What are the responsibilities and job description for the Research Associate: Budget and Entitlement Policy position at Cato Institute?
Description
The Cato Institute seeks a Research Associate to support the Director of Budget and Entitlement Policy and the Policy Analyst of Fiscal Policy.
The Research Associate will help produce original policy analysis for various publications, including working papers, blog posts, op-eds, tweets, and books. They will also support the Director and Policy Analyst with topical briefs, fiscal data analyses, and organizational tasks that support Cato’s mission. The ideal candidate has a strong grasp of economics and is a self-starter, curious, and detail-oriented.
This position could be hybrid in Washington, DC, or fully remote.
About Cato
The Cato Institute is a public policy research organization—a think tank. Since its creation in 1977, Cato has advanced 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.
Cato owes its name to Cato’s Letters, a series of 18th-century English essays that present a vision of a society free from excessive government power. Those essays inspired the architects of the American Revolution. The timeless principles of that revolution — individual liberty, limited government, and free markets – are even more powerful in today’s world of global markets and widespread access to information. 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
- Support the research of the Director of Budget and Entitlement Policy and the Policy Analyst of Fiscal Policy.
- Support the administrative and organizational needs of the Director of Budget and Entitlement Policy and the Policy Analyst of Fiscal Policy.
Requirements
- Strong organizational skills and an obsession with accuracy.
- Strong writing skills.
- High level of curiosity and ability to productively challenge ideas.
- Ability to receive and act on direct, constructive feedback.
- Excitement for economic ideas, public policy, and libertarianism.
- Familiarity with economic and budgeting concepts.
- Comfortable with large data sets and strong familiarity with Excel.
Education and Experience
- A degree in economics, statistics, or political science is preferred.
- No prior work experience is required.
To Apply
Please submit the following materials in one PDF file:
- CV/Resume and Cover Letter or Intro Email expressing your interest in the role and the Cato Institute’s mission.
- Two work samples (original data analyses, research reports, working papers, peer-reviewed articles, dissertations, data memos, blog posts, etc.).
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
