The 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.

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To achieve our mission of a more free, just, and equitable society, we commit to working proactively to advance the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion across our myriad endeavors such as the recruitment, compensation, training, and advancement of staff. The best people-serving institutions make this commitment, and we seek to be a leader in the ways that we do so and learn from others. Visit our website to learn more about our commitment and recent actions taken toward building and nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment.

Basic Function:

The Project Manager is a key member of the Aspen Digital’s Digital Equity Accelerator team, participating in both the ideation, execution and management on a range of components critical to the success of the 2023 cohort of the Digital Equity Accelerator. A successful candidate will be a superior organizer, a strong and effective communicator, entrepreneurial, and have a strong curiosity. We require some relevant knowledge in the areas of: scaling nonprofits, NGO management, project management, program development, developing education and training materials, social change, and sustainable development. You will assume a primary role in the research, design and development of three core program components: Mentorship program, Curriculum Design and Execution, Accelerator Management. This role will require the management and coordination of multiple projects that run in parallel, and that are quickly evolving and scaling. You may also be required to provide general project support.

Project Summary:

With guidance from Aspen Digital’s Accelerator Director/Lead, the Project manager is responsible for researching, developing and executing the full educational component and curriculum of the Accelerator, a comprehensive cohort management strategy, and leading the design and execution of the Accelerator Mentorship program. Whereby the Digital Equity Accelerator (“Accelerator”) is a global initiative, housed by the Aspen Institute in collaboration with HP Inc., to help scale the impact of 10 nonprofits annually that are dedicated to advancing their communities through technology. The Accelerator just completed a successful pilot year with seven organizations on three continents, and for our expanded Year Two, we hope to build on our successes and implement a more robust program that will serve as a blueprint for multiple years to come. In Year Two, the program will expand to three new regions, where a final selection of countries will be selected from Latin America, Africa and South East Asia (knowledge in these countries/regions is a plus).

The cycle of programming officially begins when applications for the incoming 2023 cohort open in mid-December 2022 to when the cohort completes their final showcase in October 2023, to end of year wrap up and reporting. The role includes relationship-building, people-management, information management, impact analysis, identifying leading global experts to participate in programming, best-practices research, booking speakers, and supporting with: event planning; content and asset creation; thought leadership and program evaluation.

We are looking for a seasoned professional with knowledge in social impact, and a passion for social change. The Accelerator is a “startup” embedded inside of the Aspen Institute. As such, we are looking for someone who is excited about supporting a small, agile, creative, and passionate team and building a sustainable strategy and vision that will create an impact for years to come. The successful applicant must also have knowledge of and experience working with diverse international audiences, with an eye toward intersectional equity, social justice, and international affairs.

Responsibilities:

Essential duties and responsibilities are as follows. Other responsibilities may be added as necessary.

• Develop and manage curriculum and administration of all Accelerator educational materials. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Designing Accelerator curriculum and associated materials,

  • Identifying and booking program speakers,

  • Updating curriculum schedules and documents,

  • Managing technical advisers and subject matter experts,

  • Recording and saving all presentations/videos for archives, and

  • Managing program calendars.

• Develop and lead the design of Accelerator Mentorship Program in close coordination with the Project Lead on management, implementation and administration of Accelerator Mentor program. Including, but not limited to: onboarding, pairing mentors with cohort, managing and running weekly check-in meetings, preparation of all mentor-related documents and materials, and serving as a liaison between cohort, mentors, and project team.

• Assist in the identification and recruitment of incoming Accelerator Advisory Council and program Mentors.

• Support in the development and management of the Accelerator application process.

• Lead the strategy, design, and execution of cohort management plan. Serve as the primary focal point for cohort management. This includes answering all cohort questions, administer cohort check-ins, monitoring program engagement and attendance, and providing reports on cohort progress.

• Lead and manage Information and knowledge management systems. Including: identifying technology tools for adequate information sharing, ensuring all documents are up-to-date, management of information sharing, uploading documents on slack and/or other communication channels.

• Support and manage the production of program evaluation and outcome reports for HP and internal AD management. This includes managing the cohort monthly satisfaction surveys.

• Support development of Accelerator strategy for 2024 and beyond.

• Support with Accelerator programming, as needed.

Operations and Administrative Support

• Research and information management.

• Writing, editing and production of primary and summary materials in support of the Accelerator. Including onboarding materials, mentorship support documents, etc.

• Develop work plans for programs and projects, including managing logistics, follow up, updating work plans and track tasks and milestones.

• Address risks and issues affecting project deadlines, and maintain clear and consistent communication on status.

• Facilitate, support and ensure compliance with all contracts.

Shared Responsibilities

• Organize and maintain program files and documents

• Coordinate meeting logistics, draft meeting agenda and follow up with tasking

• Collect and process invoices, expenses, reimbursements, payments for services, etc.

• Proofread outgoing documents (including reports) and correspondence.

Timeline and Salary:

We expect to hire immediately. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. The position is based in Washington DC, or remote. Salary is USD $90,000 - $105,000 + full benefits.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in related area(s)

• Minimum 5 years experience leading similar project/organizations

To Apply:

Applications are being accepted at www.aspeninstitute.org/careers. To apply for this position, upload a detailed statement of interest containing the below information, and a resume:

• Portfolio

  • Provide 2-3 examples/links of work that you completed on similar projects and explain your role in them. Please emphasize any work experience with: 1) designing and building curriculum; 2) developing and managing mentorship program(s); 3) Accelerators and/or work with start ups and/or helping scale NGOs; 4) project/program management at large.

• Capacity and Interest

  • What capabilities do you have that are relevant for this project?

  • Do you have international work experience or experience in working with diverse people/communities?

  • Do you have any experience with social impact, digital equity, sustainable development or working with local community projects/programs?

  • Do you have an entrepreneurial spirit and are you a creative visionary? Tell us more!

  • Why do you want to work with us?

Please send questions to Hazami Barmada at hazami.barmada@aspeninstitute.org, and copy to Andrew Keller at Andrew.Keller@aspeninstitute.org

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.

Individuals needing an accommodation to complete the job application can contact HRSupport@aspeninstitute.org or call (202) 736-1074.