Responsibilities

• Develop and execute proactive media outreach strategies to elevate Cato scholars, research, events, and institutional priorities
• Build and maintain relationships with national, regional, trade, and broadcast journalists
• Identify timely news hooks and rapidly respond to breaking news cycles with expert commentary and media opportunities
• Draft and distribute media pitches, expert advisories, statements, press releases, and talking points
• Coordinate interviews, media appearances, editorial board meetings, and reporter briefings
• Support opinion media strategy, including op-ed placement opportunities and commentary outreach
• Collaborate with internal teams to align media efforts with broader organizational campaigns and priorities
• Monitor media coverage, track trends, and identify emerging opportunities across policy areas
• Assist scholars with media preparation, messaging development, and interview coaching
• Maintain accurate records of outreach, placements, and journalist engagement using media databases and tracking tools

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, political science, or related field
• 3–6+ years of experience in media relations, public affairs, journalism, communications, or related field
• Strong understanding of the US media landscape and news cycle dynamics
• Experience working with media monitoring and CRM tools such as Meltwater, Muck Rack, or similar platforms preferred
• Interest in public policy, economics, civil liberties, foreign policy, or related issue areas preferred
• A strong understanding of, and alignment with, libertarian or classical liberal principles preferred

Preferred

• Interest in public policy, economics, civil liberties, foreign policy, or related issue areas preferred
• A strong understanding of, and alignment with, libertarian or classical liberal principles preferred

Benefits

• All Cato employees are provided with:
• 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