Social Media Specialist, Education Initiatives

Cato Institute•Washington, DC

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

This role involves building and managing a new social media channel for Cato's educational programs, including Cato University, Cato Courses, the Internship Program, the Research Associate Program, and Student Briefings. The specialist will also contribute to Sphere Education Initiatives' existing channels for educators. The position requires defining the voice, tone, and overall look and feel for the new channel, setting promotional priorities across various platforms (Meta, X, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube), and creating content that supports program goals and reaches target audiences. This is a hybrid position based in Washington, DC, with specific in-office days required.

Requirements

A strong understanding of, and alignment with, libertarian or classical liberal principles is required.
Minimum of 3 years managing social media accounts across multiple platforms, with demonstrated growth results.
Direct experience owning social channels, in the nonprofit or for-profit space.
Proficiency with video editing software such as Adobe Premiere Pro, and experience producing social-first video with captions and strong hooks.
Skill in writing platform-appropriate copy for distinct audience segments.
Strong command of social analytics and reporting, plus management platforms such as Buffer, Hootsuite, or Sprout Social.
Ability to coach individuals toward a strong on-camera presence.
Strong editorial judgment, comfort translating complex policy content into clear and compelling posts, and the ability to identify the moments, ideas, people, and conversations worth joining.
Working knowledge of LLM AI tools.
Strong project ownership, with the judgment to prioritize across competing programs and stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Cato's educational programs or similar initiatives.
Experience working in a think tank or public policy environment.
Familiarity with emerging social media platforms and trends.

Responsibilities

Establish and manage a new social channel for Cato's educational programs, from account setup to an established presence.
Drive registrations for Cato Courses, Cato's online learning platform.
Drive attendance and geographic reach for Cato University, the Institute’s premier in-person series for college and graduate students.
Promote and outreach to drive applications to the Internship Program and the Research Associate Program.
Increase attendance at Student Briefings, which bring students face to face with policy ideas.
Manage and grow Sphere Education Initiatives’ existing channels for educators.
Develop a documented voice, tone, and look and feel for the new channel in collaboration with program owners and the marketing team.
Set promotional priorities across five student programs sharing one channel, with a distinct editorial approach for each audience.
Create and edit social-first content, including short-form clips with strong hooks and longer features for YouTube.
Attend Cato University sessions, Sphere events, and student briefings for live posting, video capture, and real-time engagement.
Coach scholars, speakers, and participants to be compelling on camera.
Tailor messaging by audience segment.
Collaborate in the development of organic and paid campaigns that drive awareness, registration, and other KPIs.
Report on follower growth, engagement, reach, click-through, and conversion, with recommendations.
Stay ahead of platform changes and format shifts.