The Cato Institute is seeking applications for a full-time position in Washington, DC, as Director of Government Affairs, focusing heavily on legal and technology policy issues. The ideal candidate will have connections and experience working with progressive-leaning state and federal policymakers or think tanks. The Director will work to maintain Cato as a prime source for objective analysis for federal policymakers and ensure that Cato scholars have the access and proper tools to help Congress and the Administration develop and advance principled policy solutions. Reporting to the Vice President for Government Affairs, the Director will work closely with the existing federal affairs team and appropriate policy scholars to devise and execute engagement strategies for a portfolio of legal and technology policy issues. This portfolio will include, but is not limited to, policy areas such as criminal justice reform, civil liberties, civil asset forfeiture, technology, education, and immigration.

This is a hybrid position in Washington, DC. 

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.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers on Capitol Hill, with a special emphasis on the House and Senate Judiciary and Commerce Committees and within the executive branch.
• Identify, create, and assist with opportunities for Cato scholars to provide testimony, statements for the record, and other high-impact opportunities.
• Track and advise Cato scholars and staff on ongoing and emerging dynamics on Capitol Hill and within the Administration to ensure Cato’s maximum impact on the policy.
• Devise, recommend, and execute engagement strategies (in coordination with relevant Cato policy staff) for the issue portfolio to positively influence the policy debate.
• Oversee distribution of Cato scholarship to Capitol Hill and Administration audiences.
• Work with existing federal affairs staff to ensure Cato-wide coordination of the Institute’s efforts.
• Exercise exceptional judgment to protect and enhance Cato’s reputation for excellence, integrity, and dedication to principle.

• Bachelor’s degree and/or work experience commensurate in relevant field.
• At least 7 to 10 years of experience on Capitol Hill or the Administration, working in a legislative position or a government affairs department for a think tank, association, state or local government, or in the for-profit sector. 
• Must have professional relationships with progressive state and federal policymakers, Administration, and other think tanks.
• Comprehensive understanding of Congressional rules, procedures, and operations.
• A demonstrated appreciation for Cato’s mission and principles.
• Experience working in or with state and local governments to lead and build programs that can help achieve progressive policy wins.
• Desire to build new relationships, strengthen and grow existing relationships with the progressive-leaning policymakers, and find opportunities for Cato’s policy research to affect all state and local government levels.
• Excellent interpersonal skills; strong oral and written communication skills
• Experience working on legal-related policy issues or in a legal setting.
• Attention to detail, strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and 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.

Benefits

All Cato employees are provided:

• 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