ABOUT US

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners.

FINANCIAL SECURITY PROGRAM

The Aspen Institute Financial Security Program’s (Aspen FSP) mission is to illuminate and solve the most critical financial challenges facing American households and to make financial security for all a top national priority. We aim for nothing less than a more inclusive economy with reduced wealth inequality and shared prosperity. We believe that transformational change requires innovation, trust, leadership, and entrepreneurial thinking. FSP galvanizes a diverse set of leaders across the public, private, and nonprofit sectors to solve the most critical financial challenges. We do this through deep, deliberate private and public dialogues and by elevating evidence-based research and solutions that will strengthen the financial health and security of financially vulnerable Americans. Visit our website: https://www.aspeninstitute.org/programs/financial-security-program/

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Senior Manager is a core member of the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program’s Inclusive Financial Systems (IFS) team, which oversees our work on scam prevention. The IFS initiative works to ensure all people in America can access, use, and benefit from the full range of financial services needed to achieve financial security. We were integral in ensuring the United States wrote and implemented the first-ever U.S. National Financial Inclusion Strategy, and over the last year convened the National Task Force on Fraud and Scam Prevention.

To achieve our goals, the initiative convenes cross-sector leaders, develops innovative tools, and elevates actionable insights to ensure households can access safe and affordable transaction products, manage liquidity events, and operate securely in a digital financial services ecosystem.

Reporting to the Director of the Inclusive Financial Systems (IFS) team, the Senior Manager will coordinate the newly launched Scam Prevention Initiative. The scam prevention work has three component parts:

• The Aspen Leadership Group on Scam Prevention for collaboration among leaders
• Solutions Forums to drive action, and
• Issue production and policy engagement to advance systems change

This role's central function is to act as a project leader, trusted partner, and strategic connector for public and private sector scam prevention leaders. This is accomplished by being the project lead for the Leadership Group on Scam Prevention, a key relationship manager for policymakers interested in solving aspects of the scam prevention problem, and a coordinator of communications activities.

The successful candidate will be an entrepreneurial and results-oriented professional with a proven track record of managing complex projects and cultivating strong relationships with senior-level stakeholders in both the public and private sectors. They will be a natural facilitator and a strategic thinker, capable of navigating the complexities of systems change. This individual will thrive in a dynamic environment that demands a balance of structured project execution, diplomatic partnership building, ability to act quickly to respond to opportunistic moments, and a deep, mission-driven commitment to improving financial security for American families.

The role is a three-year, term-limited commitment, with an option to extend based on project funding availability. The salary range for this position is $100,000 - $115,000. The role is based at Aspen’s Washington D.C. headquarters, with an in-office expectation of a minimum of 2x a week to collaborate with colleagues.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Scam Prevention Initiative Leadership

• In close consultation with the Director of the Inclusive Financial Systems portfolio, contribute to the ongoing development and refinement of the initiative’s impact strategy.
• Serve as a go-to resource within Aspen FSP for relevant policy developments, opportunities, and decision points related to scam prevention.
• Work in collaboration and partnership with peers on other teams (Communications, Insights and Evidence, and other Initiatives) to ensure effective collaboration across Initiatives, consistency in our products and positions, and making sure the sum is greater than the parts of the work.
• Supervise staff or interns on the IFS team, ensuring high quality work from supervisees, providing professional development and coaching, and following Aspen management procedures, especially as it relates to leadership networks, policy projects, and person-centered approaches.
• Work collaboratively with the IFS Senior Policy Advisor.
• Support fundraising for the IFS scam prevention workstreams, including developing relationships with our key funders.

Project Leadership

• Serve as the project lead for the Leadership Group on Scam Prevention, a peer network of senior, scam prevention executives, leading the design of content, management, and facilitating key sessions for the cohort.
• In close consultation with the IFS Director, manage the Leadership Group on Scam Prevention, including:
  • Developing relationships with all 15-20 member institutions
  • Conducting research and facilitating meetings that drive the group towards meaningful scam prevention action
  • Assessing the effectiveness of the Leadership Group and offering recommendations to improve its ability to meet our goals
• Lead the design, organization, and facilitation of high-impact convenings that bring together public and private sector leaders to grow values-based leadership, share best practices, highlight policy insights, and build support for new or improved policies that improve financial security.
• Conceptualize and lead the production of key communications products for projects in the Senior Manager’s portfolio, such as reports, blogs, case studies, and video content.
• Develop and maintain robust project management systems, including detailed timelines, work plans, and communication protocols, to ensure clarity, accountability, and successful outcomes across multiple concurrent projects.

Ecosystem Partnership and Resource Connection

• Serve as the primary relationship manager for scam prevention leaders across multiple sectors encompassing technology, social media, telecommunications, retail and e-commerce, financial services, law enforcement, elected officials, victim services, researchers, and regulatory agencies. Build deep trust and credibility with scam prevention leaders to foster a collaborative and solution-oriented network.
• Serve as a key connector within the scam prevention ecosystem, proactively identifying, vetting, and connecting leaders with best-in-class policy partners, technical providers, non-profit organizations, and other implementation partners.
• Stay abreast of emerging trends, tools, and innovations in scam prevention, including the emerging and best-in-class technological tools and the latest policy developments, to serve as a go-to resource for partners seeking cutting-edge solutions and the latest intelligence on policy moves.

External Engagement

• Work in close partnership with peers on FSP’s Insights and Evidence and Communications teams to translate project learnings into published research, case studies, and other products that can inform the broader field.
• Represent the Scam Prevention Initiative and the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program at relevant conferences, panel discussions, and other public events, sharing insights from our work and building the initiative's profile.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE

• 5+ years of progressively responsible professional experience in a relevant field such as public administration, program management, management consulting, fraud or cybersecurity.
• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience is required. A graduate degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field is a plus.
• A deep commitment to the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program’s mission of financial security for all and a passion for fighting scams.
• Demonstrated understanding of the operational, technological, regulatory, and political challenges involved in a coordinated, cross-sector scam prevention strategy.
• Exceptional facilitation and communication skills, with a proven ability to develop agendas, lead productive discussions, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and present complex information clearly and persuasively, both verbally and in writing.
• Superior relationship management skills, with the ability to quickly build trust and credibility with senior leaders in government, technology, the private sector, and philanthropy.
• Ability to commit to up to 20% domestic travel and occasional international travel.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

While not a minimum or mandatory qualification, we strongly encourage candidates from historically underrepresented demographics, and those with first-hand experience of financial insecurity to apply for this role.

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.

The Aspen Institute welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs, including the interview process. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about accessibility, please email hrsupport@aspeninstitute.org or call 202-736-2127 in advance of your visit. Requests for ASL or CART services should be made at least two weeks in advance when possible. We will make every effort to fulfill requests, subject to availability.