Hybrid Manager – State Affairs

at Cato Institute

• Job title: Manager – State Affairs
• Job type: Full Time
• Experience level: Junior, Mid level
• Salary: $70,000 - $100,000 per year
• Degree requirement: Bachelor's Degree
• Location requirements: Hybrid, Washington, DC, United States

About the role

• Manager of State Affairs at Cato Institute, maintaining relationships with state policymakers and supporting policy solutions. Engaging with Cato’s scholars and network for effective policy analysis.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with policymakers in the legislative and executive branches across the states assigned.
• Identify, create, and assist with opportunities for Cato scholars to provide testimony, statements for the record, and other high-impact opportunities for Cato scholars.
• Track and advise Cato scholars and staff on ongoing and emerging dynamics in policy discussions across states to ensure Cato’s maximum impact on the policy debate.
• Engage with state-level think tank partners and develop new relationships to expand Cato's access to state-level decision-makers and educational opportunities.
• Oversee distribution of Cato scholarship to an audience in state legislative and executive branches.
• Work with existing state affairs staff to ensure Cato-wide coordination of the Institute’s efforts to include extensive state travel and conference engagements.
• Support the development of a developing educational policy seminar series focused on supporting state and local policy makers.
• Exercise exceptional judgment to protect and enhance Cato’s reputation for excellence, integrity, and dedication to principle.

Requirements

• A minimum of 2 years with a preference for 5 years of issue-management experience in a state legislature, executive agency, or similar experience with a think tank, association, private practice government affairs firm, or like entity.
• A bachelor’s degree in political science, economics, or a related field.
• A demonstrated understanding of and appreciation for Cato’s libertarian mission and principles.
• Demonstrated experience with policy analysis and communicating policy positions to external audiences.
• Experience with domestic policy areas, with a specific emphasis on healthcare and energy, is preferred.

Benefits

• 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