Special Projects Manager

Cato Institute•Washington, DC

4d•$70,000 - $85,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Cato Institute seeks a hands-on Special Projects Manager to oversee long-term projects that support the Institute’s mission. Reporting to the Senior Vice President for Policy, the manager will lead the Cato Innovation Project and the Vision for Liberty Awards, as well as additional projects as they arise. The role involves managing complex programs from conception through execution, coordinating teams and resources across the Institute, writing persuasive communications, exercising sound judgment, anticipating challenges, and applying libertarian principles to unfamiliar ideas. The position is hybrid and based in Washington, DC. The preferred schedule is two days in the office and three remote days per week; exceptional candidates seeking a fully remote arrangement are also encouraged to apply. The projected salary range is $70,000–$85,000 per year, with compensation based on the candidate’s education, experience, and skills.

Requirements

At least 2 years of experience as a project manager, program manager, executive assistant, or in a similar role is strongly preferred.
Strong demonstrated alignment with Cato’s principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace, and the ability to apply them to novel proposals.
A record of managing multistage projects with hard deadlines and internal and external stakeholders, both as an executor and as a delegator.
Ability to focus busy people on meeting project needs amid competing priorities.
Experience crafting and editing written communications for a specific audience to drive interest.
Desire to continuously adapt and evolve projects to ensure they achieve their stated goals.
Familiarity with using AI as an efficiency tool.
Must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; the position does not offer visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

A background in philosophy, economics, social science, or law.

Responsibilities

Run all operations for the Cato Innovation Project, including the complete application and selection cycles and coordination with departments across Cato.
Design and run programming for incoming Cato Innovation Project hires, including training, lectures, and events.
Manage the Vision for Liberty Awards from application intake through announcement, including coordinating judges and communicating with winners.
Write project and awards communications, including outreach emails, program descriptions, winner announcements, and website copy.
Manage additional special projects from conception through execution, coordinating with other departments and setting objectives, goals, and metrics.
Provide limited administrative support for the Senior Vice President.
Stay current on Cato’s research, publications, and events, and help the Senior Vice President for Policy track work across the Institute’s policy departments.