Director, Special Projects in Washington, District of Columbia at The Aspen Institute

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.

POLICY PROGRAMS

The Aspen Institute's 25 policy programs foster non-partisan, cross-sector solutions to complex societal issues through dialogue, leadership facilitation, convenings, and research. Key areas include global and technological development, economic opportunity and equality, environmental issues, and social trust.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Policy Program team is seeking a Director, Special Projects serve as a trusted advisor to Policy Programs navigating transition, strategic review, or financial review, providing hands-on continuity and stability while longer-term decisions are made. The ideal candidate is a steady, judgment-driven operator who can build trust with stakeholders quickly and translate uncertainty into a clear, well-managed plan.

This position reports directly to the Managing Director, Policy Programs. The salary range for this position is $141,300 - $157,000. In accordance with our Reimagining Work policy, the Director of Special Projects 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. This is a temporary role with an expected end date of May, 2027.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

In this role, you will:

• Serve as an advisor and thought partner to Policy Programs going through leadership transitions, strategic reviews, or financial reviews, including but not limited to Aspen Network of Development Entrepreneurs

• Coordinate and lead stakeholder calls (funders, advisory committees, team leadership meetings) as a steady, informed presence during periods of change

• Develop continuity-of-operations plans that keep core program functions running through periods of uncertainty

• Provide day-to-day operational stability to programs in transition, stepping in on decisions and logistics while permanent leadership or a longer-term plan is established

• Partner with the Managing Director, legal, and HR as needed on sensitive matters connected to a program's transition

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE

• 10+ years of experience in program leadership, management consulting, or organizational strategy, ideally with direct exposure to nonprofit or membership-based organizations

• Direct experience guiding a program or organization through a wind-down, restructuring, or major strategic pivot

• Strong project management skills; able to run multiple, unrelated special projects at different stages simultaneously

• Excellent judgment and discretion with sensitive personnel, financial, and funder information

• Clear, confident written and verbal communicator across audiences ranging from program staff to board members and funders

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.