Director of Government Affairs

The Cato Institute is seeking applications for a full-time position in Washington, DC, as Director of Government Affairs, focusing heavily on legal and technology policy issues. The ideal candidate will have connections and experience working with federal policymakers or think tanks. The Director will work to maintain Cato as a prime source for objective analysis for federal policymakers and ensure that Cato scholars have access to the proper tools to help Congress and the Administration develop and advance principled policy solutions. 

Working closely with the Vice President for Public Affairs, the Director will collaborate with the existing federal affairs team and relevant policy scholars to devise and execute engagement strategies across a portfolio of legal and technology policy issues. This portfolio will focus on constitutional law and technology policy, including but not limited to criminal justice reform, civil liberties, civil asset forfeiture, technology, education, and immigration.

This is a hybrid position in Washington, DC; the successful candidate will be eligible to work remotely several days/week, subject to organizational needs. 

The projected salary range for this role is $115,000 - $150,000 per year. Compensation is based on the successful candidate's educational background, experience, and skills.

TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION, YOU MUST SUBMIT THE TALENT MARKET APPLICATION.

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.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers on Capitol Hill, with a special emphasis on the House and Senate Judiciary and Commerce Committees, and within the Executive Branch.
• Identify, create, and assist with opportunities for Cato scholars to provide testimonies, 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 policy.
• Devise, recommend, and execute engagement strategies (in coordination with relevant Cato policy staff) for the issue portfolio to positively influence 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 protect and enhance Cato’s reputation for excellence, integrity, and dedication to principle.

Education/Experience

• At least 7 to 10 years of experience on Capitol Hill or the Administration, working in a legislative position or a government affairs department for a think tank, association, or in the for-profit sector. 
• Bachelor’s degree and/or work experience commensurate with a degree in a relevant field.
• Must have professional relationships with federal policymakers, the Administration, and other think tanks.
• Existing relationships within progressive-leaning policy and advocacy networks are a plus.
• Comprehensive understanding of Congressional rules, procedures, and operations.
• A demonstrated appreciation for Cato’s mission and principles.
• Experience working on legal-related policy issues or in a legal setting.
• A relevant advanced degree, such as a JD, MPA, or MPP, is preferred but not required. 

Skills

• A willingness to build a bipartisan network, consisting of progressive and conservative policymakers, to advance principled policy solutions. 
• Excellent interpersonal skills; strong oral and written communication skills.
• Attention to detail and strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Project management experience, including developing work plans, managing and executing multiple concurrent efforts, and effectively managing data, communication, and work products.

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

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

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

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: katy@talentmarket.org.

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.