Research and Administrative Assistant

The Cato Institute seeks a dynamic and highly motivated bilingual Research and Administrative Assistant for the Center for Global Liberty and Prosperity to assist the department with administrative, operational, and clerical duties and research assignments. The position assists by conducting research in support of Center scholars and preparing meeting materials, preparing reports, managing expense reports, editing documents, and providing general support to the department staff. Reporting to the Vice President for International Studies, the position will support all members of the Center’s team.

This position is a hybrid role 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

• Works closely with the Vice President for International Studies and the Isaiah Berlin Chair in Liberal Thought.
• Provide administrative, operational, and clerical support to the department staff.
• Provides research assistance to department scholars.
• Manages online approval systems for expenses, reimbursement, and travel.
• Coordinates and stages meetings with internal and external parties, including reserving space and coordinating/obtaining catering if needed.
• Trains new staff in essential functions of the department.
• Maintains standard operating practices for the department and shares updated company policies with the department staff.
• Coordinates with the team to facilitate the digital and physical distribution of Cato materials, both internally and externally (i.e. books, mailers, newsletters, etc.)
• Supports department colleagues and performs additional duties as assigned.
• Works with existing staff to ensure Cato-wide coordination of the Institute’s efforts.

Education/ Experience

• Fluency in Spanish is a must.
• At least three years of professional work experience, ideally in an Executive or Administrative support-related role.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Teams, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook required.
• Data visualization skills are a plus.
• Strong research skills.
• Familiarity with and excitement for Cato’s libertarian philosophy, free-market economics, and limited government principles.

Skills

• Reliable with a strong work ethic, consistently completing tasks on time.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and an enthusiastic and positive attitude
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and comfortable interacting with individuals at a high level
• Composed and highly organized, with a keen attention to detail, quality, accuracy, and focus on mission.
• Positive and professional mindset with the ability to provide superior support to the full Center team.
• Motivated self-starter who can problem solve and is proactive in learning new processes and skills.

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