Program Coordinator, Cato University in Washington, District of Columbia at Cato Institute

The Cato Institute seeks a dynamic and highly motivated program coordinator to assist with operations across Cato’s suite of student programs, primarily Cato University. The program coordinator will be the primary point of contact for student participants and will work closely with the program director to plan and execute Cato University programs both in Washington, DC, and on college campuses throughout the U.S. The position will assist with the life cycle of planning Cato University programs, and the successful candidate will grow into hosting them independently. The ideal candidate will be passionate about the Cato Institute’s mission and have an affinity for student engagement and talent development.

This is a hybrid position based in Washington, DC.

The projected salary range for this role is $55,000 to $75,000 per year, commensurate with experience and demonstrated skill.

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.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support the planning and execution of Cato University (Cato U) programs, ensuring smooth coordination across all stages of each event
• Own the process of initial student engagement by serving as a primary point of contact for program applicants, responding to inquiries, and providing clear, timely communication throughout the application process
• Own the post-event process, including follow-up communications with participants and tracking alumni engagement
• Manage organizational and administrative tasks related to Cato U, including maintaining event materials and internal tracking systems
• Organize and prepare program applications for review and maintain accurate applicant records
• Coordinate closely with the conference and web teams to ensure logistics, schedules, and program details are clearly communicated and on track
• Provide onsite support during Cato U programs, including speaker support and general event coordination
• Identify opportunities to improve processes, communication, and participant experience across Cato’s educational programs

Education and Experience:

• Strong interest in the Cato Institute’s mission and educational programming

Skills:

• Strong organizational and project management skills with attention to detail
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Professional and responsive approach to external correspondence
• Experience with event coordination, academic programs, or student engagement preferred
• Reliable with a strong work ethic, consistently completes tasks on time

To Apply:

Please submit the following materials:

• CV/Resume
• Cover Letter

Benefits:
All Cato employees receive:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Generous vacation and sick leave
• Paid parental leave
• Employer-provided life and disability insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Transit/Parking benefits
• Pet discount plan

Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. This position does not offer visa sponsorship.