KAP 2026-2027 - Program Associate, Research and Programs - Mercatus Center

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 the Mercatus Center The Mercatus Center at George Mason Universityis a university-based research center dedicated to advancing knowledge about how markets and institutions foster prosperity and human flourishing. Through research, academic programs, and public engagement, Mercatus supports scholars and students working at the intersection of economics, philosophy, and public policy.   Job Summary The Mercatus Center at George Mason University seeks a bright, motivated, and detail-oriented Program Associate to join the Research and Programs team. This role supports the Mercatus Center's academic research and fellowship programs through event coordination, program logistics, scholar support, communications, and administrative operations.   The Program Associate will work closely with program leads, scholars, students, and staff to help ensure the successful execution of events, research initiatives, and day-to-day program activities. This position is ideal for someone who is highly organized, proactive, and interested in higher education, public policy, and classical liberal ideas.   The team encourages professional development through mentorship, skill-building opportunities, and university coursework. This role is particularly well suited for candidates interested in long-term growth in research administration, academic programming, or public policy.   This position reports to the Program Manager, Research & Programs, and works primarily from the Mercatus Center's Fairfax office on George Mason University's main campus in Fairfax, VA.

Primary Responsibilities Provide administrative support for fellowship and other academic and student programs including but not limited to: staffing events (which include evening and weekend events), preparing materials, assisting with recruiting efforts, and helping with the scheduling and administrative needs of program leads and scholars

Contribute to office management for the Fairfax office by sharing reception desk duties and assisting in day-to-day operations including facilities maintenance, office and kitchen supply inventory, and presenting a professional office appearance

Draft program notes and reports and execute special projects, coordinating subtasks with other Research and Programs staff as appropriate

Assist with creating website content, as well as copy editing manuscripts, journal articles, and other research products

Additional Opportunities Based on Candidate Interests and Experience Depending on the candidate's background and interests, the role may also include opportunities to:

Support program evaluation efforts through data collection, survey analysis, and database management across multiple software platforms and data sources

Analyze participant feedback and program outcomes to help evaluate and communicate the impact of Research and Programs initiatives

Contribute to media and communications projects for the F.A. Hayek Program for Advanced Study in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics, including podcast production, graphic design, social media content, and related digital media initiatives

Minimum Requirements Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple short- and long-term projects independently

Ability to show initiative and improve existing processes while helping develop new systems and workflows

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong writing and editing abilities

Interest in economics, classical liberalism, and public policy

Preferred Qualifications Experience in a professional administrative support, program management, or event coordination role

Candidate may also possess experience in one of the following areas:

Data Collection and Analysis:

Experience with data collection, survey platforms, or database management

Familiarity with data analysis software such as Stata or Python

Media & Communications:

Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite products such as Premiere Pro or Illustrator

Experience with podcast production, graphic design, or social media content creation

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 Mercatus' missionSalary requirement Resume

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.

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university

Excellent attention to detail and organizational skills

Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

Demonstrated ability to manage multiple short- and long-term projects independently

Ability to show initiative and improve existing processes while helping develop new systems and workflows

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong writing and editing abilities

Interest in economics, classical liberalism, and public policy