Student Programs Outreach and Partnerships Coordinator

Cato Institute•Washington, DC

2d•$50,000 - $90,000•Hybrid

About The Position

Cato is seeking an Outreach and Partnerships Coordinator who is passionate about helping the next generation of leaders discover and champion the principles of liberty to join its Student Programs team. The Student Programs Department identifies, inspires, and develops future leaders, thinkers, advocates, and supporters of libertarianism. Cato's flagship educational offerings include Cato Student Briefings, Cato University, the nationally recognized paid Internship Program, and a two-year Research Associate program that blends rigorous research support with professional development. In this role, you will help design and execute outreach strategies that inspire students and young professionals to take part in Cato’s educational programs, equipping them to carry the ideas of liberty into their careers and communities. You’ll work directly with universities, aligned groups, and student leaders to build relationships, create opportunities for meaningful engagement, and represent Cato at key events nationwide. This position is ideal for an energetic communicator who thrives on building connections and who wants to play a pivotal role in shaping Cato’s long-term talent pipeline of students, scholars, advocates, and allies. This is a hybrid position in Washington, DC. The projected salary range for this role is $50,000 - $90,000 per year. Compensation is based on the successful candidate's educational background, 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

Bachelor's degree in political science, history, communications, business, or related fields: an advanced degree is preferred.
1-3 years of experience in outreach, events, and external affairs roles.
A passion for Cato’s mission and familiarity with the libertarian professional network.
Strong knowledge of the libertarian tradition and a motivation to inspire others to become curious about, and advocates for, libertarian political and economic theory in their careers and communities.
Experience in roles requiring strong interpersonal, communication, and persuasive abilities.
Comfortable navigating conversations with diverse audiences, including students, faculty, university administrators, professional organizations, and more, from various walks of life and with differing beliefs.
Strong interpersonal, communication, and persuasive skills.
Comfortable navigating conversations with diverse audiences, including students, faculty, university administrators, professional organizations, and more, from various walks of life and with differing beliefs.
Able to manage time effectively, meet deadlines, and prioritize tasks based on their importance.
Able to adapt to changing work environments, manage competing demands, and adjust methods to suit the situation while handling frequent changes and unexpected events.
Able to identify and resolve problems in a timely manner.
Works well independently but is comfortable collaborating with team members on projects as needed.
Strong attention to detail for user experience.

Nice To Haves

Experience with organizing students or youth outreach is preferred.

Responsibilities

With the director of student programs, develop an outreach strategy to drive recruitment to Cato’s educational programming and professional opportunities.
Manage relationships with affiliate organizations, university contacts, and students.
Coordinate and grow Cato’s student briefings program, student events, and on-campus activities.
Work with colleagues to support the development of engagement strategies, outreach, and other in-person touchpoints for students and early-career professionals.
Attend key networking, marketing, and recruitment events to reach academic, student, professional, and community organizations.
Track and maintain engagement records across events and partnerships.
15% travel anticipated attending conferences, career fairs, academic meetings, etc.