Senior Advisor in DC or Flexible , District of Columbia at The Aspen Institute

ABOUT US

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.

Public Programs Department

The Aspen Institute's Public Programs Department creates and produces high-impact convenings that bring together leaders, experts, innovators, and diverse communities to engage with consequential ideas and issues shaping our world. The portfolio includes the Aspen Ideas Festival and other Aspen Ideas initiatives and convenings, with a focus on exceptional content, meaningful dialogue, audience engagement, and sustainable growth, as well as conference services, Aspen Community Programs, and other major initiatives including CityLab with Bloomberg Philanthropies.

As the Public Programs portfolio continues to evolve and expand, the department is building a more coordinated approach to corporate partnerships, sponsorships, and philanthropic support across its programs.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Senior Advisor will support efforts of EVP of Public Programs to secure funding for Aspen Ideas Encore: Pittsburgh, as well as support management of Encore Advisory Council and key Encore activities, including assisting development of audience marketing efforts to secure non-Pittsburgh attendees.

Aspen Ideas Encore: Pittsburgh will convene corporate and civic leaders, scholars, entrepreneurs, artists, and other influential voices to examine the ideas shaping our future while showcasing Pittsburgh’s leadership, innovation, and continued transformation. The convening is designed to inspire new partnerships and generate actionable solutions to shared challenges.

This role reports drectly to the EVP, Public Programs. This position is expected to work up to 10 hours per week. The salary for this position is $50,000.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Support Fundraising for Aspen Ideas Encore

• Support the EVP of Public Programs’ efforts to secure funding for Aspen Ideas Encore.
• Support outreach to foundations, companies and associations by drafting e-mails and targeted correspondence.
• Draft letters of intent for EVP of Public Programs to submit to stimulate interest.
• Complete grant applications and develop proposals for EVP of Public Programs to submit.

Manage Aspen Ideas Encore Partners

• Execute grant agreements and underwriting contracts
• Coordinate with Finance and Legal under the direction of EVP of Public Programs

Liaise With Encore Advisory Council

• Work with EVP of Public Programs to manage and further develop the Aspen Ideas Encore Advisory Council.
• Serve as central point of contact for the Advisory Council and field requests and ideas to the appropriate Aspen Institute staff.
• Create agendas for and staff regular Advisory Council meetings (live and by phone).
• Help drive follow up from Advisory Council meetings.
• Begin to work with EVP and Advisory Council on Encore audience development including harvesting Advisory Council networks.

2028 Aspen Ideas Encore

• Begin to research possible cities for 2028 Aspen Ideas Encore
• Map out possible funding partners and philanthropies to help drive EVP of Public Programs’ decision

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE

• 10+ years of significant senior-level experience in corporate sponsorships, fundraising, business development, strategic partnerships, or a related field.
• Demonstrated track record of developing new business and successfully cultivating, soliciting, and closing significant corporate or philanthropic partnerships.
• Experience building and growing a fundraising, partnership, or business development function is required.
• Strong strategic judgment and the ability to translate organizational priorities into actionable fundraising strategies.
• Excellent relationship-building skills and the ability to engage effectively with senior executives, donors, partners, trustees, and internal leaders.
• Superior written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to develop compelling partnership concepts and proposals.
• High degree of integrity, discretion, and sound judgment when handling sensitive relationships and information.
• Comfortable operating both independently and collaboratively in a complex, fast-paced organization.
• Intellectual curiosity and genuine interest in ideas, current events, public dialogue, and the mission of the Aspen Institute.
• Periodic travel required for key partner meetings, cultivation opportunities, and Public Programs events, and as determined by EVP.

SUCCESS IN THIS ROLE

Success will be measured by the Senior Advisor’s ability to provide in a timely manner:

• A minimum of five completed grant agreements and/or underwriting contracts with financial supporters
• Continuous updates to Encore sales materials for EVP of Public Programs to share
• Materials and agendas to support Aspen Ideas Encore Advisory Council calls and meeting
• Initial Encore audience marketing plan that includes Advisory Council and internal Aspen Institute audiences
• Initial thoughts and prospect suggestions for 2028 Aspen Ideas Encore
• Support additional fundraising efforts, as appropriate, including Aspen Ideas Festival and other projects, as assigned

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.