About Cato

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 an organized, proactive, detailed-oriented, and strategy-minded Program Manager to join the Technology Policy team. The Program Manager will support Cato’s growing technology policy team individually as well as the program as a whole, including to help launch our new Tech Policy Center. The Program Manager will drive the implementation of operational and programmatic initiatives that support the team’s growth and impact, while elevating Cato’s presence as the leading source for technology policy. The role will coordinate across scholars and internal teams to ensure technology policy initiatives are aligned, executed effectively, and advance strategic priorities. The Program Manager will oversee the planning and execution of high-profile initiatives and contribute to long-term efforts that expand the reach, influence, and impact of the technology policy program.

The ideal candidate for this position has strong organizational skills, the ability to handle a variety of administrative tasks as well as strategic planning and execution, and an interest in technology policy and classical liberal ideas.

This is a hybrid position in Washington, DC, with 2 days a week expected in-office. The Tech Program Manager reports directly to the Senior Fellow in Technology.

The projected salary range for this role is $75,000 – $95,000 per year. Compensation is based on the successful candidate’s educational background, experience, and skills.

Responsibilities 

  • Partner with technology policy scholars to develop, implement, and advance strategic priorities and program goals.
  • Lead cross-functional coordination with Communications, Events, Development, Government Affairs, and other internal teams to support technology policy research, initiatives, and events.
  • Design, implement, and continuously improve systems and processes that expand the reach, effectiveness, and impact of the new Tech Policy Center.
  • Serve as a key liaison between technology policy scholars and internal stakeholders to ensure priorities are aligned, communicated effectively, and executed successfully.
  • Monitor progress against program goals and recommend strategic and operational improvements to enhance the team’s effectiveness and visibility.
  • Oversee the planning and execution of high-profile events, meetings, conferences, and other program initiatives.
  • Develop program reports, briefings, and internal communications, while identifying opportunities to improve workflows and impact.
  • Oversee the preparation of board reports, program updates, budgets, expense tracking, and other operational reporting requirements.
  • Manage program operations and logistics, including event staffing, recruiting coordination, stakeholder engagement, and scheduling support for scholars.

Requirements

  • 3-5+ years of work experience in an operational support, program management, event management, or other similar position. Internship experience will be considered.
  • Demonstrated interest in technology policy and its issues.
  • Ability to travel, up to 10%.
  • Strong understanding of, and alignment with, libertarian or classical liberal principles.
  • Excellent project management, organizational, and stakeholder coordination skills.
  • Demonstrated initiative and ability to improve processes and implement effective systems and workflows.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across teams.
  • Proven ability to manage multiple priorities independently in a fast-paced environment.
  • Exceptional attention to detail, judgment, and commitment to high-quality execution.
  • Ability to work on multiple tasks both independently and as part of a time.
  • Bachelor’s Degree.

Benefits

All Cato employees are offered the following:

  • 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/ Parking benefits
  • Pet discount plan

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. This position does not offer visa sponsorship.

How to Apply

To apply, qualified individuals should submit the following application materials in one PDF document:

  • Cover letter detailing your interest in the mission of the Cato Institute, and why you’re a good fit for the role
  • 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, Project Manager 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, the liberty movement’s talent agency, is a nonprofit that connects liberty-minded professionals with free-market nonprofit jobs at no cost to candidates or organizations. We work with 501(c)(3) 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. Visit Talent Market to explore open roles, join our talent network, or work with us on your next hire.