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.
The Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
About the Opportunity
The Cato Institute is seeking a Consumer Finance Scholar focusing on consumer finance issues for the Center for Monetary and Financial Alternatives (CMFA). The scholar’s primary responsibilities will be to conduct original policy research on consumer finance that advances the CMFA’s policy priorities, influence policy conversations about consumer finance with federal and state regulators, and collaborate closely with the Center’s other scholars. The ideal candidate has expertise in consumer finance and an interest in financial regulatory reform. A CMFA policy scholar must be an entrepreneurial, hard-working self-starter willing to adapt to the changing needs of a growing policy center.
The Cato Institute is currently offering a hybrid work schedule, requiring at least two days/week in the Washington, DC office.
Responsibilities
- Produce, solicit, edit, summarize, and promote policy research on consumer finance issues, including those related to consumer lending and credit, debt collection, housing finance, and related financial technology.
- Stay informed of regulatory developments and current events affecting consumer finance and provide timely analysis and insights.
- Engage with policymakers, members of the media, and other policy organizations to advance CMFA’s mission.
- Actively participate in all CMFA initiatives.
- Organize and participate in Cato policy forums and other events.
Requirements
Education/ Experience
- Advanced degree in Law, Economics, Finance, Public Policy, or related field
- 4+ years working in public policy or public policy-adjacent field is preferred
- Experience working on consumer finance issues and additional finance regulations expertise is a plus
- A demonstrated understanding of the consumer finance sector and the laws and regulations relating to it
Skills
- Must have a strong commitment to Cato’s libertarian values
- Superior research, writing, and communication skills
- Self-starter with a proven ability to work independently
- A commitment to identifying and promoting alternatives to the existing monetary and financial regulatory systems more conducive to a stable, flourishing, and free society
- Detail-oriented with an ability to multi-task and thrive in an intense and public-facing work setting
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/ Parking benefits
- Pet discount plan
Compensation
The target salary range for this position is $90,000-$175,000. Salary will be commensurate with experience.
Application Instructions
Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:
- Resume
- Cover letter detailing your interest in the position, your alignment with the Cato Institute, and your salary requirements
- Writing Sample – no more than 10 pages long; samples related to the position preferred, but any writing sample is acceptable
Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/.
Questions can be directed to Katy Gambella, Director 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.
