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.

Ascend

Ascend at the Aspen Institute is a catalyst and convener for systems, policy, and social impact leaders who are working to create a world where every family passes a legacy of economic and educational success and well-being from one generation to the next. We serve as the hub for two-generation (2Gen) solutions and an amplifier of innovations that create pathways to economic mobility. We believe that early childhood learning and care post-secondary education/employment pathways for parents, economic assets, social capital, and health and well-being are the core elements that enable families to achieve their full potential. As a leading model of social innovation, Ascend has been on the forefront of advancing policies, systems, practice, and community solutions. We have built an ecosystem of diverse leaders and multi-sector organizations through a national fellowship program, an action and learning network, and the Family Prosperity Innovation Community. Ascend engages the perspectives, strengths, and resilience of families with low incomes to inform program design and policy development.


ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Executive Communications Officer will strengthen Ascend’s strategic communications, so it has more collective impact, raise the Vice President’s profile so their point of view and insights have broader reach and influence, and amplify Ascend’s narrative and network leaders to build support for more actions to improve the well-being of children and their families. The Executive Communications Officer will manage the communications team to ensure all are well-directed, growing professionally with the skills needed to excel in their roles, and generating results. They will also oversee communications consultants as needed.

This position will ensure the program’s vision, mission, and messages are clearly articulated, aligned, and amplified in ways that reach priority audiences. The Executive Communications Officer will contribute to a high-performing, positive workplace culture that engenders respect, trust, and empathy, and fosters collaboration, accountability and growth. Our ideal candidate for this role is a strategic communications leader with a strong background in narrative development, executive positioning, and thought leadership. They should have a deep understanding of field-building and the ability to shape and elevate the voice of a high-profile leader while strengthening institutional branding and influence. This candidate will have the discretion, discernment, and discipline to be a trusted advisor, skilled at both amplifying individual leadership and positioning an organization for long-term impact.

This position reports directly to the Vice President/Executive Director. The salary range for this position is $200,000 - $225,000. In accordance with our Reimagining Work policy, the Executive Communications Officer 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.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Serve as member of Ascend Management team to develop a strategic communications plan that supports Ascend's 2025-2028 Strategic Direction and Goals. Partner to define and animate a compelling long-term vision and case statement that resonates with target audiences and ensures Ascend remains influential and aligned with broader field-building efforts. The communications plan will be complete and actively implemented within three months of the Executive Officer starting at Ascend.
• Oversee a team of Communications Officers, consultants and Aspen Institute Communications Department to successfully execute the communications plan on time and budget. Build and strengthen Ascend team communications clarity, cohesion, and competency. Liaise with the Aspen Institute communications team to align messaging and outreach strategies. Work across the Institute to elevate and support external-facing initiatives that intersect with Ascend’s goals. Hire and oversee communications consultants as needed to have the talent and skills necessary to achieve the goals of the communications plan and Ascend’s strategic direction.
• Ensure all external initiatives reinforce Ascend’s mission and distinct contributions. Oversee strategy development and execution that strengthens Ascend’s overall brand and reputation among priority audiences, both internal to the Institute and external.
• Develop a case for investment that resonates with existing and new philanthropic partners. Work with the Managing Director to create language and advance relationships in the philanthropic sector to generate funding for Ascend’s core work.
• Align external communications with Ascend’s big picture impact. Communicate Ascend’s values, solutions, and approaches in ways that create a cohesive narrative that supports field-building and thought leadership. Develop a “packaging/codifying” distribution strategy and execute competently.
• Partner with the Vice President/Executive Director on leadership and executive communications. Capture and leverage Executive Director’s leadership vision, innovation/POV, and insights for the field. This includes the founder and Executive Director of Ascend and VP of the Aspen Institute. Develop a comprehensive executive communications calendar and content strategy aligned to key institutional moments, such as Aspen’s 75th anniversary.
• Develop narrative, messaging and content arc. Create compelling messaging frameworks, op-eds, speeches, reports, and content that reflect and amplify Ascend’s and Executive Director’s vision and increase impact. In partnership with Executive Director and Director of Ascend Leadership Programs refine and codify Ascend POV on values-based leadership articulation and lead on narrative component and competency strategy for internal and external audiences.
• Engage and strategically influence Ascend’s community. Cultivate relationships with Fellows, policymakers, media, and ecosystem leaders to advance Ascend’s thought leadership. Amplify the impact stories of Fellows, parents, and partners.
• Develop performance and impact-tracking systems. Set up systems to measure impacts of communications efforts, noting where the team is meeting expectations and where areas of improvement are to address. Make mid-course corrections as needed to get results.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE

• Executive-level Leadership Experience: 15+ years in strategic communications, executive communications, public affairs, or a related field within a high-profile, mission-driven organization.
• Strategic Vision: Proven ability to craft and execute high-impact messaging strategies that align external communications with organizational goals and field-building efforts.
• Executive Communications Expertise and Excellent Writing & Editing Skills: Experience developing and managing organizational and executive communications strategies, including speechwriting, content creation, and leadership positioning across multiple platforms.
• Narrative Development: Strong storytelling skills with a track record of translating complex ideas into compelling, accessible narratives that drive influence.
• High-impact execution: Roll up your sleeves execution that leads to hitting goals and generating results.
• Strong Networking and Relationship-Building Skills: Established relationships with media, policymakers, ecosystem leaders, and funders in relevant sectors (e.g., economic mobility, education, family well-being).
• Strong Management and Collaboration skills: A proven team manager who sets clear expectations, offers timely feedback, holds people accountable for work and creates a positive workplace culture that lives up to Ascend’s values. Ability to collaborate across teams and organizations, ensuring alignment with broader institutional messaging and strategic priorities.
• Project Management: Skilled in leading high-level projects such as book authorship, documentary production, and major public speaking engagements.
• Adaptability and results oriented: Comfortable navigating fast-moving environments with discretion, agility, and strategic foresight. Ability to lead through influence, managing up and across in a matrixed organization to achieve desired outcomes.

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.

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