketing will work closely with the communications and internal teams to devise and execute social media and email marketing strategies that enhance Cato’s digital presence and engagement. This role will oversee the management of social media platforms, the creation of compelling digital content, and the execution of targeted email campaigns that align with the Institute’s mission of promoting its statement of principles. The Senior Manager will also ensure that Cato’s messaging reaches and resonates with key audiences, leveraging data-driven insights to optimize performance.
The right candidate likely has at least 5 years of experience in social media and/or email marketing. However, we encourage candidates with any level of related experience to apply for the position.
This is a hybrid position requiring at least three days/week in the Washington, DC office.
The projected salary range for this role is $80,000 – $110,000 per year. Compensation is based on the successful candidate’s educational background, experience, and skills.
Responsibilities
Social Media Management (40%)
- Oversee Cato’s presence across major social media platforms (X, Bluesky, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, etc.), ensuring content is timely, relevant, and aligned with institute objectives.
- Develop and implement social media strategies to increase engagement, reach, and quality follower growth.
- Monitor social media trends and analytics to inform content strategy and improve performance.
- Oversee social media scheduling, engagement, and reporting in Hootsuite and Buffer or similar management platforms.
Content Generation (25%)
- Lead the creation of compelling social media content, including copywriting, graphics, and videos, that reflect the Institute’s research and initiatives.
- Collaborate with policy scholars and other departments to produce content that effectively communicates complex policy issues to a broad audience.
Email Marketing (25%)
- Manage the planning, development, and execution of email marketing campaigns, including newsletters and promotional emails.
- Ensure email content is engaging, accurate, and consistent with the Institute’s messaging and branding.
- Analyze email campaign performance and implement improvements to enhance effectiveness.
- Oversee content strategy and development of newsletter, promotional email, and automated drip campaigns in Salesforce Marketing Cloud (formerly Pardot).
- Apply 3rd party data and segment CRM contacts for targeted digital marketing.
- Understanding persona journeys and creating email automation campaigns to support conversion and brand adoption goals.
Team Leadership (10%)
- Supervise and mentor a team of social media and email marketing professionals, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
- Coordinate with other departments to ensure cohesive communication strategies across all platforms.
- Work with creative and IT teams to build and version landing pages for campaigns.
- Develop and maintain metrics to assess the effectiveness of social media and email marketing efforts.
- Prepare regular reports for senior management, providing insights and recommendations for improvement.
Requirements
Education/ Experience
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in social media and email marketing, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role.
- Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, or a related field.
- Proven track record of developing and executing successful social media and email marketing campaigns.
- Strong understanding of current digital marketing trends and best practices.
- Experience with Salesforce Marketing Cloud is required.
- Experience with Hootsuite and Buffer is preferred.
- An understanding of and commitment to the Cato Institute’s mission and principles.
Skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
- Ability to manage team and stakeholder expectations and coach them on industry best practices.
- Flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities to meet deadlines, manage time well, and perform job responsibilities without constant supervision.
- Self-directed, self-motivated, and disciplined team player capable of hands-on execution and long-term business planning.
- Succeed in a high-demand, fast-paced work environment.
- Ability to problem-solve, manage crisis situations effectively, and maintain professional composure under pressure.
- Strong executive presence and ability to interact with all levels of management within the organization, as well as experience working directly with C-Level/senior leadership.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well in a team environment and independently.
Benefits
All Cato employees are provided with:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA)
- Generous vacation and sick days
- Paid parental leave
- Employer-provided life and disability insurance
- 401(k) employer match
- Transit/ Parkingbenefits
- Pet discount plan
How to Apply
To apply, qualified individuals should submit the following application materials in one PDF document:
- Cover letter including:
- An introductory paragraph(s) describing three distinct reasons you are drawn to Cato’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 Stephanie Keaveney, Senior Manager of Outreach at Talent Market, who is managing the search process: [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.
