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.

CENTER FOR NATIVE AMERICAN YOUTH

The Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute is a national education and advocacy organization that works alongside Native youth—ages 24 and under—on reservations, in rural villages and urban spaces across the country to improve their health, safety and overall well-being. All Native youth deserve to lead full and healthy lives, have equal access to opportunity, draw strength from Native culture and inspire one another. At CNAY, this is achieved through empowerment and culturally- competent methodologies that include leadership, youth-led policy agenda and youth-led narrative.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

We are seeking a creative Communications Coordinator to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will be responsible for assisting in the development and implementation of effective communication strategies that enhance our brand, engage stakeholders and drive organizational goals. The Communications Coordinator will support the Communications Manager and Executive Team in crafting and disseminating key messages to our audiences, managing media relations, and ensuring consistent and compelling communication across various channels.

This position will report directly to the Communications Manager. The salary range for this position is $58,000 - $62,000. In accordance with our Reimagining Work policy, the ?Communications Coordinator 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.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Social media engagement

• Draft social media content and corresponding multimedia elements (graphics, videos, etc.) for all CNAY platforms.
• Routinely engage with our audiences on social media platforms and ensure our feeds reflect up-to-date information.
• Contribute to campaign planning, track online trends and contribute creative, fresh and youth-forward content ideas.

Website and email communications

• Assist in the management of website updates, blog posts, resource exchange, and ensure all information is up to date on CNAY.org.
• Manage outgoing CNAY email communications using MarketingCloud, including the development of CNAY’s Monthly Bulletin.

Media Relations

• Develop and maintain media lists (national, Tribal, location-based, etc.) for various announcements and initiatives.
• Draft communications materials (pitches, blogs, press releases, etc.) and work with the CNAY team to promote youth leaders.
• Track and report on media mentions for CNAY and its youth network.

Communications strategy

• Support Communications Manager with execution of CNAY communications plan, overall strategy and maintenance of CNAY’s editorial calendar.
• Work alongside the Communications Intern and serve as a liaison between the programs and communications team, ensuring all communications efforts support CNAY’s activities.
• Develop monthly/quarterly communications reports.
• Conduct other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU WIL NEED TO THRIVE

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in communications or a related field preferred; minimum 1 year of experience required.
• Excellent communication, organizational and writing skills.
• Strong experience using social media, including Facebook, Instagram, X, LinkedIn and YouTube.
• Graphic design and video production experience are strongly preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills, energy and initiative.
• Demonstrated commitment to the mission and values of CNAY and the Aspen Institute.
• High attention to detail, appreciation of nuance and ability to handle multiple tasks with precision – moving quickly and efficiently.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office/Google Suite, MarketingCloud, Survey Monkey, Meltwater and design software (e.g., Canva, iMovie).
• A proactive attitude and ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Willingness to travel 20%.
• Experience working with youth.
• An ability to “roll-with-it” and a sense of humor, balanced with professionalism.
• Familiarity, competency and/or experience working in Indian Country.

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.

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.