Director of Government Affairs

Cato Institute•Washington, DC

20d•$115,000 - $150,000•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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.
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 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.

Nice To Haves

Existing relationships within progressive-leaning policy and advocacy networks are a plus.
A relevant advanced degree, such as a JD, MPA, or MPP, is preferred but not required.

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.