Technology Associate

The Cato Institute seeks qualified candidates for the Technology Associate position. You dont need to be a technologist already to apply. What you need is a passion for Catos ideas and a proven zeal for learning.

As a Technology Associate youll draft and refine AI prompts and help maintain the workflows and content systems behind Catos web properties. The skills that matter most strong writing clear thinking the ability to frame a question precisely come from practice with language and ideas not from a technical degree.

Day to day youll move between AI prompt engineering content management and digital tool support all directed toward making Catos content well-structured discoverable and accessible. Working under the Chief Technical Architect youll develop skills at the intersection of artificial intelligence content strategy and web technology a combination increasingly valuable across every sector. Wherever your interests ultimately lead this role offers the foundation the mentorship and the mission-driven environment to build a career where ideas and technology reinforce each other.

The projected salary range for this role is $58000 - $100000 per year.

Compensation is based on the successful candidates educational background experience and skills.

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 Catos 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 todays 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.

Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Responsibilities

• Draft test and refine prompts and workflows for AI systems that support Catos research and publishing processes iterating on language and context to improve accuracy and usefulness
• Train editors and researchers to work effectively with AI tools and content management systems answering questions troubleshooting issues and supporting staff as tools and workflows evolve
• Build organize and maintain content across Catos digital properties including content management system updates and basic HTML and CSS edits
• Review and test digital content across platforms and devices identifying issues and ensuring that published materials meet Catos standards for accuracy accessibility and presentation
• Document workflows content standards and technical procedures identifying opportunities to streamline processes as you develop familiarity with Catos systems

Education and Experience

• Bachelors degree in any field
• No prior professional experience required (although internships or academic projects involving web content digital publishing or technology tools are valued)
• Practical experience using AI tools such as Claude ChatGPT or similar systems to draft edit research or solve problems

Skills and Traits

• Strong writing and clear structured thinking skills that translate directly into effective AI work where precision in framing a question determines the quality of what you get back
• Ability to explain complex processes to unfamiliar audiences
• Self-directed and comfortable working independently while knowing when to ask questions
• Appreciation for and commitment to libertarian / classical liberal principles

Preferred Qualifications

• Coursework or self-directed study in digital humanities computer science or web development
• A portfolio of digital content published writing or web projects that demonstrates technical aptitude alongside clear communication
• Familiarity with content management systems web publishing tools or digital content workflows
• Comfort with web technologies such as HTML and CSS
• Experience with version control tools (such as Git)
• Familiarity with Catos work or demonstrated interest in public policy

Benefits

All Cato employees are provided:

• 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

To Apply:

Please submit the following materials:

• Resume or CV
• Course transcripts
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the role how your background has prepared you to bridge content and technology and your philosophical connection to Catos mission
• One writing sample that demonstrates clear analytical thinking and strong communication acceptable formats include academic papers published articles policy analysis or professional writing of any kind
• Optional: a portfolio website or examples of digital work such as web projects CMS-managed content AI-generated outputs you have refined or other evidence of technical aptitude

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