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:

Aspen Digital is a nonpartisan technology and information-focused organization that brings together thinkers and doers to uncover new ideas and spark policies, processes, and procedures that empower communities and strengthen democracy. This future-focused Aspen Institute program inspires collaboration among diverse voices from industry, government, and civil society to ensure our interconnected world is accessible, safe, and inclusive – both online and off. Across its initiatives, Aspen Digital develops methods for elevating promising solutions and turning thought into networked impact. To learn more, visit aspendigital.org

Basic Function:

Aspen Digital has launched its AI & Elections Initiative as an ambitious new effort to strengthen U.S. election resilience in the face of generative artificial intelligence (AI). To mitigate threats to the upcoming 2024 elections posed by social distrust, deepfakes, fraudulent messages, and compounding cybersecurity threats, the AI & Elections Initiative convenes decision makers and influencers from government, the private sector–including tech leaders and experts–academia and nonprofit organizations, to share insights, spark new ideas, and chart the best path forward to safeguard American democracy.

This critical role supports Aspen Digital’s work on AI & Elections with research, policy analysis and operational activities– from gathering and analysis of background material to the drafting of content to implementing and running processes that ensure the program’s smooth operations.

This position will report to the Director of AI & Democracy. In accordance with our Reimagining Work policy, the Program Associate should be willing to be in-person in our D.C. office with colleagues a minimum of 40% of the time while having the flexibility to work remotely for the balance. This time-bound role will have a salary range of $47,250 to $54,000 to be paid over the 9-month time period.

This is a time-bound role set to expire by the end of January, 2025.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

Research, writing & policy analysis

• Research, analyze and summarize background materials for meetings with high ranking external stakeholders from government, the tech industry, academia, and the nonprofit sector, including:

• Prepare materials; document meeting comments; and draft principal scripts based on research and content of meetings

• Compile monthly bulletins detailing progress, insights, and developments at the intersection of artificial intelligence and electoral processes.

• Compose drafts of editorial content for the AI Elections Initiative, aimed at demystifying electoral cyber threats for a lay audience.

• Monitor and document legislative, regulatory, and other pertinent advancements affecting the electoral framework, with a focus on artificial intelligence, disinformation campaigns, and technological influence.

• Participate in and provide comprehensive reports on pertinent legislative hearings, panel discussions, and policy forums.

• Support documentation needs across the AI & Elections Initiative, including documentation and filing of all partnerships, activations, presentations, and collateral produced over the course of the Initiative, as needed.

Operational support

• Create, organize and oversee a digital repository of materials and references pertinent to artificial intelligence applications in electoral systems.

• Support substantive preparations and logistical operations for convenings

Knowledge, education, and experience:

• Undergraduate degree and 2 years of work experience in political sciences, public policy, law, or related fields

• Demonstrated interest and experience in domestic democracy and policy processes

• Affinity to technology, especially artificial intelligence

• Record of successfully performing in demanding environments that required coordination across functions; stakeholder engagement; research and writing.

• Strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, and writing skills.

• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively across diverse audiences

• Experience managing priorities and achieving results in dynamic operating environment

All interested applicants must submit a resume/CV and cover letter no later than May 1st.

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.