ABOUT US

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.

WEAVE: THE SOCIAL FABRIC PROJECT

Weave: The Social Fabric Project tackles the problem of broken social trust that has left Americans divided, lonely, and in social gridlock. Weave connects, supports, and invests in local leaders stepping up to weave a new, inclusive social fabric where they live. The project was founded by New York Times columnist and author David Brooks at The Aspen Institute in 2018. He remains the chair of the project.

Weave supports the people (“weavers”) who are building trust and tackling key issues in their neighborhoods. It provides them with resources and connects them in peer networks. It lifts up these often under-appreciated community connectors as important leaders by telling their stories and putting them on stages large and small. And Weave aims to inspire new generations of people to become weavers of their communities.

Weave seeks to spur a nation of weavers, brimming with deep, healthy connections, where mutual trust and affection is the standard, equity is implicit, and all people find joy and meaning in daily life.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

Weave: The Social Fabric Project is hiring a Director of Communications and Partnerships to help scale our mission and elevate our impact. This senior leader will shape and implement strategies that amplify our thought leadership, lead powerful storytelling, cultivate internal and external relationships, support fund development, and lead national campaigns that inspire a grassroots movement of connection and belonging.

Weave’s mission is to support the everyday people who are rebuilding trust, deepening belonging, and weaving a strong, new social fabric in their communities. This role requires someone who thinks strategically, has invented and launched major initiatives, has broad experience across all types of storytelling, pays meticulous attention to choosing words and stories that resonate with distinct audiences, and is eager to learn from people rooted in their communities.

This role reports to the Executive Director. The salary range for this position is $160,000 - $180,000. Employees are expected to work in-person at the office at least two days a week.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Thought Leadership

• Design and implement a thought leadership strategy that lifts up Weave’s ideas, programs, and impact.
• Secure speaking opportunities, op-eds, media features, and partnerships to showcase our insights.
• Oversee and expand Weave’s Speakers Bureau of grassroots leaders.
• Partner with the Executive Director to craft compelling messages that elevate the importance of social trust and belonging in healing a divided nation.
• Surface and amplify the stories and wisdom of weavers across the country.

Communications

• Oversee and edit brand messaging and storytelling across all channels—web, social, newsletter, paid and earned media, reports, and more.
• Ensure all communications are mission-aligned, nonpartisan, clear, consistent, and trust-focused.
• Oversee press outreach and media relations, serving as a spokesperson when needed.
• Oversee expansion of Weave’s newsletter subscribers, website visitors, and social followers.
• Advocate for and manage the user experience in all communications and programs that involve the public.

Internal and External Partnerships

• Develop and steward relationships with nonprofits, funders, cultural influencers, media, and civic leaders.
• Collaborate across Aspen Institute teams and departments to align messaging and maximize partnership opportunities.
• Represent Weave in cross-sector spaces and national networks, strengthening our visibility and trust.
• Support the development of shared initiatives, campaigns, or activations with aligned partners.

Strategic Initiatives: Growing the Weave Movement

• Design and implement national grassroots campaigns to spread the ethic of weaving, encourage people to identify as weavers, increase participation in Weave’s programs, and uplift weavers across the U.S.
• Oversee, expand, and implement campaigns to increase awareness and use of the Trust Map.
• Elevate weaver voices through dynamic storytelling, digital engagement, and community-based amplification.
• Work with national partners and ambassadors to activate Weave’s movement in new communities and networks.

Fund Development

• Craft with the Executive Director all current and prospective donor communications, proposals, and reports.
• Create compelling donor brochures and presentations articulating Weave’s impact and vision.
• Contribute to stewardship strategies that deepen funder trust and partnership.
• Make presentations and meet with prospects to cultivate new philanthropic partners.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE

• Strategic Communications Leadership: At least 8–10 years of experience designing and leading integrated communications strategies, ideally for mission-driven or social change organizations.
• Storytelling & Editorial Excellence: Demonstrated strength in writing and editing content across platforms (op-eds, speeches, newsletters, digital media, press materials) with a clear editorial voice and emotional resonance.
• Media and Public Relations: Experience securing media coverage, building relationships with journalists, and managing press strategy.
• Thought Leadership Development: Ability to position an organization and its leaders as influential voices on a national stage.
• Campaign and Movement Building: Experience planning and executing national campaigns or initiatives that mobilize public engagement or spread cultural values.
• Partnership Development: Strong track record of identifying, cultivating, and sustaining multi-sector partnerships—nonprofits, funders, civic leaders, and cultural influencers.
• Digital Strategy Fluency: Proficiency in leveraging web, social media, and digital storytelling tools to grow reach and deepen engagement.

You'll be a good fit if...

• You believe stories can change hearts, shift narratives, and heal divides—and you know how to identify and tell them well.
• You thrive in fast-paced environments where no two days are the same and where creativity, initiative, and collaboration are key.
• You’re energized by big ideas and small details—from national campaigns to the layout of a newsletter.
• You’re a connector—of people, ideas, and resources—and you build trust wherever you go.
• You’re inspired by community builders and want to amplify the voices of people creating change from the ground up.
• You’ve got a startup spirit but value structure, clarity, and strategic thinking.
• You see belonging, building trust, and connecting our communities as the most important work we can do to create a united and healthy nation.

To be considered for this role you are required to respond to the prompt below in no more than 500-750 word:

Weave supports neighbors who are quietly transforming their communities. How would you communicate the value of investing in trust-building at the local level to funders who may be more familiar with supporting large institutions or traditional nonprofits?

Please write a short piece that could be used as the foundation for a funder-facing communication—this could take the form of a one-pager, a letter, or a narrative section of a proposal. Your response should make a compelling case for supporting relational, community-rooted work that may not always align with traditional philanthropic models.

Please note that-

• Your writing should be in word format in a separate document from your cover letter

• Your response should attest to your skills and ability to craft clear, compelling narratives while translating complex concepts into consumable, persuasive language

• You should only submit work that is original and written by you. The use of AI-generated or third party-written content is not permitted.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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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