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.
The Cato Institute seeks a Cato Courses Program Manager to lead the growth, production, and outreach of Cato Courses, the Institute's free, self-paced learning platform that introduces students and lifelong learners to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace. The Program Manager will serve as the day-to-day owner of the Cato Courses experience and will report to the Program Director. They will support the launch of the Cato Courses Scholarship Program, assist in course production from script to publication, audit existing courses for quality and accuracy, and cultivate ongoing relationships with course alumni and allied educational organizations. The role carries a shared team goal of reaching 10,000 student registrations over the next three years. This is a hybrid position based in Washington, DC.
Key roles and responsibilities: Scholarship Program Leadership — launch and lead the Cato Courses Scholarship Program from the ground up, including eligibility criteria, application design, selection process, recipient communications, and ongoing reporting on programme outcomes. Course Production Support — assist scholars, instructional designers, and outside contributors in producing new courses, contributing to scripting, review cycles, asset gathering, AI-conversation design, quiz development, and final quality control before publication. Course Audits and Continuous Improvement — audit existing courses on a regular cadence for factual accuracy, pedagogical clarity, accessibility, and alignment with Cato's editorial standards. Alumni and Outreach Relationships — build and steward ongoing relationships with course alumni and with allied educational organizations, student groups, and affiliated programmes. Cross-Team Collaboration — work closely with Educational Programs, Sphere Education – Initiatives, marketing, web, design, and scholarly staff.
Education and experience: Bachelor's degree in education, communications, public policy, political science, or a related field preferred, but not required; 2 to 4 years of professional experience in program management, educational programs, scholarship administration, or content production; experience designing and running an application-based program (scholarship, fellowship, grant, or admissions) is a strong plus; familiarity with online learning platforms, learning management systems, or course-authoring tools (Squarespace experience a plus); basic comfort using AI tools; comfort with CRM and analytics tools (Salesforce and Google Analytics preferred); demonstrated interest in libertarian or classical liberal ideas consistent with the Cato Institute's mission. Skills: strong project management instincts, sharp written communication, a relationship-builder's temperament, analytical mindset, attention to detail, collaborative and self-directed.
Salary & benefits: The projected salary range is $60,000 to $85,000 per year, commensurate with experience and demonstrated skill. Contract type: Permanent, full-time. Benefits include medical, dental and vision insurance, employer contribution to a Health Savings Account, generous vacation and sick leave, paid parental leave, employer-provided life and disability insurance, 401(k) with employer match, transit/parking benefits, and a pet discount plan. The Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
deadline 9 July 2027
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online via the Paylocity recruiting portal. Please submit the following materials: CV/Resume and Cover Letter. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis; this position does not offer visa sponsorship.
http://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/Apply/4301742/Cato-Institute/Program-Manager-Cato-Courses