Director, AGLN Programs & Operations

ABOUT US

The 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.

The Aspen Global Leadership Network

The AGLN is a growing, worldwide community of values-based leaders — currently more than 3,800 Fellows from over 65 countries — who share a commitment to enlightened leadership and to using their extraordinary creativity, energy and resources to tackle the foremost societal challenges of our times. All share the common experience of participating in one of the Aspen Institute’s various leadership Fellowships.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Director, Global Convenings will play an instrumental role in creating and operationalizing a refreshed gathering strategy for engaging, impact-oriented events across the AGLN Fellow network. The Director will oversee all aspects of AGLN Fellow gatherings including the Resnick Aspen Action Forum (RAAF), a signature summer event of the Aspen Institute that convenes 350+ Fellows from around the globe. This critical leadership role will shape the Forum's strategy, curate engaging programming, and ensure flawless execution. Additionally, this role will oversee strategic planning, budget management, and program development for all of AGLN’s gatherings year-round. The Director will also work to develop new partnerships and convening opportunities in collaboration with other programs around the Aspen Institute including International Partners, IDEAS festival, and Socrates, to name a few.

This position reports directly to the Managing Director, Global Operations & Programs. The salary range for this position is $141,000 to $146,000. This role will be based in Washington, DC unless otherwise approved by HR and the executive team.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Oversee Strategy, Planning, and Operations for the Resnick Aspen Action Forum

• Oversee the strategy and planning of the Resnick Aspen Action Forum (RAAF), a signature summer event of the Aspen Institute. This critical role will shape the Forum's development strategy, curate engaging programming, and ensure flawless execution.
• Lead program development process, curating engaging and innovative seminars, plenaries, workshops, action-oriented sessions, and other experiences.
• Collaborate with Moderators, funders, and colleagues to develop program content, identify and select esteemed speakers, and ensure the program meets diversity, equity, and inclusion goals set by the team.
• Ensure proper onboarding speakers and Moderators, create production rundowns, and managing the relationship with production support and stage manager(s).

• Champion strategic improvements to the annual planning cycle and general operations, optimizing success and strengthening the program financially.
• Set rigorous M&E goals; develop post-event survey and facilitate the ‘after action’ debrief process, identifying areas for improvement and shaping the following year's event.
• Partner with the MD, Operations to develop the event’s operating budgets, ensuring resource allocation aligns with program priorities and long-term sustainability of the Forum.
• Assist with development of a robust fundraising plan to support the operational needs and cumulative fundraising targets of the event, including supporting the creation of programming ideas, themes, sponsorship packages and other assets for funding proposals.
• Collaborate on event brand development and execution of materials such as giveaway items, program book, conference banners, badges with personalized agendas, and handouts.
• Weigh in on email communication to attendees, including marketing emails as well as personalized, non-mass email communicat