Podcast Host & Creative Producer Job at Cato Institute in Washington

Podcast Host & Creative Producer

Job Type: Full-time

Cato seeks a Podcast Host & Creative Producer to lead the creative direction and production of our audio content. The ideal candidate possesses a blend of intellectual curiosity, a compelling on?air presence, and a proven self?starting drive. You must exhibit the professional rigor required to engage effectively with high?level policy experts while maintaining the charisma and accessibility needed to translate complex ideas for a broad public audience. Beyond the microphone, you will partner with others to lead the production of related multimedia assetsincluding video adaptations and social?first contentensuring Catos ideas resonate with diverse audiences.

This role blends on?air hosting, creative production, editorial judgment, and digital strategyideal for a dynamic communicator who can turn complex ideas about liberty, free markets, and policy into accessible, compelling stories.

This is a hybrid position in Washington, DC (some travel and event coverage required). The projected salary range for this role is $70,000 $120,000 per year, based on the successful candidates experience and skills.

About Cato Institute

The Cato Institute is a public policy research organizationa think tankdedicated 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 Catos Letters, a series of essays published in 18th?century England that presented a vision of a society free from excessive government power. Social and economic freedom is the indispensable framework for the future. Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Key Responsibilities

Podcast Production & Hosting

• Help shape Catos 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 Catos 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 productionfrom 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 define audience personas and refine format, topics, and engagement strategy.
• Work closely with our policy, outreach, and editorial teams to ensure all content maintains Catos standards of accuracy, clarity, and intellectual rigor.

Content Support & Collaboration

• Partner with teams across the organization to manage and produce creative content aligned with Catos mission and goals.
• Support the development of video concepts for Catos 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 Catos established brand style and editorial guide.

Requirements

Experience & Education

• Deep knowledge of libertarian ideas and the Cato Institutes mission; enthusiastic about promoting these principles.
• Bachelors degree preferred (Journalism, Communications, Political Science, Economics, or History), but we welcome candidates with non?traditional backgrounds who demonstrate strong critical thinking and communication skills.
• Proven experience in content creation (hosting/producing a college radio show, running your own independent podcast or YouTube channel, internships in media/journalism/think tanks, public speaking or debate experience); experience writing scripts, show notes, blogs, or op?ed pieces is a strong plus.
• Demonstrated proficiency or strong aptitude for mastering both audio (DAWs) and video editing software (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve), including dialogue editing, mixing, color correction, and final mastering for multiple platforms.
• Experience utilizing remote recording platforms that capture high?quality audio and video tracks.

Qualifications & Skills

• Possess a clear, engaging speaking voice and a natural conversational style; skill in translating complex policy subjects into highly digestible and engaging content.
• Know how to listen actively; guide conversations, ask follow?up questions that hit the heart of the matter, and make guests feel comfortable yet challenged.
• Comfortable, engaging, and professional on video; understand basic non?verbal communication and maintain visual energy throughout a recording.
• Understand how to build a story or argument across an episode, ensuring logical flow from start to finish.
• Have a genuine interest in current events, economics, history, and public policy.
• Uphold Catos commitment to nonpartisanship and independence.
• Understand basic studio setup, including lighting, framing, and background aesthetics.
• Comfort with major social platforms and experience using platform?specific analytics 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.

Benefits

• 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

How To Apply

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• 23 hours of final content (submit a link or URL in the Additional Questions section): edited examples of interviewing others on a podcast, radio, video, or similar format. A link to your work on YouTube or other common platforms is sufficient.

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

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