Conference Operations Specialist

Title: KAP 2026-2027 - Conference Operations Specialist - Cato Institute

Location: Washington, DC

Department: Koch Associate Program – General Concentration

Job Description:

The Koch Associate Program (KAP) is a career accelerator for early to mid-career professionals with a drive to tackle our country’s most pressing challenges in more effective, principled ways. KAP equips associates with the tools, mindsets, and community to succeed as social entrepreneurs—individuals excited to find new and better ways to break barriers and eliminate injustice. Associates spend one day each week engaging in experiential learning with Stand Together Fellowships and work at one of our many partner organizations the rest of the week. Our curriculum is designed to supercharge your development and equip you for long-term success as you seek to have an impact on the problems that prevent people from realizing their potential.  

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, free markets, and peace – animate Cato’s research to this day. The Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Position Overview

The Cato Institute, a non-profit public policy research foundation headquartered in Washington, DC, seeks a Conference Operations Specialist to support the operations and administrative responsibilities for a variety of events managed by the Conference Team. This role includes managing the following responsibilities across 20+ events: creating key event planning documents, printing key event materials, overseeing supplies inventory, and coordinating shipments. This role will also provide on-site support for events held at Cato and throughout the country. This position is ideal for a detail-oriented, proactive professional who thrives in a fast-paced, event-driven environment.

This is a hybrid position in Washington, DC.

Responsibilities

This position collaborates closely with multiple members of the Conference team to manage and execute the processes associated with the responsibilities outlined below across multiple events:

• Create key event documents which include registration websites, catering documents, audio-visual run of shows, timelines to upload to the project management system, and shipping lists.
• Manage the Conference department supplies, which include supply ordering and inventory management, arranging and overseeing shipping to events, and returning to inventory received shipments.
• Produce printed materials (including but not limited to badges, rosters, and place cards) and ensure their accuracy.
• Continuously update long-standing department event management records.
• Administer vendor payments and budget reconciliations.
• Provide additional assistance to the Conference Team as needed.
• On-site support for in-person events in Washington, DC, and throughout the country.

Requirements

Education and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree.
• 2+ years of events experience.
• Demonstrated success in managing multiple projects at one time.
• Demonstrated history of success in managing inventory and supplies.
• Project management experience is a plus.
• Knowledge of EMS, Social Tables, and Swoogo is a plus.
• An understanding of libertarian principles and Cato’s mission is preferred.

Skills/ Abilities

• Capable of effectively working in a fast-paced environment and meeting deadlines; manages time without constant supervision.
• Proactive and stay informed regarding upcoming tasks; easily adapts if the project changes scope.
• Highly effective communication and collaboration skills paired with exceptional attention to detail, quality, and accuracy.
•  Organized, enthusiastic, efficient, and committed personality able to work  
   independently and collaboratively.
• Strong customer service skills with a positive “can-do” attitude.
• Positive and professional demeanor at all times while working with staff, vendors, and attendees.
• Position requires 20% travel throughout the year and may increase.

To Apply

Please submit the following materials in one PDF file:

• CV/Resume
• Cover Letter/Intro Email confirming that this is a hybrid position located in Washington DC and you able to commit to working at least 3 days per week at the headquarters.
• Two work samples (original data analyses, research reports, working papers, peer-reviewed articles, dissertations, data memos, blog posts, etc.).

$55,000 - $70,000 a year

About Stand Together Fellowships 

Learn more about Stand Together Fellowships.

Stand Together Fellowships believes that diversity in experiences, perspectives, knowledge and ideas fuels creativity, broadens knowledge, and helps drive success. Our admissions office treats all program participants and applicants with honesty, dignity, respect and sensitivity. We welcome all qualified applicants regardless of color, race, religion, religious creed, sex, gender or gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, ethnicity, ancestry, age, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, pregnancy (including medical needs which may arise from pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), military and veteran status, genetic information, marital or familial status, political affiliation, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state or local laws, regulations or ordinances. 

We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us.