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.
The role
The Cato Institute seeks an editor to manage its book program. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring that books published under the Cato imprint meet the Institute’s high standards: clearly written, well-supported, intelligently argued, serious, credible, nonpartisan, and consistent with Cato’s mission.
The Books Editor will be the central point of contact for both internal and external authors. He or she will work with policy directors and other content editors to determine which manuscripts ought to be accepted and personally edit roughly 50-75 per cent of accepted manuscripts. (Cato publishes about 8-10 titles per year.) The remaining manuscripts will be divided between other content editors based on subject expertise.
The Books Editor should have experience acquiring new titles, ensuring those manuscripts are edited and published in a timely manner, negotiating contracts with authors, and determining and meeting budgets. In addition, the Books Editor will review and edit other publications for Cato, including Policy Analyses and White Papers. Candidates should have a deep understanding of and appreciation for libertarian principles and policy positions.
Key roles and responsibilities
- Works closely with Cato policy experts to develop ideas for potential books.
- Determines, in consultation with others, which manuscripts are appropriate for Cato.
- Works with external authors and agents to acquire manuscripts for publication.
- Edits manuscripts for content, structure, and readability.
- Works with the managing editor of the books program to ensure timely delivery of manuscripts.
- Consults with the marketing team on how to most effectively promote Cato books.
- Edits other materials for Cato, including studies on a variety of topics.
Experience and skills
The ideal candidate should have:
- Experience editing public policy books and manuscripts.
- Experience working at a publishing house, think tank, or other research organization.
- Bachelor’s degree in the social sciences; graduate degree preferred.
- Ability to work under pressure in a fast-paced environment overseeing multiple projects.
- Extensive knowledge of the Chicago Manual of Style.
Apply by 30 September.