Marketing Analytics Intern - Libertarianism.org

To be considered for this role, you must apply directly through our online application. 

Overview

Libertarianism.org is Cato's dedicated platform for the theory, history, and ideas of liberty — publishing long-form articles, intellectual history essays, podcast episodes, and social media content for a broad audience interested in the foundations of a free society. The site's content spans classical liberal philosophy, the American founding, economics, and contemporary policy, translated for general audiences who value individual liberty.

Interns mainly support the marketing and content operations team by building and maintaining analytics databases, producing quarterly performance reports, creating video and social media content, and tracking KPIs across platforms. 

The work is ideal for applicants with a background in marketing, communications, or content creation who also have a genuine intellectual interest in libertarian ideas and can engage seriously with the material they're promoting.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a marketing analytics database that tracks KPIs across social media, the website, newsletter, and podcast platforms.
• Produce quarterly marketing analytics reports, synthesizing performance data across channels into clear insights and strategic recommendations for the team.
• Track trending topics and viral content related to libertarian ideas and the wider political and intellectual scene; share insights with the team.
• Research libertarian perspectives on policy and intellectual history topics; summarize and adapt content for Libertarianism.org's audience.
• Create social media posts and graphics using Canva or similar tools; edit short-form video content from archival and original footage with Adobe Premiere or comparable software.
• Review podcast episodes, extract quotes and context for marketing and promotion.
• Collect quotes from libertarian writers and thinkers to share on social media platforms.
• Support other content and communication projects as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Genuine interest in the libertarian intellectual tradition and demonstrated alignment with Cato's principles of individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace — applicants should be comfortable engaging seriously with the ideas they are helping promote.
• Background in marketing, communications, or a related field; able to quickly read, grasp, and accurately summarize complex texts for a general audience
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel for building and maintaining analytics databases and producing performance reports
• Familiar with social media platforms and comfortable tracking analytics across channels, including X/Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.
• Experience designing content with Canva or similar tools.
• Professionalism, reliability, and attention to detail — this work involves managing multiple content streams and meeting regular reporting deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience using video editing software like Adobe Premiere, CapCut, or similar tools for short-form social media content.
• Knowledge of social media analytics platforms or marketing reporting tools.
• Prior experience in content creation, marketing, or communications roles — including campus media, think tanks, advocacy organizations, or independent content projects.
• Applicants are encouraged to review Libertarianism.org's recent publications and the Portraits of Liberty podcast prior to applying.

The Cato Internship Program

Cato’s paid internships are available for undergraduates, recent graduates, graduate students, law students, and early-career professionals who are strongly committed to individual liberty, limited government, free markets, and peace—principles that together form libertarianism, also known as “classical liberalism,” “market liberalism,” or, to many of our international friends, simply “liberalism.” 

All Cato interns participate in the same intensive seminar series, which covers a wide range of history, philosophy, policy, and professional development topics. Interns also assist with events and occasionally support Cato staff with other daily tasks. 

Interns receive competitive pay. Part-time roles are adjusted accordingly and require a minimum of 25 hours per week. Program participants must be able to attend in person in Washington, DC.

For more information about the internship program and experience, we encourage you to explore our website. If you have any questions, email studentprograms@cato.org.