ABOUT US

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.

ABOUT ASPEN INSTITUTE’S SUMMER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The Aspen Institute offers an array of internship opportunities. Our positions are designed to provide a valuable educational experience that will allow you to grow your skillset and help connect you with professionals in your area of interest.

From day one, our interns are provided with real-world, hands-on experience. Not only will they work alongside professionals with expertise in a variety of policy and administrative areas, but they will also have the chance to participate in various professional development workshops designed specifically for them, as well as attend events hosted by our Institute programs.

Internships are offered at our offices in Aspen, CO, New York, NY, and Washington, D.C. Applicants should have the ability to work well on diverse teams, be open to new experiences and a drive to excel throughout the internship experience. All internships are paid positions and interns are responsible for securing their own housing. Our standard start date is June 3, 2024, except for a few roles that will be highlighted during the screening and interview stages.

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. 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.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Various programs and departments across The Aspen Institute have exciting summer internship opportunities available. Information regarding each internship opportunity can be found here.

Aspen Ideas Festival- Underwriter intern

Aspen Ideas Festival- Speaker Intern

Aspen Ideas Festival- Fellows Program Intern

Aspen Ideas Festival- Editorial Intern

Aspen Ideas: Health- Speaker Logistics Support Intern

Aspen Ideas: Health- Marketing and Communications Support Intern

Aspen Conference Services Intern

City Innovation Program Intern

Ascend Intern

Aspen Forum for Community Solutions- Global Opportunity Youth Network (GOYN) Intern

Religion and Society Programs and Events Intern

Religion and Society Racial Justice & Religion Intern

Aspen Global Leadership Network- Resnick Aspen Action Forum Events Intern

Financial Security Program- Communications Intern

Energy and Environment Program Intern

Business and Society Program Intern

Aspen Economic Strategy Group Intern

Center for Native American Youth Program Intern

Office of Institutional Advancement, Society of Fellows Intern

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Over the summer, Aspen Institute’s summer interns will develop skills including verbal communication, writing, teamwork, research, events planning/execution, research and technology. You will also be given the opportunity to apply skills gained in the classroom to real-world scenarios by understanding our organization’s programs, operating procedures and concepts. While working with us over the summer, you will be given the opportunity to network, connect with and be mentored by seasoned professionals who will support you as you explore career options within organizations like ours.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE

• Must be enrolled in or recent graduate of an accredited college/university
• Professionalism and good judgment
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to multi-task
• Team player with ability to work well independently and with others
• Able to adapt quickly and easily to change
• Great interpersonal skills, including a desire to learn and the ability to be flexible and proactive
• Design skills are a plus but not required (Canva, InDesign, etc.)
• Great interpersonal skills, including a desire to learn and the ability to be flexible and proactive
• Detail oriented
• Excellent computer skills required, specifically, expertise with: Microsoft Office product.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Applications are due at 11:59 p.m. ET on the 10th of February 2024. You will be contacted directly only if you are selected for an interview. Timing of interviews is dependent on each program or department. If you have any questions regarding your application, please send an email to

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.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation regarding the accessibility of our website, a modification or adjustment of the job application or interview process due to a disability, contact HRSupport@aspeninstitute.org or call (202) 736-5800.