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.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

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.

Program Description:

Aspen Words was founded in 1976 as a literary center based in Aspen, CO. A program of the Aspen Institute, its mission is to encourage writers, inspire readers, and connect people through the power of stories. AW’s year-round programs include Summer Words, a writing conference and literary festival; Winter Words, a speaker series presenting the best of contemporary literature; the Aspen Words Literary Prize, a $35,000 annual award for fiction with social impact; as well as a writers-in-the schools program and writing residencies. For more information, visit http://www.aspenwords.org/.

Basic Function:

Aspen Words seeks a highly organized, detail-oriented Summer Intern capable of juggling multiple programmatic and administrative needs. This is a temporary position, expected to last from May 22 to mid-July 2023. The Summer Intern will be required to work from the Aspen Words office in Aspen, CO. Our team expects the Intern to have a strong interest and commitment to the Aspen Words’ mission and play a role in a variety of projects, while maintaining a high standard of quality work in a fast-paced environment. The role includes administrative work including data entry, registration management and a strong customer service orientation, while also providing an opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of stakeholders on several meaningful literary programs. In doing so, the Program Assistant will be afforded a unique opportunity to participate in interesting and creative work that has substantive social purpose.

In accordance with our Reimagining Work policy, the Summer Intern should be willing to be in-person with colleagues a minimum of 80% of the time (4 days/week) while having the flexibility to work remotely for the balance. In-person consists of meaningful connections with colleagues in an office, traveling to a different office or location to meet fellow staff members, at an Aspen event, at a meeting outside the office or other opportunities to meet in person with teammates and colleagues. The expectation is for this role to be in our Red Brick Aspen office a minimum of 4x a week to collaborate with colleagues. During Summer Words (June 18-23), the Summer Intern will be expected to work on-site every day.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Administrative Responsibilities

· Manage Aspen Words’ general inbox and respond to emails as needed

· Ensure the accurate collection and storage of data, including participant information

· Prepare name badges for Aspen Summer Words and Book Ball participants, signage and itineraries

· Assemble welcome packets for Aspen Summer Words students, faculty, agents and editors as well as welcome materials for WIR authors

· Assist with student communications during Summer Words (i.e. dissemination of the “Daily Download” email)

· Prepare follow-up materials related to events, including participant surveys and testimonials

· Assume primary responsibility for AW’s postal needs, including mailing packages and letters and stuffing envelopes as required

· Copy edit and proofread correspondence and outreach materials

Program Responsibilities

· Serve as assistant point of contact for Aspen Summer Words students before, during and after the conference.

· Assist with hosting Writers in Residence authors, including welcome bag assembly and delivery, and AW ambassador duties such as greeting talent at the airport and driving authors to various local events.

· Assist with correspondence regarding logistics for AW events and disseminate to participants and to staff; prepare staffing schedules for events.

· Attend and help facilitate public Aspen Words events where applicable

Knowledge, Education, and Experience

· Superb communications skills over email and phone are essential, as well as strong customer service instincts.

· Excellent computer skills, particularly Microsoft Office Suite and web-based platforms for data and document management.

· Experience interacting with donors or VIP patrons with discretion and professionalism.

· Strong administrative skills —the ability to proactively plan, organize, and follow through with staff and a variety of constituencies.

· Demonstrated ability to work on multiple, time-sensitive projects in a fast-paced environment.

· Customer service orientation: patience, good listener, resourcefulness

· Impeccable attention to detail

· Good interpersonal skills, including a desire to learn and a sense of humor.

· Candidate must have the ability to work under pressure and handle stress, as well as meet the regular attendance policy of the Aspen Institute.

To apply, please submit a resume and a cover letter articulating your interest in the position and explaining how your capabilities and experience match our candidate description above. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Later stages of the application process will include a writing test.

Please note that applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are not able to provide status updates to candidates. If you are selected for an interview, a member of our team will reach out via email.

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.