Director, Communications

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.

ASCEND

Ascend at the Aspen Institute is a catalyst and convener for diverse leaders working across systems and sectors to advance solutions that improve outcomes for children and families. Through its newly launched Forward With Families, Ascend mobilizes leaders and highlights relevant and ready solutions to accelerate policy, systems, and practice change that strengthens affordability, economic mobility, and security for families throughout the country.

ABOUT THE POSITION

A member of Ascend’s management team, the Communications Director leads all aspects of Ascend’s integrated communications to amplify and increase Ascend’s impact and influence in direct support of its strategic goals. The Director is the chronicler and chief storyteller for Ascend, finding the trends and themes that bring Ascend’s work to life, attracting partners and funding, and positioning Ascend as a leader in improving the world for children and families.

Drawing on the Aspen Institute’s intellectual capital, convening power, and multimedia platforms, the Director will develop and execute an integrated communications plan that ensures Ascend’s brand is compelling, consistent, and trusted among priority audiences, while increasing Ascend’s profile as a thought leader and national hub for family economic mobility and well-being solutions. The Director will report to the Executive Director and will also oversee executive communications, leveraging the voice and leadership of Ascend’s Executive Director to advance organizational priorities.

Our ideal candidate brings forward-thinking instincts and anticipates opportunities and challenges, using communications to accelerate impact and mitigate risk. They have a proven track record of engaging diverse audiences to advance influence in the field. The Director leads with an impact and social justice lens, understanding how communications drive policy, systems, and mindset change. They are mission-driven, curious, solutions-oriented, and able to ask incisive questions that cut to the core of complex challenges. Success requires deep respect for families’ experiences and resilience, and a commitment to supporting children and the adults in their lives together.

The Communications Director will build strong partnerships with the Aspen Institute’s communications team and with senior communications leaders at funding partner organizations. This role is in person and based in Washington, D.C. The salary range for this position is $150,000-$190,000 per year.

WHAT YOU WILL DO
Strategic Communications Leadership

• Develop and execute an integrated communications strategy that advances Ascend’s mission, strengthens its position as a national leader on child and family well-being, and delivers measurable results.
• Translate complex ideas into clear, compelling narratives and messaging that package and spread ready and relevant solutions to priority states, sector leaders, and philanthropic partners.
• Lead executive communications, partnering closely with Executive Director Anne Mosle to elevate her thought leadership and position Ascend at the forefront of advancing family prosperity, mobilizing change capital, and supporting world-changing leadership.
• Collaborate with the management team to create communications that engage new philanthropic partners and high-net-worth individuals.

Visibility, Media, and Field Influence