Podcast Host & Creative Producer

Cato Institute•Washington, DC

4d•$70,000 - $120,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Cato seeks a Podcast Host & Creative Producer to lead the creative direction and production of our audio content. The ideal candidate possesses a blend of intellectual curiosity, a compelling on-air presence, and a proven self-starting drive. You must exhibit the professional rigor required to engage effectively with high-level policy experts while maintaining the charisma and accessibility necessary to translate complex ideas for a broad, public audience. Beyond the microphone, you will partner with others to lead the production of related multimedia assets—including video adaptations and social-first content—ensuring Cato’s ideas resonate with diverse audiences. This role blends on-air hosting, creative production, editorial judgment, and digital strategy — ideal for a dynamic communicator who can turn complex ideas about liberty, free markets, and policy into accessible, compelling stories. This is a hybrid position in Washington, DC (some travel and event coverage required). The projected salary range for this role is $70,000 – $120,000 per year. Compensation is based on the successful candidate's experience and skills. 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

Deep knowledge of libertarian ideas and the Cato Institute’s mission, and are enthusiastic about promoting these principles and ideas.
Bachelor’s degree preferred (Journalism, Communications, Political Science, Economics, or History), but we are open to candidates with non-traditional educational backgrounds who demonstrate strong critical thinking and communication skills.
Proven experience in content creation is required. This does not need to be a paid professional role. Acceptable experience includes:
- Hosting/producing a college radio show.
- Running your own independent podcast or YouTube channel.
- Internships in media, journalism, or think tanks.
- Public speaking or debate experience.
Experience writing scripts, show notes, blogs, or op-eds is a strong plus.
Demonstrated proficiency or a strong aptitude for mastering both audio (DAWs) and video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve). This includes expertise in dialogue editing, mixing, color correction, and final mastering for multiple platforms.
Experience utilizing remote recording platforms that capture high-quality audio and video tracks.
Possess a clear, engaging speaking voice and a natural conversational style.
Skill in translating complex policy subjects into highly digestible, relatable, and engaging content.
Know how to listen actively.
Can guide a conversation, ask follow-up questions that get to the heart of the matter, and make guests feel comfortable yet challenged.
Comfortable, engaging, and professional on video.
Understand the basics of non-verbal communication and can maintain visual energy throughout a recording.
Understand how to build a story or an argument across an episode, ensuring the content flows logically from start to finish.
Have a genuine interest in current events, economics, history, and public policy.
Uphold Cato’s adherence to nonpartisanship and independence.
In the spirit of Frederick Douglass, join with anyone to do right, and no one to do wrong.
Understanding of basic studio setup, including lighting, framing, and background aesthetics.
Comfort with major social platforms and experience using platform-specific analytics (e.g., YouTube/X insights) to inform content strategy and optimize for audience growth.
Experience using AI to support creative asset development and deployment.
Capable of managing the production calendar, scheduling guests, and meeting strict publishing deadlines.
A team player who can take editorial feedback constructively and work closely with colleagues across the organization.

Responsibilities

Help shape Cato’s long-term podcast strategy.
Host, co-host, research, and write audio and video podcast episodes on topics including current events and policy issues from a libertarian perspective.
Deliver engaging, well-informed commentary that aligns with Cato’s mission of advancing individual liberty, free markets, limited government, and peace.
Conduct guest interviews with scholars, journalists, and thought leaders.
Manage and support all aspects of production — from concept development, pitching, organizing guests, and scripting to recording, editing, and publishing.
Develop, manage, and maintain the annual editorial calendar and production budget for the podcast series.
Track audience metrics and use analytics to help define audience personas and refine format, topics, and engagement strategy.
Work closely with our policy, outreach, and editorial teams to ensure all content maintains Cato’s standards of accuracy, clarity, and intellectual rigor.
Partner with teams across the organization to manage and produce creative content aligned with Cato’s mission and goals.
Support the development of video concepts for Cato’s YouTube and other platforms.
Adapt long-form podcast content into digestible video and audio clips and quotes for social media distribution.
Monitor trends and breaking news to identify timely content opportunities.
Work closely with Cato scholars to translate complex research into engaging stories and soundbites.
Ensure all produced video and audio content adheres strictly to Cato’s established brand style and editorial guide.