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. 

PHILOSOPHY AND SOCIETY INITIAVTIVE 

The Philosophy & Society Initiative is dedicated to reigniting a national tradition of public philosophy. Through publications, events, and original research we seek to stimulate the appetite for reflection about our largest and most haunting issues of societal purpose—What is justice? What is a good life? What is society for?

ABOUT THIS ROLE  

The Aspen Institute’s Philosophy and Society Program seeks a Senior Program Associate, Events, to coordinate and implement the Program’s expanding portfolio of salons, convenings, and public events. The Senior Associate will take day-to-day responsibility for event logistics—both in Washington, DC and in other locations across the country—ensuring that each gathering runs smoothly and reflects the Program’s intellectual and civic mission. This is a strong early-career role for someone with event operations experience who is ready to manage more complex projects with increasing independence.

This role reports directly to the Director. The salary range for this role is $75,000 - $80,000. In accordance with our Reimagining Work policy, the Senior Program Assciate 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

• Event Coordination & Execution: Coordinate planning and execution of the Program’s major events, including Philosophy Salons, Happy Hours, the R&D Lab convenings, and occasional national gatherings. Manage logistics from start to finish, including scheduling, registration, catering, AV, and travel arrangements. 
• Operational Support: Direct venue research, vendor coordination, and contract processing. Track event-related timelines and maintain checklists to ensure smooth delivery. 
• Budget Tracking: Support event budgeting by tracking expenses, processing invoices, and maintaining accurate records. 
• Agenda & Speaker Preparation: Draft event agendas, prepare briefing materials, and coordinate communications with speakers and participants. 
• On-Site Support: Serve as point-of-contact during events, handling logistics and participant needs to ensure a high-quality experience. 
• Expansion Support: Execute the Program’s efforts to expand salons and convenings beyond DC, supporting outreach and adaptation to new communities. 
• Grant & Deliverable Alignment: Document event outcomes for grant reporting, ensuring activities are recorded and reported accurately. 
• Broader Program Support: Assist in the initiative’s media and publication creation and output—including editorial support for print, podcast, video, and other formats. Support for and participation in team editorial meetings. 
• Flexibility: Contribute to broader Program activities—including publications or general operations.
• Any other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE 

• Bachelor’s degree required; concentration in event management, communications, political science, philosophy, or related field preferred. 
• 3 - 5 years of professional experience in event planning, program coordination, or nonprofit project management. Experience supporting multi-city events preferred but not required.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with ability to balance multiple priorities.
• Demonstrated success coordinating event logistics, including vendor communications and participant support. 
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 
• A collaborative spirit with initiative to solve problems and anticipate needs. 
• Interest in the intersection of philosophy and public life. 
• Willingness to travel and work evenings or weekends as events require.
   

HOW TO APPLY

• Please complete an application, including a cover letter and resume.

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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