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 Religion & Society Program (RSP) envisions a society where diverse religious communities and non-believers fully embrace America’s ideals by engaging and thriving with mutual trust and respect. We aim to realize this by helping to foster religious pluralism.

The mission of the Religion & Society Program at the Aspen Institute is to strengthen the understanding of religion’s role in advancing equity and the common good by shifting ideas, policies, and practices. Launched in 2012, The Religion & Society Program ignites change through convening, catalyzing, and researching the challenges and opportunities at the convergence of religion, culture, and justice.

The Religion & Society Program is currently invested in five initiatives to help advance religious pluralism: 1) Aspen Religion Fellows – A new fellowship to help cultivate leaders in the US who are committed to religious pluralism; 2) Racial Justice and Religion Initiative – A program committed to lifting up and addressing race and racism as it interacts with religion, particularly through convening and leadership development; 3) Religion & Philanthropy – Supporting, equipping, and convening leaders working at the intersection of giving and faith; 4) Religion & Media – Mapping the key entities working in the space and improving how religion and religious communities are represented; 5) Wisdom and Practice – A new podcast on spiritual teachings for today’s world produced by PRX.

Basic Function:

The Director, leading a team of two, will be responsible for fundraising, management, strategic planning, and program and financial oversight of the Religion & Society Program. The Director will have a demonstrated belief in the power of religious pluralism to build a better society, and an inclusive, communicative leadership approach with RSP and Aspen Institute colleagues.

This position reports to and works closely with the Executive Vice President of Policy Programs. The salary range for this role is $150,000 - $160,000. In accordance with our Reimagining Work policy, the Executive Director should be willing to be in-person with colleagues a minimum of 40% of the time while having the flexibility to work remotely for the balance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The Director will be responsible for the fundraising, strategic planning, financial and project oversight, program development, relationship management, and communication/public relations for the Religion & Society Program. Specific elements include:

Fundraising

• Develop and execute RSP’s fundraising plan

• Manage a $2 million annual program budget, securing financial support from individuals, foundations, and corporations.

• Develop and maintain relationships with foundation program officers to develop a robust funding pipeline.

Strategy and Program Implementation

• Set strategic direction for all program activities, including the Aspen Religion Fellowship, the Racial Justice and Religion Initiative, our work in philanthropy and media, and various public programs, roundtables, and meetings related to religious pluralism.

• Oversee grant deliverables completion.

Stakeholder Engagement and Partnerships

• Expand the reputation of the Religion & Society Program as a thought leader on religious pluralism via:

  • Representing RSP at various Institute forums;

  • Representing RSP at external public and private engagements with organizations and venues that deal with religious pluralism; and

  • Publishing op-eds, articles, or other written materials as appropriate.

  • Establishing relationships with faith-based leaders and ally organizations to build partnerships which advance the field.

  • Oversee program messaging and strategic communications to increase the public’s visibility of the Religion & Society Program.

  • Collaborate and communicate work with peers at the Aspen Institute.

Knowledge, Education and Experience

• Undergraduate college degree: Master's or PhD in degree in religious studies, public policy or related field preferred.

• 10+ years of work experience (or equivalent experience) in the faith-based or moral leadership social sector with track record of effective management, accomplishment, and growth.

• Demonstrated track record of commitment and leadership on religious pluralism.

• Demonstrated experience and successful track record with fundraising, particularly with funders who fund faith-based or adjacent efforts.

• Exceptional program planning and organizational skills; the ability to plan, prioritize and follow through with staff, partners and a variety of constituencies to meet program deliverables.

• Outstanding interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills, with an ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, collaborate with partners and colleagues, and lead staff with respect and a growth mindset.

To apply:

1. All interested applicants must submit materials through the Aspen Institute web portal; please do not contact Aspen Institute staff through direct emails about the application process. Applications will be kept in the strictest confidence.
2. A cover letter. RSP prefers cover letters that describe what motivates you and how you understand and relate to our mission, rather than a narrative version of your resume. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.
3. Resume/CV

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.