Human Resources Assistant

Cato Institute; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

The Cato Institute is seeking a Human Resources Assistant to support daily HR operations. This full-time hybrid role requires strong communication, organizational skills, and a proactive approach to problem-solving. Ideal candidates will thrive in a fast-paced environment and contribute to a mission-driven organization.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA)

Generous vacation and sick days

Paid parental leave

Employer-provided life and disability insurance

401(k) employer match

Transit/ Parking benefits

Pet discount plan

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of professional experience in an administrative or support role.
• Demonstrated competency in Microsoft Suite and other software.

Responsibilities

• Manage the HR System of record and drive efficiency.
• Support the HR manager with the talent acquisition process.
• Prepare data reports and analysis for the HR and Finance team.

Skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Education

Associate's degree

Human Resources degree

Tools

Microsoft Suite

HR management software

Job description

Job Type

Full-time

Description

Cato Institute, a leading public policy think tank in downtown D.C., is seeking a dynamic, detail-oriented Human Resources Assistant to support the full scope of daily HR operations. We’re looking for a quick study—someone who can rapidly grasp processes and procedures, is highly organized, and is comfortable navigating a variety of technology platforms. The ideal candidate is a self-starter with strong communication and problem-solving skills, a stickler for accuracy, and a genuine interest in contributing to a mission-driven organization.

This critical role works within a collaborative team to drive efficiency, maintain accuracy, and uphold compliance across HR functions, including recruitment, onboarding, HRIS data management, compensation, benefits, and leave administration.

If you thrive in a fast-paced, high-performing environment and are ready to make a meaningful impact, we’d love to hear from you.

This is a hybrid position in Washington, DC.

The projected salary range for this role is $50,000 - $60,000 per year.

Salary 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.

The Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the HR System of record (Paylocity). Continuously assess utilization to drive efficiency and simplify current processes, and investigate and resolve issues.
• Support the HR manager with the complex multi-step end-to-end talent acquisition process.
• Accurate and timely management of onboarding and offboarding tasks for employees and interns.
• Monitor and manage the time and labor system, employee record changes, and other payroll processes.
• Create and maintain electronic employment records and files.
• Prepare data reports and analysis for the HR and Finance team.
• Support the team in ensuring compliance with federal and state employment laws and requirements.
• Assist with annual HR processes such as open enrollment, performance reviews, and audits.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for the full scope of HR related inquiries from employees and applicants.
• Actively engage in HR projects through planning, scheduling, monitoring, and execution to complete project objectives.
• Document and revise the HR standard operating processes to reflect current policies and practices.
• Other responsibilities and tasks as assigned, based on a dynamic work environment.
  
  

Requirements

Education/ Experience

• An associate’s degree or higher in a closely related field. A Human Resources degree is a plus.
• At least 2 years of professional experience in an administrative or support role.
• Demonstrated competency in Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and other software.
• Working knowledge of or ability to learn HR and/or business management software.
• Proven record of solid customer service skills and the ability to develop and sustain positive relationships at all levels of the organization.
  
  

Skills

• Analytical skills utilizing system data and Excel to provide organizational reporting and analysis.
• Composed and highly organized with keen attention to detail, quality, and accuracy.
• Discernment to maintain confidentiality with payroll, benefit, and employee information.
• Flexible team player who can prioritize and manage concurrent projects while supporting multiple managers.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills and comfortable interacting with individuals at a high level.
• A positive and professional mindset with a demonstrated ability to develop and nurture professional relationships and adapt to new organizational culture and environment.
• Self-starter who is proactive in learning new skills, systems, and tools in an online learning environment to take on new projects and responsibilities.
• A resourceful problem-solver who uses sound judgment to address challenges and inquiries effectively.
• Organized, efficient, committed, and able to work independently and collaboratively.
  
  

Desired Skills/Experiences

• Knowledge of state and federal laws and regulations for each HR business function.
• Familiarity with and commitment to Cato’s libertarian values.
  
  

Benefits

All Cato employees are provided with:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Generous vacation and sick days
• Paid parental leave
• Employer-provided life and disability insurance
• 401(k) employer match
• Transit/ Parking benefits
• Pet discount plan