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Creative Think Tank Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Cato Institute

Marketing Coordinator

Washington, DC · On-site

$48K - $80K/yr

This role is a key opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a fast-moving, high-impact team that is redefining how a think tank connects with the world. We operate like an in-house creative ...

ESPN

Production Coordinator

Bristol, CT · On-site

Responsible for organizing and facilitating team meetings, creative think tanks, and story-pitch meetings. * During Production peak times, remains accessible, and is often required to work non ...

Automat

Applied AI Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$175K - $220K/yr

Automat was founded by a diverse group of creative technologists from teams like Google Creative Lab, and Samsung's innovation Think Tank Team. We envision a future where intelligent agents ...

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How much do creative think tank jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for creative think tank in the United States is $17.90, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.18 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Creative Think Tank?

A Creative Think Tank is a group or organization dedicated to generating innovative ideas, strategies, and solutions, often for businesses, governments, or social causes. Members typically include experts from diverse fields who collaborate to tackle complex problems through brainstorming, research, and creative processes. These think tanks may focus on areas like design, advertising, technology, or social innovation, aiming to inspire fresh thinking and drive progress. Their insights can influence products, campaigns, public policy, or organizational change.

What is the difference between Creative Think Tank vs Graphic Designer?

AspectCreative Think TankGraphic Designer
CredentialsVaries; often requires a degree in design, marketing, or related fieldsTypically requires a degree or certification in graphic design or visual arts
Work EnvironmentCollaborative, brainstorming sessions, strategic meetingsDesign studios, agencies, or freelance work, focused on visual creation
Industry UsageUsed across advertising, marketing, innovation teamsPrimarily in advertising, publishing, branding, digital media

While both roles involve creativity, a Creative Think Tank focuses on generating innovative ideas and strategies within teams, often in a collaborative setting. In contrast, a Graphic Designer primarily creates visual content based on client or project needs. Understanding these differences helps clarify career paths and employer expectations in the creative industry.

How does a Creative Think Tank professional typically collaborate with other team members to generate innovative ideas?

Professionals in a Creative Think Tank environment often collaborate through structured brainstorming sessions, workshops, and cross-disciplinary meetings. They work closely with team members from diverse backgrounds, such as marketing, design, and strategy, to approach challenges from multiple perspectives. Open communication, active listening, and iterative feedback are essential for fostering creativity and ensuring that ideas are refined into actionable solutions. This collaborative culture not only sparks innovation but also helps individuals grow by learning from each other's expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in a creative think tank, and why are they important?

To thrive in a creative think tank, you need strong analytical abilities, creative problem-solving skills, and a background in fields like design, innovation, or research. Familiarity with collaboration tools (such as Miro, Trello, or brainstorming software) and experience with data analysis or design thinking methodologies are often expected. Exceptional communication, open-mindedness, and the ability to work well in diverse teams help individuals stand out. These skills are vital for generating innovative ideas and solutions in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.
More about Creative Think Tank jobs
What states have the most Creative Think Tank jobs? States with the most job openings for Creative Think Tank jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Creative Think Tank jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Creative Think Tank jobs are:
Creative Think Tank jobs near you
Infographic showing various Creative Think Tank job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 93% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,226 per year, or $17.9 per hour.
Marketing Coordinator

Marketing Coordinator

Cato Institute

Washington, DC • On-site

$48K - $80K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Cato is seeking a creative and detail-oriented Marketing Coordinator to join our expanding marketing team. This role is a key opportunity to get in on the ground floor of a fast-moving, high-impact team that is redefining how a think tank connects with the world. We operate like an in-house creative agency: strategic, collaborative, and passionate about bringing the ideas of freedom to life through powerful campaigns and experiences.
If you are eager to grow in your career and learn from experienced professionals, this position offers direct access to senior marketing leadership and exposure across the organization, from scholars and policy experts to multimedia producers and event strategists. You will learn the full spectrum of integrated marketing, from modern channels like digital advertising, PPC (pay per click), data and analytics, and lifecycle marketing to traditional tactics like print, direct mail, and email campaigns.
This is your chance to help shape Cato's next chapter as we scale our marketing capabilities to support major initiatives like the country's 250th anniversary and Cato's 50th. You will play a visible role in campaigns that reach policymakers, educators, journalists, and freedom-minded audiences worldwide.
The position is hybrid, based in Washington, DC, and includes two in-office days and three remote days per week.
The projected salary range for this role is $48,000 - $80,000 per year.
Compensation is based on the successful candidate's educational background, experience, and skills.
TO BE CONSIDERED FOR THIS POSITION, YOU MUST COMPLETE THE TALENT MARKET APPLICATION!
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.
Responsibilities
  • Support advertising operations by maintaining ad calendars, coordinating asset specifications and deliverables (print and digital), managing vendor communications, and processing invoices.
  • Assist in executing integrated marketing campaigns that include both modern (digital ads, PPC, analytics, lifecycle marketing) and traditional (print, direct mail, email) tactics.
  • Coordinate logistics for conferences, exhibits, and outreach programs, including exhibitor registrations, hotel bookings, on-site rentals, and materials management.
  • Create and update marketing collateral such as event flyers, digital banners, promotional materials, and internal campaign documents.
  • Manage team swag and promotional item workflows, including product sourcing, order tracking, and invoice processing.
  • Collaborate with web staff to build and update campaign or event landing pages that drive engagement and lead capture.
  • Maintain marketing content displays across public spaces, ensuring timely rotation of materials and visual consistency with brand standards.
  • Build and maintain Excel-based reports, charts, and tracking tables to monitor marketing performance and campaign outcomes.
  • Support day-to-day team needs by handling requests for creative production, campaign materials, and communications coordination.
  • Participate in professional development opportunities to expand skills in data analytics, advertising, and digital tools.
  • Contribute creative ideas and feedback to campaign planning discussions to help strengthen messaging and audience engagement.

Requirements
Education and Experience
  • 2-3+ years of experience in marketing, communications, or a related field
  • Demonstrated interest in public policy and in Cato's mission to advance a free and open society
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Excel with the ability to build and format charts, tables, and reports to communicate campaign performance
  • Working knowledge of both traditional and digital marketing tactics, including PPC, digital advertising, direct mail, and email campaigns
  • Optional: Familiarity with content management systems, digital advertising platforms, and creative production tools
  • A bachelor's degree in Marketing, Communications, or a related field
  • Ability to travel: up to 10%

Skills
  • Strong organizational and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with attention to accuracy and tone
  • Collaborative mindset with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
  • Ability to work cross-functionally and communicate effectively with creative, web, and communications teams.
  • Commitment to professional growth and willingness to learn new tools and techniques as Cato scales its marketing capacity.

Benefits
All Cato employees are provided with:
  • 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

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis. This position does not offer visa sponsorship.
To Apply
Qualified candidates should submit the following application materials (in order) in one PDF document:
  • Cover letter including:
  • An introductory paragraph describing three distinct reasons you are drawn to Cato's mission
  • Salary requirement, and if they differ from the range listed above, why you feel it is warranted.
  • Resume

Applications should be submitted to Talent Market via this link: talentmarket.org/apply-for-your-dream-job/ .
Questions can be directed to Angela Hight, Project Manager at Talent Market, who is managing the search process: angela@talentmarket.org.
There is no application deadline for this position. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. This job will remain posted on our site until it is filled.
While we thank all applicants in advance for their interest in this position, we are only able to contact those to whom we can offer an interview. Only direct applications will be considered. No phone calls, please.
Talent Market is a nonprofit dedicated to promoting liberty by helping free-market nonprofits identify talent for critical roles. We provide consulting and recruiting services at no cost to 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations that clearly and directly focus on advancing the principles of economic freedom, free enterprise, free trade, free speech, property rights, rule of law, and limited regulation.

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