Director of Government Affairs – Domestic Economic Policy

Organization: CATO Institute
Location: Washington, DC
Date Posted: 03/10/2025

Director of Government Affairs – Domestic Economic Policy

Description

The Cato Institute seeks a dynamic, experienced professional to join our government affairs team. The Director will report to the Vice President for Government Affairs and will work closely with the existing federal affairs team and appropriate policy scholars to devise and execute engagement strategies for a portfolio of domestic policy issues.

This portfolio will include, but is not limited to, policy areas such as budget, entitlements, tax, energy, and healthcare. 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.

This position is a hybrid role in the Washington, DC office.

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.

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

Build and maintain relationships with policymakers on Capitol Hill 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 debate.
Devise, recommend, and execute engagement strategies (in coordination with relevant Cato policy staff) for the issue portfolio with the goal of positively influencing 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 ensure the protection and enhancement of Cato’s reputation for excellence, integrity, and dedication to principle.

Requirements

Education & Experience

Bachelor’s degree and/or work experience commensurate in a 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 the for-profit sector.
Comprehensive understanding of Congressional rules, procedures, and operations.
Experience working on domestic policy issues.
A demonstrated appreciation for and commitment to Cato’s mission and principles.

Skills

Excellent interpersonal skills and a demonstrated ability to build positive, close working relationships on the Hill.
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.
Limited travel required (approximately 5%).