The Aspen Institute

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Since its founding in 1949, the Institute has been driving change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most critical challenges facing communities in the United States and around the world. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Institute has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, and an international network of partners.

Aspen Global Innovators Group

The Aspen Global Innovators Group widens access to health and prosperity for people living at the world’s margins. Our network of innovators pioneer breakthrough strategies, grounded in lived experience, to address global health and development challenges in new ways.  Our portfolio of  programs include: New Voices Fellowship, which brings expert voices from emerging countries into the global development debate; AMP Health, which builds the leadership and capacity of public sector health leaders in under-resourced countries; Aspen Institute Forum on Women and Girls and its SOAR fellowship lifting up emerging women leaders and critical policy issues; The Global Collaborative for Community Based Pandemic Preparedness spotlighting the essential role of community based organizations in addressing COVID; the Artisan Alliance, supporting women entrepreneurs; and Aspen Ideas Health, the leading creative forum on health.

The Position: Senior Development and Program Associate, Artisan Alliance (Part Time)

Aspen Global Innovators Group is seeking a part time Senior Development and Program Associate (50% time) to lead the Artisan Alliance program (this is a one-year position that could be extended). We are looking for an expert fundraiser and strategic thinker who can refresh and fund the Artisan Alliance.  The Artisan Alliance, founded in 2012, is a program of Aspen Global Innovators Group with a mission of supporting artisan businesses to provide jobs, preserve cultures, and lead economic growth that respects the unique identity of people and place. With over 200 members in more than 70 countries, the Artisan Alliance provides financing, technical assistance, advocacy, and business support to artisan enterprises. A key element of the role is to identify and secure funding to operationalize the new strategic plan of the Alliance. 

The position requires a leader who has experience with small business development, demonstrated fundraising expertise with public and private donors, the ability to evolve a strategic vision, and interest in artisan businesses and women’s development. 

Essential Duties:

Essential duties and responsibilities are as follows. Other responsibilities may be added, as necessary.

Assess and Develop Strategy

• Assess and refine Artisan Alliance strategic plan
• Identify strongest elements of plan with highest funding and impact potential

Fundraise to support Strategic Plan

• Identify potential funders for elements and programs of strategic plan
• Conduct outreach to funders
• Research fundraising opportunities to include USAID, State Department, foundations, family offices, private donors
• Prepare proposals as needed
• Secure funds to support Artisan Alliance projects
• Manage donor relationships

Implement and Manage Alliance Programs and programs in development

• Kiva Loan Program
• PPE production program
• State Department Asia initiative in Afghanistan/ Uzbekistan opportunity
• IKEA textiles/fiber opportunity

Manage Member Network and Advisory Board

• Quarterly newsletter
• Website
• Outreach to members and information requests
• Convene advisory board on quarterly basis

Position Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree required, Masters preferred
• Minimum 5-10 years of relevant work experience
• International Development program experience, Small and Medium Business development experience a plus
• Proven fundraising experience
• Excellent written communications
• Proposal research and writing expertise
• Self- starter with ability to envision and create new programs
• Excellent external communications skills in presentations, building relationships
• Interest in the artisan sector and women’s development
• Proven project planning and high-quality execution skills
• Entrepreneurial acumen and drive, ability to see and respond to opportunities to strengthen and/or course correct to increase impact
• Excellent computer skills and presentation talent, including Microsoft Office Suite, InDesign, presentations
• Thrive in high performing, intellectually rich environment and as part of a collaborative team
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion
• Willingness and ability to travel

Level of Authority:

• Non-supervisory position
• No budget authority

Aspen Global Innovators mission is to widen access to a more equitable world, in part by better reflecting the people and communities we support. We’re committed to diversity and building an inclusive environment for people of all backgrounds and ages. And we are taking steps to meet that commitment. We especially encourage members of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply, including women, people of color, LGBTQ people and people with disabilities.

The Aspen Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all District and federal laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran or disabled status and will not be discriminated against.

Candidate must have the ability to work under pressure and handle stress. Candidate must also have the ability to meet the regular attendance policy of the Aspen Institute.