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.

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 building and nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment.

Program Description

The Aspen Institute Business and Society Program (Aspen BSP) works with business executives and scholars to align business decisions and investments with the long-term health of society—and the planet. Through carefully designed networks, working groups and focused dialogue, the Program identifies and inspires thought leaders and “intrapreneurs” to challenge conventional ideas about capitalism and markets, to test new measures of business success and to connect classroom theory and business practice.

Basic Function:

Aspen BSP seeks a capable, curious, and creative Program Associate, with expertise and passion for corporate intrapreneurship and sustainability to support the design, management, and evolution of two flagship programs: The Aspen Institute Leaders Forum and The Aspen Institute First Movers Fellowship.

The Aspen Institute Leaders Forum is a cross industry, invitation-only network of senior sustainability/ESG strategists who are working at the cutting edge of practice in a rapidly evolving profession.

The Aspen Institute First Movers Fellowship Program is a leadership development program and innovation lab for “corporate social intrapreneurs” in core business functions who are creating new products, services, and practices that deliver positive results for the business and society.

This role is an opportunity for someone passionate about business & society – a key frontier of social change – to work with diverse business leaders that are shaping the future of corporate social impact. The right candidate will have strong interest in program management, community building, leadership development, and the integration of sustainability throughout business operations. They will be ready to serve in both “back-of-house” and “front-of-house” roles – i.e., ready to combine operational and planning chops with comfort in, joy in, and curiosity for in-person events and relationship building.

This position reports directly to the Assistant Director for Leadership Programs. The salary range for this position is $72,000 - $83,000. The expectation is for this role to be in our New York City office between 2-3 days per week to collaborate with colleagues.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Program strategy and infrastructure

• Participate in strategic design sessions for our leadership programs to determine and monitor goals for individual events and the programs overall.
• Assist with curriculum development and refinement for program seminars and convenings.
• Build, maintain and evolve system infrastructure and operational systems to ensure effective program coordination and the right level of “human touch” for program participants.
• Manage program budgets and general program administration.
• Support the overall mission of the Aspen Business & Society Program.

Relationship management and facilitation

• Actively seek opportunities to deepen relationships with leadership program participants, including engaging alumni and current participants in broader BSP communications, activities, and events.
• Identify and track candidates and companies for engagement in leadership programming.
• Oversee and evolve engagement strategies with First Mover Fellows and Leaders Foru members to ensure high levels of participation.
• Practice and grow facilitation capacities, including helping to design content modules and peer conversations, and engaging directly with senior corporate leaders in dialogue around core issues related to business and society.
• Lead the execution of the annual First Movers recruitment and selection process, which includes nominator outreach, candidate tracking, candidate communication, and management of the application and acceptance processes.

Event and project management

• Assist with crafting the agendas and materials for virtual and in person events.
• Manage day-to-day operations of the two programs.
• Coordinate the planning and execution of program retreats, coaching sessions, plenaries, and other events.
• Help to develop and track overlapping project timelines and deadlines throughout the year.
• Travel to and support the execution of 4-5 in-person events throughout the year alongside 2-3 virtual convenings per month.

Evaluation and reporting

• Participate in program meetings and synthesize findings for participants and other audiences.
• Work closely with leadership on program evaluation, including survey design and distribution, data synthesis, and evaluation presentations to internal staff and key external stakeholders.
• Conduct research and present findings associated with new strategy and content for both programs.

Knowledge, Education, and Experience:

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.
• A Bachelor's degree in relevant field preferred.
• Passion for sustainability, leadership development, ESG, DEI and/or social innovation within business.
• Direct experience supporting the design and delivery of leadership and capacity-building programs.
• Proven project management experience and exemplary organizational skills
• Team player, able to collaborate closely with complementary Aspen BSP programs in business, leadership, and business education.
• Outstanding interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Upbeat, innovative, and curious.
• Comfort traveling to in-person, multi-day events around the US approximately 5-6 times per year.

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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