Development and Events Assistant

The Cato Institute seeks a Development and Events Assistant to support the planning and execution of donor events and provide administrative support to the Development team. Reporting to the Manager of Special Events, this position will help coordinate event logistics, prepare mailing and marketing materials, support donor communications, and assist with day-to-day Development operations.

The assistant will work closely with senior development staff and colleagues across Cato to help create well-run events and meaningful donor experiences. Responsibilities include coordinating schedules and materials, assisting with event communications, tracking details and follow-up items, and supporting projects that advance Cato’s fundraising efforts.

This is a strong opportunity for someone who is organized, service-oriented, and interested in building a career in nonprofit development, events, or public policy. The role offers exposure to donor relations, event management, executive operations, and Cato’s mission to advance individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.

This is a hybrid position in Washington, DC.

The projected salary range for this role is $50,000 - $65,000 per year. Compensation is based on the successful candidate's educational background, experience, and skills.

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, 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.

Responsibilities

Event Execution Support

• Prepare event materials and communications, including speaker invitations, timelines, biographies, agendas, policy materials, and other attendee resources.
• Procure venue ideas for Next Gen events in New York City.
• Potentially attend quarterly events in New York City, depending on staffing availability.
• Coordinate post-event follow-up, including communications, surveys, data review, and book or merchandise requests.
• Help coordinate scholar participation and programming logistics.
• Support event logistics and coordination, including communications, scholar participation, programming details, branding, materials, and event design.

Event Mailing Operations

• Manage mailing operations for Cato on Tour events, including invitation production, mailing timelines, supplies, and coordination with the Art team, printers, and Salesforce/Pardot.

Executive Assistant Support

• Provide auxiliary administrative assistance to the Senior Vice President for Marketing and Partnerships as directed by the Development Operations Manager.
• Coordinate the Senior Vice President’s calendar, meetings, agendas, briefings, logistics, and follow-up items.
• Book travel itinerary and manage all logistical details, including post-trip processing of expense reports and reimbursements.

General Development Team Administrative Support

• Provide administrative support for Development operations, including special projects, internal meetings, supplies, shipping needs, resource requests, and follow-up items.
• Assist the Development Operations Manager in the annual renewal process, including data verification, document preparation, and tracking.
• Aid in the planning and execution of internal staff meetings, including the annual Development team meeting.
• Other miscellaneous responsibilities include: stuffing information packs, checking and pulling renewal mailing, and reviewing printed thank-you letters and checks.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s or associate's degree.
• At least one year in administrative or event work (or internship equivalence).
• Demonstrated interest in public policy and in Cato’s mission to advance a free and open society.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
• Familiarity with Salesforce or other CRM software preferred.
• Ability to travel 5–10 days per year.

Skills

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an enthusiastic attitude.
• A positive and professional mindset with the ability to provide intel and support to the full Development team.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and close attention to accuracy and tone.
• Ability to work cross-functionally and communicate effectively with the Conference and Development teams.
• Commitment to professional growth and willingness to learn new tools and techniques as responsibilities increase.
• Proactive problem-solving skills and the ability to anticipate needs before they arise.

How to Apply

Please submit the following materials:

• CV/Resume      
• Cover letter (required)

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

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. This position does not offer visa sponsorship.