ABOUT US

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.

COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING DEPARTMENT

The Communications and Marketing Department 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. Learn more at aspeninstitute.org.

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’s values is of paramount importance as they guide us to thoughtfully engage with our colleagues whilst performing at the highest level.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Design Director (DD) is responsible for defining and maintaining the Aspen Institute’s visual identity, brand consistency, and creative standards across all programs and platforms. This role oversees the development and application of Aspen’s typography, color, photography, and layout systems, ensuring they align with the Institute’s strategic priorities. The DD also consults on design processes, resourcing, and freelancer support while working closely with the Director of Content Strategy and the Director of Partner Success to ensure design excellence across enterprise and program initiatives. In addition, the DD leads creative direction for the Aspen Institute Store, overseeing merchandise design and ensuring all products reflect the Institute’s brand, values, and audience goals.

This role reports directly to the Managing Director, Communications & Marketing. The salary range for this role is $143,100 - $159,000. The expectation is for this role to be in our DC office a minimum of 2x a week to collaborate with colleagues.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Brand Leadership & Strategy

• Maintain and evolve Aspen’s brand guidelines, ensuring consistency across all materials.
• Oversee Aspen’s core visual identity elements, including typography, color palettes, photography standards, and layout systems.
• Provide strategic direction on how design enhances storytelling and reinforces Aspen’s mission.

Enterprise-Level Design & Execution

• Serve as the primary designer for enterprise communications, including high-profile reports, branding for flagship initiatives, institutional presentations, and cross-program campaigns.
• Execute high-level design projects that set the visual standard for the entire organization.
• Work on both digital and print materials, ensuring adaptability across formats.

Collaboration & Consultation

• Partner with the Managing Director, Content Strategy Director, and Partner Success Director to align design with institutional priorities.
• Consult with program teams to ensure their materials align with Aspen’s brand while allowing for individual program distinctions.
• Act as an embedded thought partner, guiding teams on creative execution and best practices.

Process Development & Resource Management

• Develop and refine design workflows, ensuring efficient project execution across enterprise and program teams.
• Manage freelancer and agency relationships, overseeing their work to maintain quality and brand consistency.
• Provide design mentorship to the internal creative team and facilitate training on brand standards.

Aspen Institute Store

• Design mission-aligned merchandise and seasonal product lines that reflect the Aspen Institute’s brand, values, and audiences. Integrate storytelling and Aspen’s visual heritage into compelling, high-quality product offerings.
• Manage end-to-end store operations in partnership with the Senior Production Manager and ecommerce leads, ensuring excellence in design execution, inventory management, sustainability practices, and fulfillment processes.
• Collaborate with senior leadership to shape the long-term vision for the store, identify brand partnerships, align with Institute-wide campaigns, and ensure a cohesive digital and retail experience across platforms.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE

• 10+ years of experience in graphic design, branding, or art direction, with a focus on maintaining visual identities.
• Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design, Visual Communication, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• Strong leadership and mentorship skills, with experience managing designers or freelancers.
• Expertise in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, XD), Figma, Canva, and Google Workspace.
• Deep understanding of typography, layout, print, digital media, and branding systems.
• Ability to present and communicate design concepts to non-design audiences and leadership teams.
• Visionary and resilient, with the ability to navigate complex feedback, build consensus across diverse stakeholders, and drive bold, high-impact creative initiatives from concept to execution.
• Strategic thinker who balances big-picture brand stewardship with hands-on design decision-making.
• Exceptional communication skills with the ability to translate design concepts into actionable recommendations for non-design audiences.
• High level of organization with strong project management skills, able to juggle multiple initiatives while keeping stakeholders informed.
• Curious and mission-driven, excited by the opportunity to use design to elevate a nonprofit’s storytelling and impact.

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.

The Aspen Institute welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs, including the interview process. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about accessibility, please email hrsupport@aspeninstitute.org or call 202-736-2127 in advance of your visit. Requests for ASL or CART services should be made at least two weeks in advance when possible. We will make every effort to fulfill requests, subject to availability.