Executive Director, Center for Native American Youth

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.

Center for Native American Youth (CNAY)

Founded in 2011, the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY) at the Aspen Institute is a national education and advocacy organization that works alongside Native youth ages 24 and under on reservations, in rural villages and urban spaces across the country to improve their health, safety and overall well-being. CNAY was inspired by former Senator Byron Dorgan of North Dakota to uplift Native American youth within the broader leadership and social policy platforms of the Aspen Institute. Today, CNAY runs five fellowship programs, two initiatives, conducts research studies, and is a key partner in local, national and international conferences engaging Native youth in policy and narrative change. The Program has created a robust, connected community of Native youth across Indian Country who engage with each other, creating community and confidence to improve their futures. Rooted in culture, CNAY’s vision is for all Native American youth to lead full and healthy lives, be honored for the leaders they are, and have resources and agency to create the world Native youth are worthy of and deserve.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Aspen Institute is seeking an Executive Director to lead the Center for Native American Youth (CNAY), a dynamic and impactful Native American youth leadership development and advocacy organization. The Executive Director will be a strategic thinker and strong manager who can work closely with Native youth, Tribal leaders and community stakeholders to design programs driven by a collective vision rooted in the values of Native and Indigenous cultures. In addition to leading the strategic positioning and growth of CNAY’s programming, the Executive Director will manage a full-time staff of 5, consistent with Aspen Institute’s values and norms, serve as the lead fundraiser for the Program, and be a key external representative for the organization. The Executive Director will meet the highest standards in conduct and executive judgment to protect the staff, stakeholders, and reputation of CNAY and the Aspen Institute. The Executive Director will possess strong writing and speaking ability to raise the profile of CNAY to funders, elected officials, thought leaders, and other key stakeholders. The candidate must have very strong management skills and be able to effectively and productively manage a small staff that includes individuals who work remotely. It is also important that the candidate have a good understanding of policy issues of importance to Indian Country and deep relationships with tribal communities, tribal leaders, and tribal nonprofit leaders. The candidate must be willing and able to travel to Tribal communities throughout the country and coordinate events in community focused on uplifting and elevating Native youth voices.

This role will report to the Executive Vice President of Policy Programs, and work in close coordination with the Aspen Institute Center for Rising Generations. The salary range for the position $175,000 - $200,000. This is a Washington, D.C., based position that will report to the leadership of Aspen Digital. Employees are expected to work in person at the office approximately two days a week.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Strategic Leadership and Management

• Effectively recruit and manage a small but passionate staff, including some who work remotely, in a manner that focuses on teamwork and i