Technology Associate

Cato Institute•Washington, DC

About The Position

The Cato Institute seeks qualified candidates for the Technology Associate position. You don't need to be a technologist already to apply. What you need is a passion for Cato's ideas and a proven zeal for learning. As a Technology Associate, you'll draft and refine AI prompts and help maintain the workflows and content systems behind Cato's web properties. The skills that matter most — strong writing, clear thinking, the ability to frame a question precisely — come from practice with language and ideas, not from a technical degree. Day to day, you'll move between AI prompt engineering, content management, and digital tool support, all directed toward making Cato's content well-structured, discoverable, and accessible. Working under the Chief Technical Architect, you'll develop skills at the intersection of artificial intelligence, content strategy, and web technology — a combination increasingly valuable across every sector. Wherever your interests ultimately lead, this role offers the foundation, the mentorship, and the mission-driven environment to build a career where ideas and technology reinforce each other. The projected salary range for this role is 58,000 - $100,000 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 any field
No prior professional experience required (although internships or academic projects involving web content, digital publishing, or technology tools are valued)
Practical experience using AI tools — such as Claude, ChatGPT, or similar systems — to draft, edit, research, or solve problems
Strong writing and clear, structured thinking — skills that translate directly into effective AI work, where precision in framing a question determines the quality of what you get back
Ability to explain complex processes to unfamiliar audiences
Self-directed and comfortable working independently while knowing when to ask questions
Appreciation for and commitment to libertarian / classical liberal principles

Nice To Haves

Coursework or self-directed study in digital humanities, computer science, or web development
A portfolio of digital content, published writing, or web projects that demonstrates technical aptitude alongside clear communication
Familiarity with content management systems, web publishing tools, or digital content workflows
Comfort with web technologies such as HTML and CSS
Experience with version control tools (such as Git)
Familiarity with Cato's work or demonstrated interest in public policy

Responsibilities

Draft, test, and refine prompts and workflows for AI systems that support Cato's research and publishing processes, iterating on language and context to improve accuracy and usefulness
Train editors and researchers to work effectively with AI tools and content management systems, answering questions, troubleshooting issues, and supporting staff as tools and workflows evolve
Build, organize, and maintain content across Cato's digital properties, including content management system updates and basic HTML and CSS edits
Review and test digital content across platforms and devices, identifying issues and ensuring that published materials meet Cato's standards for accuracy, accessibility, and presentation
Document workflows, content standards, and technical procedures, identifying opportunities to streamline processes as you develop familiarity with Cato's systems