Policy Engagement Specialist

On Think Tanks - Independent Research, Ideas and Advice; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 115,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/vision benefits

HSA employer contribution

Generous vacation and sick days

Paid parental leave

401(k) match

Job summary

The Cato Institute, a public policy research organization, seeks a Policy Engagement Specialist to amplify CMFA’s research through targeted outreach and relationship-building. This hybrid role in Washington, DC, involves bridging academic findings with real-world policy impact and coordinating cross‑agency communications.

Ideal candidates bring 7–10 years in public policy or communications, strong writing/presentation skills, and a demonstrated ability to translate complex research into

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• 7–10 years of experience in public policy or communications.
• Strong writing and presentation skills.
• Experience translating complex policy research into accessible formats.
• Deep interest in financial policy and free‑market solutions.

Responsibilities

• Monitor relevant government activities and regulatory developments.
• Engage with Congressional staff, federal agencies, and trade associations to promote CMFA’s work.
• Coordinate research dissemination, public events, and media outreach.
• Assist in strategic planning and reporting of outreach efforts.
• Mentor interns to support their development as future policy leaders.
• Develop and execute outreach campaigns to promote CMFA’s research.

Skills

Writing skills

Presentation skills

Policy communication

Project management

Attention to detail

Team coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree or higher

Job description

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.

The Policy Engagement Specialist plays a key role in amplifying CMFA’s research through targeted outreach and relationship-building. This position is ideal for a communicator who can bridge the gap between academic research and real‑world policy impact.

This is a hybrid position in Washington, DC.

The projected salary range for this role is $80,000 – $115,000 per year. Compensation is based on the successful candidate’s educational background, experience, and skills.

Key roles and responsibilities

Responsibilities

• Monitor relevant government activities and regulatory developments.
• Engage with Congressional staff, federal agencies, and trade associations to promote CMFA’s work.
• Coordinate research dissemination, public events, and media outreach.
• Assist in strategic planning and reporting of outreach efforts.
• Mentor interns to support their development as future policy leaders.
• Develop and execute outreach campaigns to promote CMFA’s research.

Experience and skills expected of the post holder

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or higher.
• 7–10 years of experience in public policy or communications.
• Strong writing and presentation skills.
• Experience translating complex policy research into accessible formats.
• Deep interest in financial policy and free‑market solutions.

Skills

• A proven track record of excellent attention to detail, communication, and organization across teams in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong organizational skills, including the ability to work on multiple tasks both independently and as part of a team on a time‑sensitive basis.
• A commitment to accuracy and precision. Innovative, creative thinking with knowledge of creating events of various sizes and target audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an outgoing personality.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Project management experience, including developing work plans, managing and executing multiple concurrent efforts, and effectively managing data, communication, and work products.

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.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full‑time basis. This position does not offer visa sponsorship.