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Cato Institute · 3 weeks ago

Podcast Host & Creative Producer

Washington,DC,US

Full-time

Hybrid

New Grad, Entry Level

$70K/yr - $120K/yr

Cato Institute is a public policy research organization dedicated to the principles of individual liberty and free markets. They are seeking a Podcast Host & Creative Producer to lead the creative direction and production of audio content, engaging with policy experts and translating complex ideas for a broad audience.

Non Profit

Growth Opportunities

No H1B

Responsibilities

Help shape Cato’s long-term podcast strategy

Host, co-host, research, and write audio and video podcast episodes on topics including current events and policy issues from a libertarian perspective

Deliver engaging, well-informed commentary that aligns with Cato’s mission of advancing individual liberty, free markets, limited government, and peace

Conduct guest interviews with scholars, journalists, and thought leaders

Manage and support all aspects of production — from concept development, pitching, organizing guests, and scripting to recording, editing, and publishing

Develop, manage, and maintain the annual editorial calendar and production budget for the podcast series

Track audience metrics and use analytics to help define audience personas and refine format, topics, and engagement strategy

Work closely with our policy, outreach, and editorial teams to ensure all content maintains Cato’s standards of accuracy, clarity, and intellectual rigor

Partner with teams across the organization to manage and produce creative content aligned with Cato’s mission and goals

Support the development of video concepts for Cato’s YouTube and other platforms

Adapt long-form podcast content into digestible video and audio clips and quotes for social media distribution

Monitor trends and breaking news to identify timely content opportunities

Work closely with Cato scholars to translate complex research into engaging stories and soundbites

Ensure all produced video and audio content adheres strictly to Cato’s established brand style and editorial guide

Qualification

Podcast ProductionContent CreationAudio Editing SoftwareVideo Editing SoftwarePublic SpeakingScript WritingSocial Media StrategyTeam CollaborationActive ListeningNon-verbal CommunicationCritical Thinking

Required

Proven experience in content creation is required. This does not need to be a paid professional role. Acceptable experience includes: Hosting/producing a college radio show, Running your own independent podcast or YouTube channel, Internships in media, journalism, or think tanks, Public speaking or debate experience

Demonstrated proficiency or a strong aptitude for mastering both audio (DAWs) and video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve). This includes expertise in dialogue editing, mixing, color correction, and final mastering for multiple platforms

Experience utilizing remote recording platforms that capture high-quality audio and video tracks

Possess a clear, engaging speaking voice and a natural conversational style. Skill in translating complex policy subjects into highly digestible, relatable, and engaging content

Know how to listen actively. Can guide a conversation, ask follow-up questions that get to the heart of the matter, and make guests feel comfortable yet challenged

Comfortable, engaging, and professional on video. Understand the basics of non-verbal communication and can maintain visual energy throughout a recording

Understand how to build a story or an argument across an episode, ensuring the content flows logically from start to finish

Have a genuine interest in current events, economics, history, and public policy

Uphold Cato's adherence to nonpartisanship and independence. In the spirit of Frederick Douglass, join with anyone to do right, and no one to do wrong

Understanding of basic studio setup, including lighting, framing, and background aesthetics

Comfort with major social platforms and experience using platform-specific analytics (e.g., YouTube/X insights) to inform content strategy and optimize for audience growth. Experience using AI to support creative asset development and deployment

Capable of managing the production calendar, scheduling guests, and meeting strict publishing deadlines

A team player who can take editorial feedback constructively and work closely with colleagues across the organization

Preferred

Bachelor's degree preferred (Journalism, Communications, Political Science, Economics, or History), but we are open to candidates with non-traditional educational backgrounds who demonstrate strong critical thinking and communication skills

Experience writing scripts, show notes, blogs, or op-eds is a strong plus

Deep knowledge of libertarian ideas and the Cato Institute's mission, and are enthusiastic about promoting these principles and ideas