Manager of Government and External Affairs

Cato Institute Manager of Government and External Affairs
Location Washington, DC , United States
Application deadline 31 December 2022
Contract type Permanent
Hours Full-time
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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 various 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 potent 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 free people. It is the indispensable framework for the future.

The Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The role

The Cato Institute is seeking applications for a full-time position in Washington, D.C., to serve as a Government and External Affairs Manager. The Manager will work to maintain Cato as a prime source for objective analysis for federal policymakers and to ensure that Cato scholars have the access and proper tools needed to help Congress and the Administration develop and advance sound policy.

Reporting to Cato’s Director of Government and External Affairs, the Manager 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, including entitlements, health care, education, and fiscal policy broadly (the list of issues is subject to change).

Key roles and responsibilities

  • Build and maintain relationships with policymakers on Capitol Hill and the executive branch.
  • Identify, create, and assist with opportunities for Cato scholars to provide testimony, statements for the record, and other high-impact opportunities for Cato scholars.
  • 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 for issue portfolios to positively influence the policy debate.
  • Oversee distribution of Cato scholarship to the audience on Capitol Hill and within the Administration.
  • Work with existing federal affairs staff to ensure Cato-wide coordination of the Institute’s efforts.
  • Exercise exceptional judgement to protect and enhance Cato’s reputation for excellence, integrity, and dedication to principle.

Experience and skills

  • 3 to 6 years of issue-management experience on Capitol Hill, in the Administration, or similar experience with a think tank, association, state or local government, or in the for-profit sector.
  • A bachelor’s degree in Political Science or related field.
  • Comprehensive understanding of Congressional rules, procedures, and operations.
  • A demonstrated appreciation for Cato’s mission and principles.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.