Executive Communications Officer

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 tha