Description

The Cato Institute seeks a dynamic, experienced analyst to establish the organization as a primary source for objective economic policy analysis for state policymakers, media, and think tanks. The scholar will work closely with Cato’s Director of State Relations and be responsible for state-level economic policy issues, including but not limited to taxes, regulation, and budgets. The ideal candidate will have a background in economics, strong research and communications (both written and verbal) skills, and a commitment to advancing individual liberty at the state level. Successful candidates will be entrepreneurial, hard-working self-starters who want to contribute to a growing policy field that impacts the lives of millions of citizens, with short windows for successful engagement.

The scholar’s written analyses will be published in multiple formats, including policy analyses, working papers, op-eds, blog posts, and white papers. The scholar will also be expected to speak widely with policymakers in states, members of the media, and at public events. 

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. 

The Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Responsibilities

• Monitor trends in state economic policy debates to determine the greatest opportunities for Cato research products and scholars to have maximum impact across numerous states.
• Author original economic research on regulatory, tax, and economic issues that are primarily addressed at the sub-federal level.
• Work closely with other Cato Institute policy staff to supplement existing scholarship and refine it for state-level audiences.
• Write op-eds, blog posts, and social media content to support new state policy proposals consistent with Cato’s principles.
• Make presentations to public audiences, participate in panel discussions, and deliver legislative testimony related to state specific issues.
• Participate in engagement-focused media for state government and public policy audiences.
• Organize policy forums and other events about policy issues as they are topical and relevant on a state-by-state basis.
• Speak frequently with policymakers about Cato’s proposed reforms to state regulations, laws, and programs.
• Commission and edit studies from outside experts when appropriate.

Requirements

• At least 3-5 years of experience in state policy, economics, or other related fields.
• A strong background in and a demonstrated understanding of economic policy and current state government politics and policies. 
• A strong commitment to Cato’s libertarian values.
• An interest in refining expertise on a target issue related to state affairs during their term of employment.
• Superior research, writing, and communication skills.
• Self-starter with the ability to work on multiple tasks independently on a time-sensitive basis, a commitment to accuracy, and a creative spirit for policy reform.
• Organize and participate in events, including conferences and webinars.
• Willing to travel frequently.

Preferred Qualifications

• Preferably an advanced degree in economics
• Experience related to state government or bureaucracy. 

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

To Apply, submit the following:

• CV/Resume
• Cover Letter
• Two writing samples – one long (e.g., research paper) and one short (e.g., op-ed or blog post)