ABOUT US

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.

People and Culture

The People and Culture department is the heart of the Aspen Institute ensuring that all staff are engaged, supported, and inspired by the mission and purpose of the organization. People and Culture works to build an environment that prioritizes employee wellbeing and professional development along with their ability to fulfill the requirements of their roles. Functions within People and Culture include Talent Acquisition and Onboarding; Compensation, Benefits and Compliance; Learning and Development; Performance Management and Organizational Development; Inclusion and Belonging; Workplace Culture and Internal Communications; and Data and People Analytics.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

We are seeking a strategic and detail-oriented Internal Communications Specialist to join the People & Culture team at the Aspen Institute—a global nonprofit organization with more than 600 employees across multiple locations. This role will develop and implement internal communication strategies on behalf of the People & Culture team and support the alignment of internal communications among central services teams (Communications, President’s Office, Strategy, etc.) to ensure cohesive messaging and engagement across the organization.

The Internal Communications Specialist will manage internal platforms like Slack, oversee central services newsletters and messaging, and coordinate staff engagement initiatives. They will also create collateral to support internal communications efforts and track and analyze staff experience data to enhance engagement and culture-building initiatives.

Reporting to the Senior Director, Community Belonging and Impact, this role will work closely with the People & Culture team, Communications team, and executive leadership to drive a unified and inclusive internal communications strategy for the Aspen Institute. The salary range for this position is $88,000 - $95,000. This is a hybrid role, with the expectation of 40% work in-person; candidates must have a willingness to travel occasionally (1-2 times per month) for staff events and gatherings, including some evenings as needed.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Internal Communications Strategy & Execution

• Manage and enforce the Institute’s internal communications policy, ensuring adherence and providing employee training.
• Develop and oversee an internal communications content calendar (in close partnership with Communications), coordinating announcements and updates across departments.
• Staff a working group with representatives from the People & Culture, President’s Office, Communications, and Strategy teams tasked with ensuring alignment and streamlined messaging across internal communications.
• Create templates and design collateral for internal messaging, ensuring a consistent, visually engaging, and on-brand communication style.
• Develop and launch a People & Culture newsletter, curating key updates, resources, and engagement opportunities.

Platform & Engagement Oversight

• Oversee and manage Slack as a key internal communication tool, driving engagement and maintaining platform governance.
• Ensure messaging across email, intranet, newsletters, and events is cohesive and aligned with organizational priorities.
• Lead communications for employee engagement events, ensuring a strong, inclusive, and connected culture.

Creative & Data Support

• Partner with the Communications team to ensure design consistency across branded internal materials (newsletters, print materials, etc.).
• Support data collection and storytelling, analyzing trends in employee engagement and using insights to refine communication strategies.
• Proactively gather updates from teams across the organization to highlight successes and strategic priorities.
  

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE

• 5+ years of experience in internal communications, employee engagement, or organizational culture within mission-driven organizations; Experience working within HR or People & Culture functions is a plus.
• A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in a related field.
• Familiarity with federated organizations and experience crafting policy-related messaging and culture-building initiatives.
• A strong understanding of and commitment to the purpose, mission, and values of the Aspen Institute.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across teams and departments, including working with colleagues who do not have a direct reporting line.
• Experience in event management, creative design, and strategic storytelling to enhance employee engagement.
• Ability to balance big-picture strategy with hands-on execution, managing multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• A collaborative, proactive, and flexible approach, with strong organizational skills and a commitment to fostering an inclusive culture.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex messages for diverse audiences.
• Willingness to travel occasionally (1-2 times per month) for staff events and gatherings, including some evenings as needed.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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.