Marketing Manager

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Job Type: Full-time

Description

Cato is seeking a dynamic Marketing Manager to drive strategic marketing initiatives for our policy research groups and educational programs, including Cato University, Cato Courses, Libertarianism.org, and other initiatives such as Human Progress.org and Books and Publications. This role is essential in expanding our reach and impact in promoting individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace through innovative marketing strategies and execution.

This Marketing Manager will report to the Associate Director of Marketing. This is a hybrid position in Washington, DC; the candidate can work remotely 3 days per week and must be in the office 2 days per week.

Salary range: $80,000 - $90,000 per year.

To be considered for this position, you must complete the TALENT MARKET application.

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.

Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Strategic Marketing

• Develop and execute comprehensive marketing strategies and campaigns for assigned policy groups and educational initiatives.
• Create integrated marketing campaigns that effectively communicate libertarian principles and policy research to diverse audiences.
• Analyze market trends and audience insights to inform strategic decision‑making.
• Collaborate with policy experts and program directors to translate complex research into compelling marketing messages.

Campaign Execution & Management

• Plan and execute multi‑channel marketing campaigns across digital and traditional platforms: social, email, print, display advertising, etc.
• Manage content marketing and promotion of scholar‑produced content: books, blogs, op‑eds, policy analysis, etc.
• Assemble and lead cross‑functional project teams, including and beyond the marketing and communications teams.
• Coordinate event marketing for conferences, seminars, and educational programs.

Performance Analytics & KPIs

• Establish and monitor key performance indicators for all marketing initiatives, including reach, acquisition, engagement, and ROI.
• Prepare detailed reports and recommendations for the leadership team.
• Implement A/B testing and optimization strategies to improve campaign effectiveness.

Vendor & Partnership Management

• Identify, evaluate, and manage relationships with external marketing vendors and agencies.
• Negotiate contracts and oversee vendor performance to ensure deliverable quality and timeline adherence.
• Coordinate with graphic designers, web developers, advertising agencies, and other marketing service providers.
• Manage marketing budgets and vendor payments.

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with communications, development, and program teams to ensure brand consistency.
• Support Cato University course promotion and student recruitment efforts.
• Collaborate with Libertarianism.org team on content distribution and audience growth strategies.
• Participate in organizational planning and strategic initiatives.

• 3‑5 years of marketing experience, preferably in non‑profit, think tank, or political advocacy environments.
• Proven track record of successful marketing campaign development and execution.
• Proficiency in marketing automation platforms (Salesforce, Pardot).
• Experience…