Director of Human Resources

Cato Institute•Washington, DC

5d•$140,000 - $180,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Cato Institute, a libertarian public policy research organization located in Washington, DC, is seeking an experienced Director of Human Resources to lead and strengthen our growing team of scholars, research, technology and administrative professionals (currently about 210 staff). This senior-level role oversees all core HR functions, including recruitment, employee relations, benefits administration, labor law compliance, performance management, salary administration, and HR policy development. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, the Director of Human Resources will manage a team of three direct reports and collaborate closely with the CEO and Chief of Staff to develop organizational strategies, training programs, cultural initiatives, and other HR-related activities. Most importantly, the successful candidate will be one who deeply aligns with our mission of personal liberty and freedom—values that guide how we treat our employees, structure our policies, and cultivate our culture. The Director of Human Resources will be required to be in Cato’s Washington, DC office at least two days/week. TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION, YOU MUST COMPLETE THE TALENT MARKET APPLICATION.

Requirements

Minimum seven years of progressive HR management experience, ideally within a mission-driven or nonprofit environment.
Demonstrated leadership experience in designing and directing strategic HR initiatives, including workforce planning, organizational development, and cultural stewardship.
Proven ability to lead, manage, and coach HR teams; strong commitment to accountability, clarity, and mission alignment.
Deep alignment with Cato’s mission of personal liberty, individual freedom, and limited government.
Extensive knowledge of employment law (including FLSA, FMLA, EEO, ADA, and immigration procedures) and experience overseeing compliance programs.
Strong expertise in strategic compensation, performance management, and policy governance.
Experience leading process improvement and technology adoption, including openness to integrating ethical, efficient AI tools into HR workflows.
Strong ability to develop, execute, and assess long-term HR strategies.
Exceptional interpersonal, coaching, and communication skills.
High proficiency in Microsoft Office and HRIS platforms; advanced experience with HCM systems (Paylocity preferred).
Extraordinary organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Demonstrated ability to build trusting, effective relationships at all levels of the organization.

Responsibilities

Provide executive-level leadership for all HR functions, ensuring policies and practices reflect Cato’s mission of personal liberty, individual freedom, and organizational excellence.
Develop long-term HR strategies that support workforce planning, organizational culture, and ongoing operational needs.
Lead the evolution of HR systems, processes, and programs—including openness to responsible and ethical use of AI-powered tools to enhance efficiency, analytics, and employee experience.
Partner with senior leadership to design and execute organizational development initiatives, talent strategies, and cultural priorities.
Oversee, mentor, and develop the HR team, ensuring high performance, accountability, and alignment with organizational mission and values.
Provide executive oversight of recruitment, onboarding, and separation processes, ensuring they are efficient, equitable, and mission-aligned.
Direct the administration and continuous improvement of compensation structures, salary reviews, and title frameworks.
Ensure rigorous compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws, regulatory requirements, and internal controls.
Oversee employee relations, conflict resolution, and personnel matters, engaging legal counsel when appropriate.
Supervise benefits administration and compliance in partnership with the Human Resources Manager.
Lead development, communication, and annual review of all HR policies, procedures, and process documentation.
Serve as the strategic owner and senior super-user of the HCM system (Paylocity), guiding optimization and cross-functional use.
Promote adoption of HR self-service tools and evaluate emerging technologies—including AI applications—to streamline HR operations and enhance decision-making.
Recommend, coordinate, and oversee professional development and training initiatives for staff.
Foster a mission-aligned, high-trust work environment rooted in personal responsibility, liberty, and mutual respect.
Support broader organizational operations, contributing to cultural stewardship and continuous improvement.