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 Communications and Marketing Department creates compelling content to elevate and position the Aspen Institute as a values-based organization that ignites human potential through dialogue, leadership, and action to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Our creative services team serves as an in-house agency that provides communications and marketing support to the Institute’s 40+ programs, initiatives, public events, fundraising efforts, and the president’s office. Learn more at aspeninstitute.org.

We function on the foundation of 5 values: Collaboration, Learning, Excellence, Accountability, and Respect or CLEAR. These attributes and behaviors are how we work. Upholding our department values is of paramount importance as they guide us to thoughtfully engage with our colleagues whilst performing at the highest level.

Basic Function:

The Digital Media Associate is vital in executing the content strategy for specific programs and initiatives at the Aspen Institute. They are a skilled generalist who can listen to the needs of program partners and develop strategies and content to meet those needs. They also collaborate with multiple teams to gather information and ensure all content meets the Institute’s brand guidelines.

This position reports directly to the Project Manager (Creative Services, Communications &Marketing). The hourly rate for this role is $36.00 /hr. This role is expected to have a 6-month term length, with a possibility for extension depending on manager approval.

In accordance with our Reimagining Work policy, the Design Associate should be willing to be in-person with colleagues a minimum of 40% of the time in the D.C. office while having the flexibility to work remotely for the balance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Digital Strategy and Content Creation

• Partner with marketing and communications colleagues and Aspen Institute programs to curate and share engaging content for program-owned digital channels, across websites, social media, and email newsletters.
• Collaborate on and manage digital media content calendars for Aspen Institute programs
• Support programs with the creating and edit content for program websites and the flagship Aspen Institute website
• Collaborate with internal teams to gather information and ideas for content creation.

Social Media Management and Engagement

• Maintain posting cadence and engagement for programs’ accounts including X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn
• Partner with programs to develop, write, and edit content optimized for social media
• Partner with programs to design and create simple, clean, and compelling graphics using Canva
• Support the launch of announcements, new initiatives, and events with live coverage, social media tool kits, and other content marketing strategies
• Work with the Audience Insights Specialist on audience targeting, social listening, and engagement using organic strategies
• Maintain posting schedule and analytics management with a tool like Sprout Social or Hootsuite
• Create and launch new new social media accounts as necessary
• Contribute to strategy and implementation of paid digital ad campaigns, as needed.

Brand Voice and Guidelines

• Maintain a consistent brand voice in all digital content, aligning with the Institute’s brand guidelines.
• Aim to understand each program’s goals and voice, targeted for their specific audiences and to ensure consistency across their particular platforms.

Data Analysis and Optimization

• Monitor email, social media, and web performance metrics to improve reach, engagement, and other strategic goals.
• Partner with the Audience Insights Specialist to proactively find audience opportunities in the data.

Collaboration and Communication

• Collaborate with peers on the Communications team to ensure the content strategy aligns with our larger enterprise editorial priorities and goals.
• Collaborate with multiple internal teams and stakeholders.

Knowledge, Education, and Experience:

• 1-3 years in digital content creation, social media management, or related roles
• A bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, digital media, journalism, or related field is a plus.
• Content Creation and Multimedia Skills:
  • Demonstrated experience creating content calendars and implementing strategies.
  • Proven success crafting engaging digital content for websites, social media, and email.
  • Strong writing/editing skills with a talent for creating concise and compelling online content.
  • Comfort and experience designing graphics with Canva or a similar tool, including within templates and original graphics.
  • Basic video editing capabilities a plus.
• Platform Management Skills:
  • Experience managing social media, including Twitter/X, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and YouTube; experience with TikTok is a plus.
  • Experience using social CMS platforms such as Sprout and Hootsuite a plus .
  • Experience interpreting, visualizing, and reporting digital analytics for reporting to team members and leadership.
• Sharp writing skills honed for social media platforms.
• Proficient in multitasking and meeting deadlines.
• Understands digital audiences and online content trends.
• Has communication skills for teamwork and stakeholder collaboration.
• Up-to-date with digital trends, emerging formats, and social platforms.
• Passionate about storytelling, journalism, and cultural trends.
• Maintains curiosity, empathy, hustle, and grit.

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.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation regarding the accessibility of our website, a modification or adjustment of the job application or interview process due to a disability, contact HRSupport@aspeninstitute.org or call (202) 736-5800.