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.