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.

THE SPORTS & SOCIETY PROGRAM

The mission of the Sports & Society Program is to convene leaders, facilitate dialogue and inspire solutions that help sports serve the public interest. The program provides a venue for thought leadership where knowledge can be deepened, and breakthrough strategies explored on a range of issues.

PROJECT PLAY

An initiative of the Sports & Society Program, Project Play provides stakeholders with opportunities to build healthy communities through sports, starting with access to a quality sport activity for all children. We develop, apply and share knowledge that can be used to mobilize stakeholders from the national to local levels. Our work has been used by many organizations, from professional leagues to media companies, grassroots providers to community foundations, to introduce programs or shape youth strategies related to sports. More on Project Play here. The Project Play Summit is our signature annual convening of leaders and stakeholders in youth sports.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Project Play Summit intern will closely work with the Events Director and other staff members of the Sports & Society Program to support all aspects of planning and executing Project Play Summit 2027 to be held May 11-12 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The expected hours will range from 10-15 hours per week from January through May 2027. The hourly range for this position is $18 – 22/hr. In accordance with our Reimagining Work policy, the ?Intern 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

• Support planning efforts for Project Play Summit 2027 including but not limited to:
  • Administrative support
  • Vendor communications
  • Website updates
  • Email blast design and execution
  • Graphic design for web and social media
  • Assist with volunteer recruitment and management
  • Onsite set up and support as needed
  • Speaker communications and tracking
  • Post event communication, evaluation, compile event materials
  • On site event set-up and breakdown
  • Organize and staff shoulder meetings and programming

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE

• Current Undergraduate or Graduate student, or recent college graduate, with relevant experience, preferably in the sports industry or with a non-profit organization.
• Ability to plan, organize and follow through with staff and a variety of constituencies.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with attention to detail.
• Solutions-focused mentality; ability to think strategically and creatively, while also integrating and acting on the vision of others including the Event Director.
• Ability to foster trust with staff members, partners and other stakeholders.
• Ability to work with minimal direction and as part of a team in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, with a commitment to excellence in all activities.
• Strong computer and administrative skills, particularly Google Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, contact databases, Asana.
• Good interpersonal skills, including a desire to learn and a curiosity about what’s possible.
• Must be available to travel to Milwaukee in May 2027 to be onsite for event.

Preferred

• Knowledge of the landscape of youth sports, its stakeholder organizations, and the framework of Project Play.
• Experience in event planning and execution.
• Experience in website and digital tools/content development (SquareSpace, WordPress).
• Experience in Photoshop, Canva or other graphic design programs.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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.