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:

Creates compelling content to elevate and position the Aspen Institute as a values-based organization that ignites human potential through dialogue, leadership, and action to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. The department also serves as an in-house agency that provides communications and marketing support to the Institute’s 40+ programs, initiatives, public events, fundraising efforts, and the president’s office.

We function on the foundation of 5 values: Collaboration, Learning, Excellence, Accountability and Respect or CLEAR. These attributes and behaviors are how we work. Upholding our department values is of paramount importance as they guide us to thoughtfully engage with our colleagues whilst performing at the highest level.

Basic Function:

The Media Relations Manager plays a key role in the Institute’s expanding earned media division. This individual has a keen understanding of the news media landscape and engages with journalists on behalf of a wide spectrum of Institute programs and initiatives to generate coverage and build strong relationships.

The expectation is for this role to be in our Washington, DC office a minimum of 2x a week to collaborate with colleagues. This position reports to the Associate Director, Media Relations. The salary range for this role is $85,000 - 90,000.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support the Institute and its programs with the development and execution of robust media strategies, with a proactive approach towards finding opportunities within the news cycle.

• Oversee press engagement on a portfolio of Institute events and launches, including advance press invitations and pitching, managing journalists and TV networks on the ground, and setting up media engagements for Institute leaders.

• Act as a strategic consultant to Institute programs to support their development of earned media strategies and assist with pitching stories, placing commentaries, and arranging interviews.

• Support media relations on behalf of selected Institute messaging campaigns and issue areas identified as strategic priorities by the Communications & Marketing Department.

• Advise Institute experts and fellows on best practices with media engagement, and help them reach their media goals by highlighting their work and expertise to press.

• Write compelling copy for press releases and media advisories, and assist with drafting and editing commentaries by Institute staff and fellows.

• Monitor the news cycle with a constant eye toward opportunities to bring Institute voices and perspectives into the conversation.

• Monitor press coverage and provide regular reports that help colleagues and stakeholders better understand the impact and scope of the Institutes’ earned media.

• Maintain and build relationships with reporters on behalf of the Institute, acting as a point of contact for incoming media inquiries.

Knowledge, Education, and Experience:

• Established media relations professional with at least 7 years of experience and a demonstrable ability to generate earned media across a range of issue areas.

• Excellent communicator with a proven ability to work with a wide range of people and circumstances.

• Talented writer with the ability to make complex topics engaging and accessible.

• Enjoys finding creative solutions, and is always on the lookout for new angles and ways to tell a story.

• Maintains a deep understanding of what is required to create and maintain relationships with the media; and enjoys developing and maintaining relationships.

• Efficient and seasoned project manager with a proven track record of keeping projects on target with large stakeholder groups.

• Familiar with PR software (e.g. Meltwater, CoverageBook) and WordPress.

• Preferably has experience working with media at a large, mission-driven organization or an agency environment.

• Experience working with various stakeholders to develop messaging and strategy.

• Enjoys handling multiple tasks, can shift priorities quickly, and thrives in a dynamic environment. Can handle sensitive information with the utmost discretion.

• Ability to think strategically while also managing tactics and logistics.

• Adept at managing work across cross-functional teams.

• Positive and collaborative nature, with a forward-thinking mindset and strong organizational skills.

• Must be able to travel up to 30% of the time.

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.