Marketing Project Manager-Cato Institute-Washington, DCTalent Market

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, free markets, and peace – animate Cato’s research to this day.The Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.Position OverviewCato is seeking an experienced, solutions-oriented Marketing Project Manager to join our growing Marketing team.In this role, you will help bring Cato’s ideas and initiatives to life. Reporting within the Marketing department but working across the Institute, you will help lead and coordinate complex, cross-functional initiatives involving policy scholars, senior leadership, web/digital teams, communications, and creative partners. You’re skilled at assembling the right team, driving accountability, managing timelines, and keeping stakeholders aligned from concept through execution. You excel at building structured project plans that span multiple teams, and ensuring that strategy, creative, and execution come together seamlessly.This is a highly visible, fast-paced role; you will work closely with senior leaders and colleagues across Cato to deliver work that advances our mission.The position is hybrid, based in Washington, DC, and includes two in-office days and three remote days per week.The projected salary range for this role is $70,000 – $110,000 per year. Compensation is based on the successful candidate’s educational background, experience, and skills.Roles amp; ResponsibilitiesProject Leadership amp; StrategyLead planning, management, and execution of major marketing initiatives, including nationwide campaigns, policy launches, product marketing, and thought-leadership programsTranslate strategic priorities into clear, actionable project plans with defined scope, milestones, and KPIsConduct project scoping and requirements gathering; ensure alignment among stakeholders across Cato departmentsAdvise senior leadership on project status, risks, and strategic considerationsCross-Functional CoordinationCoordinate work across stakeholders, including policy scholars, designers, writers, digital teams, communications, and external partnersEnsure all participants understand goals, roles, timelines, and expectationsServe as the primary point of contact to streamline communication among diverse contributorsProject Execution amp; Workflow ManagementBuild and maintain project schedules, workflows, and critical paths to ensure timely deliveryIdentify bottlenecks and proactively remove obstacles to maintain momentum.Oversee creative briefs, content development, review cycles, revisions, and approval processesMaintain standards for process clarity, documentation, and alignment across teamsProject AdministrationUse Cato’s project management platform to plan, assign, track, and report on cross-functional workMaintain dashboards, roadmaps, and reporting tools for team and executive visibilityPromote best practices for task management, project tracking, and workflow optimization within the platformQuality Control amp; Performance EvaluationUphold standards of quality across all creative, editorial, and digital deliverables.Conduct post-project evaluations to identify lessons learned and improve future workflowsHelp measure campaign performanceCreative amp; Content IntegrationEnsure strategic alignment between messaging, creative assets, and distribution channelsSupport development of briefs that define audiences, objectives, messaging pillars, and success measuresCollaborate closely with creative teams to keep deliverables accurate, high-quality, and on missionStakeholder ManagementKeep stakeholders informed through structured updates, clear documentation, and proactive communicationManage expectations related to project scope, timing, and resource requirementsLead productive meetings, stand-ups, and cross-team coordination sessionsProcess ImprovementIdentify and implement opportunities to streamline workflows and improve team efficiencyContribute to building a project management discipline within Cato through templates, standards, and best practicesRequired Qualifications5+ years of project management experience—preferably in marketing, communications, or a creative agency environment—with extensive use of project management software (e.g., Wrike) to manage complex, cross-functional workflows.Demonstrated interest in public policy and in Cato’s mission to advance a free and open societyProven success leading multi-team projects involving marketing/advertising, content generation, creative content production, and PR/communicationsStrong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities simultaneouslyExcellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to summarize, document, and present project information clearly and persuasivelySkilled at leading meetings, setting agendas, documenting decisions, and driving accountabilityStrategic thinker with a proactive, problem-solving mindset and the confidence to lead across departments and seniority levelsCollaborative, approachable, and comfortable operating in a fast-moving, high-visibility environmentAt least an understanding of and comfort level with AI tools to optimize workflow efficiencyBachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, Public Policy, Political Science, or a related field.Preferred QualificationsProject management certification(s) (e.g., PMP) and/or MBAExperience working closely with policy, nonprofit, or mission-driven organizationsBenefitsAll Cato employees are provided with:Medical, dental, and vision insuranceEmployer contribution to a Health Savings Account (HSA)Generous vacation and sick daysPaid parental leaveEmployer-provided life and disability insurance401(k) employer matchTransit/ Parking benefitsPet discount planApplicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. This position does not offer visa sponsorship.To ApplyQualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:Cover letter including: An introductory paragraph describing three distinct reasons you are drawn to Cato’s missionSalary requirement, and if they differ from the ranges listed above, why you feel it is warranted.ResumeApplications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/.Questions can be directed to Angela Hight, Project Manager at Talent Market, who is managing the search process: angela@talentmarket.org.There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled.While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.Talent Market is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting liberty by helping free-market nonprofits identify talent for critical roles. We provide consulting and recruiting services at no cost to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that clearly and directly focus on advancing the principles of economic freedom, free enterprise, free trade, free speech, property rights, rule of law, and limited regulation.