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:

In 2003, former U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright founded the Aspen Ministers Forum (AMF), a group of former foreign ministers, to strengthen diplomatic ties between the U.S. and Europe. In response to the growing need for enhanced dialogue and trust across the globe, the group quickly evolved to embrace a broader mission and now includes former foreign ministers from more than 30 countries. Since the Forum’s inception, it has established itself as a leading platform for nonpartisan dialogue, aimed at developing concrete policy recommendations for many of the international community’s greatest challenges. The group’s work includes virtual and in-person workshops and meetings with topical experts, collaborations on public panels and conferences, public joint statements and op-eds on key issues of the day, and digital products sharing lessons on leadership and policy issues.

Basic Function:

The Aspen Ministers Forum launched the Verstandig Fellowship program, a paid, part-time, temporary position with thanks to the Verstandig Family Foundation. This position has been created to help advance the work of the Forum and provide a strong professional foundation for young professionals with plans to forge their careers in diplomacy, national security, and foreign policy.

This fellowship is set in a collaborative small team. The Fellow will be trusted with a great deal of responsibility as the sole position on the team focused entirely on the Aspen Ministers Forum. As a result, we seek candidates with excellent professional communications and organizational skills and the ability to work both efficiently as part of a team and independently to ensure the success of the AMF’s various activities. Excellent attention to detail is essential for success.

Please note that the term for this paid part-time fellowship will begin in February 2024 and end six months from the start date on an agreed upon date. This fellowship is ideal for a current graduate student, who has prior professional work experience, and the ability to work 20 hours per week.

This position reports directly to the Deputy Director and Director. This position pays $22/hr. This position is in the Aspen Institute’s Washington, D.C. office and is expected to work from the office at least 40% of the time.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Track implementation of our projects with careful attention to detail and accuracy.
• Assist in the writing of AMF statements, meeting summaries, memos, invitation letters, and thank you notes
• Contribute programmatic ideas as our team launches new initiatives
• Attend meeting sessions and take thoughtful, substantive notes on the discussions
• Conduct background research and proofread written materials and products
• Prepare quarterly updates, presentations, and other materials for funders and AMF leadership
• Research possible donors and draft proposals for prospective funders
• Generate conference materials and manage detailed information vital to conference planning
  

Knowledge, Education, and Experience:

• An undergraduate degree is required, and a master’s degree, or in process, is preferred. Current students may apply if they can complete the approximate 20 hours per week with some availability during business hours for meetings.
• Prior professional experience required
• Independent worker who can move projects forward and the ability to work as a team player within a small-team environment
• Strong multi-tasking and problem-solving skills; excellent work ethic, with a keen understanding of protocol and good judgement
• Meticulous attention to detail is essential
• Experience in the field of International Relations, Political Science, Economics, etc., along with a long-term interest in working in the field of U.S. foreign policy
• Excellent communication and writing skills
• Proficiency with, or easy ability to learn, tools such as Wordpress, Canva, iContact, and event registration/survey tools such as Wufoo is preferred

To Apply:

Please submit the following materials: a resume (listing at least two references’ contact information) and a cover letter.

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.

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.