ABOUT US

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.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

To achieve our mission of a more free, just, and equitable society, we commit to working proactively to advance the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion across our myriad endeavors such as the recruitment, compensation, training, and advancement of staff. The best people-serving institutions make this commitment, and we seek to be a leader in the ways that we do so and learn from others. Visit our website to learn more about our commitment and recent actions taken toward nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment.

Weave

Weave: The Social Fabric Project was founded by New York Times columnist and author David Brooks and is housed at the Aspen Institute. Weave supports individuals who are actively fostering trust, connection, and belonging in their communities—people we call “Weavers.” Acting as a backbone organization, Weave empowers these grassroots trust-brokers through resources, storytelling, and initiatives like the Weaver Awards, amplifying their efforts to heal societal divides and strengthen the social fabric.

At its core, Weave addresses the critical issue of broken social trust that has left Americans divided, isolated, and unable to tackle shared challenges. Without trust, we cannot achieve individual happiness and equity, build resilient communities, or sustain a healthy democracy. By identifying and supporting those quietly working to reconnect America’s communities, Weave is helping to bridge divides and create a more unified, compassionate society.

Weave works in three ways:

• We support the people (“weavers”) who are spreading trust and tackling important issues in their neighborhoods by providing them with resources and connection to a community of other weavers
• We lift up these often under-appreciated trust builders to be seen as resources and leaders of community change
• We inspire new generations of weavers

Why Join Weave

• Impactful Work: Play a leading role in a movement that is transforming communities across the country.
• Collaborative Culture: Join a team that values relationships, trust, and authentic connection.
• Growth Opportunity: Contribute to and shape the scaling of Weave’s impactful programs.

Learn more and read stories of weavers at WeAreWeavers.org

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Managing Director will play a critical leadership role in advancing Weave’s mission to identify and support people who are strengthening America’s communities. This role focuses on day-to-day program management, delivery, and strategy execution, while the Executive Director focuses on strategic vision and long-term sustainability. The Managing Director will ensure that program execution aligns with Weave’s broader strategic goals.

This position will oversee a diverse portfolio of programs. The Managing Director will guide the expansion and improvement of these offerings and drive program innovation, ensuring that Weave’s support to Weavers is impactful, scalable, and responsive to community needs.

This role reports directly to the Executive Director. The salary range for this position is $190,000 - $205,000. This is a Washington, D.C., based position. Employees are expected to work in person at the office approximately two days a week.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Program Strategy

• Develop and execute programmatic strategies that align with Weave’s mission and organizational goals.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director and leadership team to establish impact goals, refine annual work plans, and ensure strategic alignment.
• Lead large-scale projects, including research and leadership development, ensuring adherence to goals, timelines, and budgets.
• Assess, refine, and enhance programs to address evolving community needs and maximize impact.
• Design and oversee systems to measure program effectiveness, utilizing qualitative and quantitative metrics.
• Ensure grant deliverables meet high-quality standards and are reported in a timely manner.

Operational Leadership and Management

• Develop and implement internal policies, systems, and processes to enhance operational efficiency and transparency.
• Partner with the Executive Director to create and monitor the annual budget, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
• Oversee day-to-day operations, including budgeting, staffing, and process optimization.
• Maintain financial accountability by monitoring budgets and resource allocation to maximize impact.
• Ensure adherence to annual work plans and strategic objectives.
• Partner with administrative departments to ensure compliance with internal and external regulations.

Team Leadership and Development

• Supervise and mentor staff, fostering a collaborative, high-performance, and growth-oriented culture.
• Lead hiring, onboarding, and integration processes for new team members, ensuring alignment with Weave’s values.
• Develop and oversee professional development plans, performance reviews, and team-building activities.
• Plan and facilitate workshops, retreats, and training sessions to promote ongoing learning and alignment.

Partnership and Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with donors, foundations, corporate partners, and other key stakeholders.
• Support the Executive Director in securing and managing financial resources through proposal development, concept papers, and funding reports.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to innovate and enhance programs.
• Establish and nurture partnerships with advisory councils, funders, research partners, policymakers, and leaders across sectors.

Technology

• Oversee the integration and optimization of technology systems to improve operational efficiency and program delivery.
• Identify and implement tools and platforms that streamline processes and enhance collaboration.
• Ensure Weave leverages innovative technology to foster community connections and share its impact effectively.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of technology systems, recommending improvements as needed.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE

• Extensive Experience: 15+ years in a leadership role within a nonprofit, community-based, or social impact organization, including progressively responsible experience implementing complex projects.
• Exceptional Leadership: Proven ability to build and sustain strong relationships with diverse local organizations, including new, small, and informal groups.
• Team Development Skills: A track record of leading, inspiring, and growing high-performing teams, with a commitment to staff development, and experience in recruiting, retaining, and managing diverse, results-oriented teams.
• Program Execution and Scaling: Demonstrated success in executing, scaling, and implementing programs and new initiatives.
• Strategic and Operational Excellence: Strong operational, strategic management, and project management skills, particularly when coordinating across multiple groups.
• Strong Interpersonal Skills: High emotional intelligence, integrity, and sound judgment, with the ability to communicate and collaborate openly and respectfully across the organization.
• Effective Communication: Excellent oral communication, writing, editing, critical thinking, and leadership abilities.
• Adaptability and Organization: Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment, effectively managing multiple tasks and competing priorities.
• Cultural Competence: High level of cultural humility and experience engaging directly with constituents from diverse racial, ethnic, socio-economic, and geographic backgrounds.
• Mission Alignment: Commitment to fostering trust, connection, and belonging in communities, and strong interest in the mission and work of the Aspen Institute.
• Visionary Leadership: A history of creative, self-driven, collaborative, inclusive, and service-oriented organizational leadership. Ability to lead as well as be lead.
• Collaboration and Innovation: Proven collaborative mindset and innovative approach to problem-solving.
• Stakeholder Management: Demonstrated maturity and judgment in working with donors, business executives, high-net-worth individuals, and diverse stakeholders.
• Financial Acumen: Significant experience managing budgets, including forecasting

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

The Aspen Institute offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, and prescription benefits, retirement benefits, and paid leave.

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.

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