KAP 2026-2027 Marketing Coordinator Cato Institute

About Cato

The Cato Institute is a public policy research organizationa think tankdedicated 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 toCatos 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 free markets and peace animate Catos research to this Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position Overview

Cato is seeking a creative and detail-oriented Marketing Coordinator to join our expanding marketing team. This role is a key opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a fast-moving high-impact team that is redefining how a think tank connects with the world. We operate like an in-house creative agency: strategic collaborative and passionate about bringing the ideas of freedom to life through powerful campaigns and experiences.

If you are eager to grow in your career and learn from experienced professionals this position offers direct access to senior marketing leadership and exposure across the organization from scholars and policy experts to multimedia producers and event strategists. You will learn the full spectrum of integrated marketing from modern channels like digital advertising PPC (pay per click) data and analytics and lifecycle marketing to traditional tactics like print direct mail and email campaigns.

This is your chance to help shape Catos next chapter as we scale our marketing capabilities to support major initiatives like the countrys 250th anniversary and Catos 50th. You will play a visible role in campaigns that reach policymakers educators journalists and freedom-minded audiences worldwide.

The position is hybrid based in Washington DC and includes two in-office days and three remote days per week.

Responsibilities

• Support advertising operations by maintaining ad calendars coordinating asset specifications and deliverables (print and digital) managing vendor communications and processing invoices.
• Assist in executing integrated marketing campaigns that include both modern (digital ads PPC analytics lifecycle marketing) and traditional (print direct mail email) tactics.
• Coordinate logistics for conferences exhibits and outreach programs including exhibitor registrations hotel bookings on-site rentals and materials management.
• Create and update marketing collateral such as event flyers digital banners promotional materials and internal campaign documents.
• Manage team swag and promotional item workflows including product sourcing order tracking and invoice processing.
• Collaborate with web staff to build and update campaign or event landing pages that drive engagement and lead capture.
• Maintain marketing content displays across public spaces ensuring timely rotation of materials and visual consistency with brand standards.
• Build and maintain Excel-based reports charts and tracking tables to monitor marketing performance and campaign outcomes.
• Support day-to-day team needs by handling requests for creative production campaign materials and communications coordination.
• Participate in professional development opportunities to expand skills in data analytics advertising and digital tools.
• Contribute creative ideas and feedback to campaign planning discussions to help strengthen messaging and audience engagement.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• 23 years of experience in marketing communications or a related field
• Demonstrated interest in public policy and in Catos mission to advance a free and open society
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel with the ability to build and format charts tables and reports to communicate campaign performance
• Working knowledge of both traditional and digital marketing tactics including PPC digital advertising direct mail and email campaigns
• Optional: Familiarity with content management systems digital advertising platforms and creative production tools
• A bachelors degree in Marketing Communications or a related field
• Ability to travel: up to 10%

Skills

• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with attention to accuracy and tone
• Collaborative mindset with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and communicate effectively with creative web and communications teams.
• Commitment to professional growth and willingness to learn new tools and techniques as Cato scales its marketing capacity.