Marketing & Communications Associate

ABOUT US

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners.

PUBLIC PROGRAMS DEPARTMENT

The Public Programs team at the Aspen Institute produces a number of events each year that are open to members of the general public. This position will support the major events and activities of the department, with special emphasis on Aspen Ideas Festival, held every summer over seven days on the Aspen Institute’s campus in Aspen, CO.

The Aspen Ideas Festival is the nation’s premier public gathering for leaders from around the globe and across many disciplines to engage in deep and inquisitive discussions about ideas and issues that shape our lives and challenge our times. The Aspen Ideas Festival fosters attendees and speakers from a wide range of international sectors and industries to engage in meaningful dialogue. Each year, the Festival covers a wide range of timely and critical topic areas through panels, workshops, book clubs, debates, deep dives, and interviews.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Associate is a strategic and creative storyteller who will elevate the digital presence of Aspen Ideas across platforms and audiences. This role leads social content strategy and execution for the Aspen Ideas Festival, Ideas extension events, and other public programs throughout the year. The ideal candidate is an agile creator, a sharp strategist, and a collaborative communicator who loves translating big ideas into compelling, shareable social content.

This position will report directly to the Associate Director. THe salary range for this position is $60,000 - $75,000. In accordance with our Reimagining Work policy, the Marketing and Communications Associate 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

Content Strategy & Calendar Management

• Develop and own the year-round social media content strategy for @AspenIdeas and associated events. Collaborate with an appointed member of the Aspen Ideas: Health team on related cadence and content, as well as other programs, as assigned.
• Build and maintain the social media editorial calendar, including event promotion, real-time event coverage, and evergreen storytelling throughout the year.
• Ensure content aligns with brand voice, strategic priorities, and audience growth goals.

Content Creation (Owned Channels)

• Lead creation of all social media assets, including short-form video editing, graphic design, photographs, and copywriting to amplify Aspen Ideas sessions, podcasts, articles, collections, website, and more.
• Produce high-quality, platform-optimized content for Instagram, LinkedIn, X/Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and emerging platforms as approved.
• Manage asset workflow before, during, and after events.

Website Management

• Draft and post copy to the website, including blog posts, session collections, and promotional offers.
• Support the event speaker coordinator team with public facing data entry both before and after the Festival (and other events, as assigned); to include speaker biographies, image assets, and session information.

Cross-Channel & Partner Coordination (Earned Channels)

• Coordinate earned social content with underwriters, speakers, media partners, and other collaborators.
• Develop social media toolkits and associated branded assets for partners to utilize to maximize sharing.
• Work closely with the Aspen Institute digital team to amplify Aspen Ideas and other Public Programs content on main Institute channels.
• Ensure brand consistency and messaging alignment across all touchpoints.

Paid Social & Campaign Support

• Support development and execution of paid social media campaigns to promote pass sales, event registrations, and broadcast content.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external agencies on creative assets, targeting, and optimization.

Community Management & Social Listening

• Lead day-to-day community management, including responding to audience questions, moderating conversations, and fostering a lively and inclusive online community.
• Conduct regular social listening to identify trends, conversations, and opportunities for engagement.

Analytics & Performance Reporting

• Track, analyze, and report on social media metrics, content performance, and audience insights.
• Use data to refine strategy, inform content decisions, and communicate impact to leadership.

Trend Monitoring & Platform Innovation

• Stay current with platform updates, emerging social tools, and cultural trends.
• Proactively recommend new formats, experiments, and platform opportunities to keep Aspen Ideas at the forefront of digital storytelling.

Team & Contractor Management

• Manage digital contractors and agency partners supporting social content—particularly during Aspen Ideas Festival and assigned Aspen Ideas extensions. Other work may include support of Aspen Community Programs or other Public Programs and Institute events in Aspen and elsewhere.
• Provide clear creative briefs, oversee workflows, and ensure execution aligns with strategy and brand standards.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE

• 1-3+ years of professional communications or marketing experience, including social media management; ideally in a fast-paced, mission-driven, media, cultural, or event-based environment.
• Demonstrated expertise in content strategy, community building, and multi-platform growth.
• Strong portfolio of social content, including video editing and graphic design work.
• Excellent writing and storytelling skills, with an ability to translate complex ideas into clear, engaging content.
• Proficiency with video editing tools (e.g., Adobe Premiere, CapCut), design platforms (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva), and social media management tools (e.g., Sprout Social, Later, Hootsuite).
• Experience managing paid social campaigns or collaborating with performance marketing teams.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects on tight deadlines, especially during live events.
• Comfortable working cross-functionally with senior leaders, partners, and external talent.
• A deep curiosity about big ideas across policy, culture, science, health, technology, and society.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience capturing content and covering live events, conferences, or festivals.
• Background in journalism, digital media, communications, or related fields.
• Familiarity with intellectual, cultural, or policy-oriented content.

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.