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.
Aspen Words
Aspen Words (AW) was founded in 1976 as a literary center based in Aspen, CO. A program of the Aspen Institute, its mission is to encourage writers, inspire readers, and connect people through the power of stories. AW’s year-round programs include Summer Words, a writing conference and literary festival; Winter Words, a speaker series presenting the best of contemporary literature; the Aspen Words Literary Prize, a $35,000 annual award for fiction with social impact; as well as a writers-in-the schools program. For more information, visit aspenwords.org .
About This Role
Aspen Words seeks a highly organized, detail-oriented Program Coordinator capable of managing multiple administrative needs for the organization. The Program Coordinator should have a strong interest and commitment to the Aspen Words’ mission and be collaborative and customer-service oriented while maintaining a high quality of work in a fast-paced environment. The Program Coordinator is primarily tasked with coordinating all administrative and logistical details associated with Aspen Words’ year-round literary programming. The role includes responsibilities such as data entry, registration management, travel and event logistics, marketing and communications assistance, and office management, while also providing an opportunity to collaborate with a diverse group of stakeholders to support an array of distinct and meaningful literary programs. In doing so, the Program Coordinator will be afforded a unique opportunity to do work that has substantive social purpose.
The Program Coordinator reports directly to Senior Program Associate. The salary range for this position is $52,200 - $55,000. Candidates must also have the ability to work from the Aspen Words office in Aspen, Colorado, a minimum of four days per week. For at least the first few months on the job (depending on the person’s experience), it might be necessary for the program coordinator to be in the office 5 days a week. Weekend and evening work will sometimes be required.
What You Will Do
Manage Aspen Words’ general inbox and respond to emails as needed
Handle event prep for AW public events—conduct pre-event walk-throughs, create staffing plans, transport signage and supplies to event venue, assist with setup and cleanup
Assist with upkeep of the Aspen Words website
Book travel and accommodations for visiting authors, guests and AW executive director
Serve as an AW ambassador by greeting authors at the Pitkin County Airport and driving authors to various local events
Create and manage registration forms for AW virtual and in-person events and programs. This includes close coordination with Aspen Institute central staff to create forms, run attendee reports and ensure smooth operations
Track attendee lists and information for participant groups ranging from 20-400 people
Ensure the accurate collection and storage of data, including participant information
Proofread various AW communications and assist with general correspondence
Order and maintain office supplies
Meet and coordinate with the Aspen Institute’s IT team to discuss any tech needs involving the AW team
Handle general shopping/coordination for board meetings, public events and AW executive director visits
Assist with book purchasing for various AW programs
Conduct research on literary events, organizations and fundraising prospects
Manage the accounts receivable for the program, including checking the mail, depositing checks and accurately completing paperwork to ensure correct budget allocation in coordination with the Aspen Institute accounting/finance office
Coordinate mailings and printing of marketing collateral for the program
Provide general administrative support for all AW programs
Works closely with all AW staff
Routinely interacts with public event attendees and handles outside requests for information.
What You Will Need To Thrive
At least 3 years of relevant experience required
Impeccable attention to detail is essential
Superb communications skills over email and phone are essential
Good interpersonal skills, including a positive, can-do attitude; desire to learn and sense of humor, are essential.
Excellent computer skills, working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and web-based platforms for data and document management
Ability to navigate, quickly learn and troubleshoot a variety of technology platforms, such as Salesforce and other CRM platforms used for registration and constituent management
Strong administrative skills —the ability to proactively plan, organize, and follow through with staff and a variety of constituencies
Ability to work on multiple, time-sensitive projects in a fast-paced environment
Customer service orientation-- patient, good listener, resourceful
Ability and willingness to attend at least 80 percent of Aspen Words’ community events, which often occur in the evenings (The majority of events take place in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley).
Not required but welcome
Bachelor's degree in relevant field
Experience working with youth and educators
Experience writing grants, press releases, newsletters or other marketing communications
Experience with WordPress and website development
Experience with Photoshop, Canva and other design programs
Experience with social platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, X and TikTok
How To Apply
To apply, please submit a resume and a cover letter articulating your interest in the position and explaining how your capabilities and experience match our candidate description above. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered. Later stages of the application process may include a writing test. Local candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Please note that applications are reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled. Due to the volume of applications we receive, we are not able to provide status updates to candidates. If you are selected for an interview, a member of our team will reach out via email.
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.
Seniority level
Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Full-time
Job function
Other
Industries
Non-profit Organizations
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