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.

About the Role

Cato is seeking a dynamic Marketing Manager to drive strategic marketing initiatives for our policy research groups and educational programs, including Cato University, Cato Courses, Libertarianism.org, and other initiatives such as HumanProgress.org and Books and Publications. This role is essential in expanding our reach and impact in promoting individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace through innovative marketing strategies and execution.

The Marketing Manager will report to the Associate Director of Marketing. This is a hybrid position in Washington, DC; the candidate can work remotely 3 days/week and must be in the office 2 days/week.

The projected salary range for this role is $80,000 – $90,000 per year. Compensation is based on the successful candidate’s educational background, experience, and skills.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Marketing

  • Develop and execute comprehensive marketing strategies and campaigns for assigned policy groups and educational initiatives
  • Create integrated marketing campaigns that effectively communicate libertarian principles and policy research to diverse audiences
  • Analyze market trends and audience insights to inform strategic decision-making
  • Collaborate with policy experts and program directors to translate complex research into compelling marketing messages

Campaign Execution & Management

  • Plan and execute multi-channel marketing campaigns across digital and traditional platforms: social, email, print, display advertising, etc.
  • Manage content marketing and promotion of scholar-produced content: books, blogs, op-eds, policy analysis, etc.
  • Assemble and lead cross-functional project teams, including and beyond the marketing and communications teams
  • Coordinate event marketing for conferences, seminars, and educational programs

Performance Analytics & KPIs

  • Establish and monitor key performance indicators for all marketing initiatives, including reach, acquisition, engagement, and ROI
  • Prepare detailed reports and recommendations for the leadership team
  • Implement A/B testing and optimization strategies to improve campaign effectiveness

Vendor & Partnership Management

  • Identify, evaluate, and manage relationships with external marketing vendors and agencies
  • Negotiate contracts and oversee vendor performance to ensure deliverable quality and timeline adherence
  • Coordinate with graphic designers, web developers, advertising agencies, and other marketing service providers
  • Manage marketing budgets and vendor payments

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Work closely with communications, development, and program teams to ensure brand consistency
  • Support Cato University course promotion and student recruitment efforts
  • Collaborate with Libertarianism.org team on content distribution and audience growth strategies
  • Participate in organizational planning and strategic initiatives

Qualifications

Education/ Experience

  • 3-5 years of marketing experience, preferably in non-profit, think tank, or political advocacy environments
  • Proven track record of successful marketing campaign development and execution
  • Proficiency in marketing automation platforms (Salesforce, Pardot)
  • Experience with web analytics tools (Google Analytics, social media analytics)
  • Knowledge of SEO, SEM, and digital advertising best practices
  • Familiarity with audience segmentation
  • Working knowledge of LLM AI tools
  • Strong project management and vendor coordination experience
  • Experience driving events and course registrations is a plus
  • Knowledge of and commitment to libertarianism or classical liberalism consistent with the vision of the Cato Institute
  • Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, political science, or related field

Skills

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities
  • Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously
  • Understanding of libertarian philosophy and free-market principles preferred

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

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

To Apply

Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) 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
    • 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 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 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.