Senior Manager, Social Media and Email Marketing

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Senior Manager, Social Media and Email Marketing

🔹 Company: Cato Institute

🔹 Location: Washington, DC

🔹 Job Type: Hybrid (2 days/week in office)

🔹 Category: Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: June 3, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site (Hybrid)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing social media and email marketing strategies to enhance Cato’s digital presence and engagement
• Overseeing the management of social media platforms and the creation of compelling digital content
• Executing targeted email campaigns and analyzing performance to optimize results
• Collaborating with internal teams and policy scholars to produce content that effectively communicates complex policy issues
• Supervising and mentoring a team of social media and email marketing professionals

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong communication skills, and experience in digital marketing to effectively manage social media and email marketing efforts for a think tank.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Social Media Management (40%): Oversee Cato's presence across major social media platforms, develop and implement strategies to increase engagement, reach, and quality follower growth, monitor trends and analytics, and manage scheduling and reporting.

✅ Content Generation (25%): Lead the creation of compelling social media content, including copywriting, graphics, and videos, that reflect the Institute's research and initiatives, and collaborate with policy scholars and other departments to produce content that effectively communicates complex policy issues.

✅ Email Marketing (25%): Manage the planning, development, and execution of email marketing campaigns, ensure content is engaging, accurate, and consistent with the Institute's messaging and branding, analyze campaign performance, and apply 3rd party data and segment CRM contacts for targeted digital marketing.

✅ Team Leadership (10%): Supervise and mentor a team of social media and email marketing professionals, coordinate with other departments to ensure cohesive communication strategies across all platforms, work with creative and IT teams to build and version landing pages for campaigns, develop and maintain metrics to assess the effectiveness of social media and email marketing efforts, and prepare regular reports for senior management.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a balance of strategic planning, hands-on execution, and team leadership to effectively manage social media and email marketing efforts for a think tank.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or a related field.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years of experience in social media and email marketing, with at least 3 years in a supervisory role.

Required Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to manage team and stakeholder expectations and coach them on industry best practices
• Flexibility and adaptability to changing priorities to meet deadlines, manage time well, and perform job responsibilities without constant supervision
• Self-directed, self-motivated, and disciplined team player capable of hands-on execution and long-term business planning
• Succeed in a high-demand, fast-paced work environment
• Ability to problem-solve, manage crisis situations effectively, and maintain professional composure under pressure
• Strong executive presence and ability to interact with all levels of management within the organization, as well as experience working directly with C-Level/senior leadership
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work well in a team environment and independently
• Proven track record of developing and executing successful social media and email marketing campaigns
• Strong understanding of current digital marketing trends and best practices
• Experience with Salesforce Marketing Cloud is required
• Experience with Hootsuite and Buffer is preferred
• An understanding of and commitment to the Cato Institute's mission and principles

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with Salesforce Marketing Cloud
• Experience with Hootsuite and Buffer

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a well-rounded digital marketing professional with experience in social media management, email marketing, and team leadership, as well as a strong commitment to the Cato Institute's mission and principles.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $80,000 - $110,000 per year. Compensation is based on the successful candidate's educational background, experience, and skills.

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

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours/week), with at least two days/week required in the Washington, DC office.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the Washington, DC area. The benefits listed are typical for a think tank of this size and are intended to attract and retain top talent.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: The Cato Institute is a public policy research organization, also known as a think tank, dedicated to the principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace.

Company Size: The Cato Institute has 51-200 employees, making it a mid-sized organization where applicants can expect a structured work environment with opportunities for collaboration and growth.

Founded: The Cato Institute was founded in 1977, giving it a rich history and established reputation in the think tank industry.

Company Description:

• The Cato Institute 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
• The Institute's scholars and analysts conduct independent, nonpartisan research on a wide range of policy issues
• The Cato Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Company Specialties:

• Education
• Energy & Environment
• Finance & Banking & Monetary Policy
• Foreign Policy
• Government & Politics
• Health Care
• International Economics
• Law & Civil Liberties
• Tax & Budget Policy
• Telecom, Internet & Information Policy
• Trade & Immigration

Company Website: www.cato.org

ASSUMPTION: The Cato Institute is a well-established think tank with a clear mission and a broad range of policy specialties, providing applicants with opportunities to work on diverse and impactful projects.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: This role is a senior management position, requiring a high level of experience and expertise in digital marketing, team leadership, and strategic planning.

Reporting Structure: The Senior Manager, Social Media and Email Marketing will report directly to the Director of Marketing and Communications and will oversee a team of social media and email marketing professionals.

Work Arrangement: This is a hybrid position requiring at least two days/week in the Washington, DC office, with the remaining days worked remotely.

Growth Opportunities:

• As a senior management role, this position offers opportunities for career advancement within the marketing department or the organization as a whole
• The Cato Institute's broad range of policy specialties provides opportunities for applicants to gain experience in diverse areas of public policy
• The Institute's commitment to nonpartisan, independent research offers opportunities for applicants to develop their analytical and research skills

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity for a digital marketing professional to apply their skills in a think tank setting, with opportunities for career growth and exposure to a wide range of policy issues.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: The Cato Institute's headquarters is located in a bustling urban area, providing employees with easy access to restaurants, shops, and cultural attractions.

Office Location(s): 1000 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20001, US

Geographic Context:

• The Washington, DC area is a major hub for think tanks, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations, providing applicants with opportunities to network and collaborate with professionals in related fields
• The region is known for its diverse and multicultural population, offering applicants a rich and vibrant cultural experience
• The DC area is home to numerous historical sites and museums, providing applicants with opportunities to explore and learn about the nation's history and heritage

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours/week), with at least two days/week required in the Washington, DC office.

ASSUMPTION: The Cato Institute's urban office location and hybrid work arrangement provide applicants with a convenient and flexible work environment, while also offering opportunities for professional growth and development.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission through Talent Market
• Phone or video screening with the hiring manager
• In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other relevant stakeholders
• Final interview with the Director of Marketing and Communications
• Background check and reference check

Key Assessment Areas:

• Digital marketing skills and experience
• Team leadership and management abilities
• Strategic planning and problem-solving skills
• Alignment with the Cato Institute's mission and values

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Be prepared to discuss your understanding of and commitment to the Cato Institute's mission and principles
• Demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively and effectively manage a team in a fast-paced environment
• Showcase your ability to problem-solve, manage crisis situations effectively, and maintain professional composure under pressure

ATS Keywords: Social media management, email marketing, digital marketing, team leadership, strategic planning, think tank, public policy, nonpartisan research, independent research, marketing strategy, content generation, targeted email campaigns, data-driven insights, Cato Institute

ASSUMPTION: The Cato Institute's hiring process is designed to assess applicants' skills, experience, and cultural fit, with a focus on identifying candidates who are well-suited to the organization's mission and values.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Salesforce Marketing Cloud
• Hootsuite
• Buffer
• Social media platforms (X, Bluesky, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube)
• Email marketing software
• Project management tools
• Analytics and reporting tools

ASSUMPTION: The Cato Institute uses a range of digital marketing tools and technologies to manage social media and email marketing efforts, with a focus on data-driven insights and optimization.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Individual liberty
• Limited government
• Free markets
• Peace
• Nonpartisan, independent research
• Collaboration and teamwork
• Excellence in research and communication

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic work environment
• Collaborative and team-oriented culture
• Focus on strategic planning and execution
• Commitment to the Institute's mission and principles

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you share the Cato Institute's commitment to individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace?
• Are you comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and managing a team to meet deadlines and achieve results?
• Do you have experience working with digital marketing tools and technologies, and a strong understanding of current digital marketing trends and best practices?

ASSUMPTION: The Cato Institute values a diverse and inclusive work environment, with a strong commitment to nonpartisan, independent research and a focus on excellence in research and communication.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The fast-paced and dynamic work environment may be challenging for candidates who prefer a more structured or predictable work environment
• The role requires a strong commitment to the Cato Institute's mission and principles, which may not align with all candidates' personal beliefs or values
• The hybrid work arrangement may present challenges for candidates who prefer a fully remote or fully on-site work environment
• The Washington, DC area has a high cost of living, which may be a challenge for candidates who are relocating or have financial constraints

ASSUMPTION: The Cato Institute's work environment, mission, and location may present challenges for some candidates, but also offers unique opportunities for professional growth and development in a dynamic and impactful setting.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to similar roles in other think tanks or nonprofits, this role offers a unique opportunity to work on a wide range of policy issues and gain exposure to diverse perspectives and stakeholders
• The Cato Institute's commitment to nonpartisan, independent research sets it apart from other think tanks and advocacy organizations, providing applicants with opportunities to develop their analytical and research skills
• This role offers a clear path for career advancement within the marketing department or the organization as a whole, with opportunities for applicants to take on increasing responsibilities and leadership roles

ASSUMPTION: The Cato Institute's unique mission, focus on nonpartisan, independent research, and broad range of policy specialties set it apart from other think tanks and advocacy organizations, providing applicants with opportunities for professional growth and development in a dynamic and impactful setting.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and executing a social media campaign to promote a new policy report or research publication
• Creating targeted email campaigns to engage specific stakeholder groups, such as donors, policymakers, or the general public
• Analyzing social media and email marketing performance data to identify trends and optimize strategies for future campaigns

ASSUMPTION: The Cato Institute's broad range of policy specialties and commitment to nonpartisan, independent research provide applicants with opportunities to work on diverse and impactful projects that align with their interests and skills.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the Cato Institute's approach to nonpartisan, independent research and how it sets the organization apart from other think tanks and advocacy organizations?
• How does the Cato Institute's marketing department collaborate with other departments, such as policy research and communications, to ensure cohesive communication strategies across all platforms?
• What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within the marketing department or the organization as a whole?
• How does the Cato Institute support work-life balance for its employees, particularly in a hybrid work arrangement?
• What are the key challenges and opportunities facing the Cato Institute in the coming years, and how does this role contribute to addressing them?

ASSUMPTION: The Cato Institute's unique mission, focus on nonpartisan, independent research, and broad range of policy specialties provide applicants with opportunities to ask insightful questions about the organization's culture, values, and priorities.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through Talent Market
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Prepare a thoughtful and well-researched cover letter that demonstrates your understanding of and commitment to the Cato Institute's mission and principles
• If applicable, prepare examples or a portfolio showcasing your digital marketing skills and experience
• Follow up with the hiring manager, Stephanie Keaveney, one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application and express your continued interest in the role

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.