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.
About the Opportunity
The Cato Institute seeks a dynamic, experienced professional to join our government affairs team. The Director will report to the Vice President for Government Affairs and will work closely with the existing federal affairs team and appropriate policy scholars to devise and execute engagement strategies for a portfolio of domestic policy issues. This portfolio will include, but is not limited to, policy areas such as budget, entitlements, tax, energy, and healthcare. The Director will work to maintain Cato as a prime source for objective analysis for federal policymakers and ensure that Cato scholars have the access and proper tools to help Congress and the Administration develop and advance principled policy solutions.
This position is a hybrid role, requiring two days in the Washington, DC office.
Responsibilities
- Build and maintain relationships with policymakers on Capitol Hill and within the executive branch.
- Identify, create, and assist with opportunities for Cato scholars to provide testimony, statements for the record, and other high-impact opportunities.
- Track and advise Cato scholars and staff on ongoing and emerging dynamics on Capitol Hill and within the Administration to ensure Cato’s maximum impact on the policy debate.
- Devise, recommend, and execute engagement strategies (in coordination with relevant Cato policy staff) for the issue portfolio with the goal of positively influencing the policy debate.
- Oversee distribution of Cato scholarship to Capitol Hill and Administration audiences.
- Work with existing federal affairs staff to ensure Cato-wide coordination of the Institute’s efforts.
- Exercise exceptional judgment to ensure the protection and enhancement of Cato’s reputation for excellence, integrity, and dedication to principle.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and/or work experience commensurate in relevant field.
- At least 7 to 10 years experience on Capitol Hill or the Administration, working in a legislative position or in a government affairs department for a think tank, association, state or local government, or in the for-profit sector.
- Comprehensive understanding of Congressional rules, procedures, and operations.
- A demonstrated appreciation for Cato’s mission and principles.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to build positive, close working relationships on the Hill.
- Attention to detail, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and strong oral and written communication skills.
- Experience working on domestic policy issues.
- Project management experience, including developing work plans, managing and executing multiple concurrent efforts, and effectively managing data, communication, and work products.
- Limited travel required (approximately 5%)
Benefits
All Cato employees are provided:
- 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
Compensation
The target salary range for this position is $115k-$140k.
To Apply
Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:
- Cover letter detailing your alignment with Cato’s mission, your interest in this role, and your salary requirements.
- Your resume
Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link:
https://talentmarket.org/candidates/apply-for-your-dream-job/
Questions can be directed to Claire Kittle Dixon, Executive Director of Talent Market, who is managing the search process: [email protected].
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.
