ABOUT US

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.

EDUCATION AND SOCIETY PROGRAM

The Education & Society Program improves public education by inspiring, informing, and influencing education leaders across policy and practice, with an emphasis on achieving excellence and equity for all students. For more information about the Education & Society Program, visit our website.

Our work focuses on:

• Advancing a richer vision of student success that integrates social, emotional, and academic learning as essential to equity.
• Transforming education systems to model exemplary learning and continuous improvement practices.
• Developing education leaders to drive systemic change in learning, equity, and efficacy.

We achieve these aims by:

• Hosting thought-provoking convenings for diverse leaders across levels and sectors.
• Developing research-based tools and resources to inform nonpartisan policy and practice.
• Cultivating strategic partnerships that surface promising practices and advance actionable recommendations.
• Seeking to be future-forward, envisioning a student experience that truly prepares them to thrive.

The Education & Society Program is a part of the Center for Rising Generations, which is dedicated to ensuring that civil dialogue, civic engagement, and leadership development become a predictable part of the journey to adulthood in our society and around the world. Inspired by the Aspen Institute’s strategic plan and supported by a generous endowment from the Bezos Family Foundation, the Center for Rising Generations:

• Expands opportunities for, and elevates the voices of, youth and young adults at the Aspen Institute.
• Creates opportunities to convene and build community beyond Aspen.
• Encourages innovation that emphasizes the assets young people bring to addressing today’s challenges.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Director of Education Policy & Leadership will lead Aspen Education’s integrated policy and practice agenda, overseeing a portfolio that includes policy networks, practice-based leadership work, and high-profile convenings. This role bridges the worlds of education policy and instructional leadership, designing learning experiences, building bipartisan relationships, and translating lessons from the field into actionable policy and practice insights.

This role also offers the opportunity to help shape a new strategy group that will bring together leaders from education, business, technology, and community development to chart a bold path forward—one that centers the voices of students, families, and educators and builds a shared vision for the learning experiences young people need to thrive.

This is a senior leadership role—managing staff and consultants, setting strategy, engaging funders, and representing Aspen Education nationally. The Director will serve as a thought partner to the Executive Director and the program’s leadership team, while collaborating across the Institute to strengthen our collective impact. The salary range for this position is $190,000 - $210,000. In accordance with our Reimagining Work policy, the ?Director 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

Leadership & Strategy

• Set and oversee the strategic direction for Aspen Education’s combined policy and leadership work, ensuring alignment with program-wide goals.
• Lead the design and execution of nationally recognized convenings, including the network for congressional staff on K-12 federal policy and urban district leadership networks.
• Translate lessons from practice into policy insights—and policy shifts into actionable changes for education leaders.
• Lead and mentor a high-performing team, cultivating a culture of collaboration, accountability, and learning.
• Oversee external consultants and advisors, ensuring quality, alignment, and delivery on commitments.

Policy & Practice Program Development

• Develop and facilitate high-quality adult learning experiences for policymakers, district/system leaders, practitioners, and philanthropy.
• Curate topics, agendas, and resources for convenings; recruit speakers and participants; and guide follow-up to sustain impact.
• Produce and commission publications—policy briefs, discussion guides, op-eds—that advance the field’s understanding of effective leadership strategies and systemic improvement.
• Maintain and grow networks of senior education leaders at the district, state, and federal levels.

Fundraising & Resource Management

• Develop and execute an annual fundraising strategy for the policy and leadership portfolio (approx. $2–3M budget).
• Build and maintain strong relationships with current and prospective funders, securing financial support from foundations and other sources.
• Oversee comprehensive budget management for the policy and leadership portfolio, including forecasting, grant deliverables, and reporting.

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnerships

• Represent Aspen Education in public and private settings, building credibility with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Strengthen partnerships across policy, practice, research, and philanthropy to inform Aspen’s work and amplify its reach.
• Serve as a visible thought leader, presenting at conferences, moderating panels, and publishing written commentary.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE

• Extensive education leadership experience (10+ years), including senior-level roles in district/system leadership and/or policy.
• A robust network of system leaders, policymakers, influencers, philanthropists, and educators, along with the skill and confidence to collaborate with them, challenge assumptions, and drive the development of more innovative, effective strategies.
• Deep understanding of K-12 education policy (federal and state) and instructional practice, and the ability to bridge the two effectively.
• Proven record in designing and facilitating adult learning experiences for senior leaders, including content development, research, resource evaluation, and high-quality facilitation.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively across the political aisle, building bipartisan relationships and fostering dialogue among leaders with diverse perspectives.
• Fundraising experience with foundations and other funders, including budget oversight.
• Exemplary project management skills, with the ability to manage complex, multi-layered initiatives from concept to completion.
• Excellent team management and staff development skills, with a track record of cultivating high-performing, collaborative, and mission-driven teams.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including translating complex ideas for diverse audiences.
• Travel up to 25% is required, including periodic multi-day events in Aspen, CO, and other U.S. locations. Evening and weekend work may be required for convenings.

Preferred Qualifications

• Established relationships with district, state, and national leaders in both education practice and policy.
• Credibility and experience in instructional leadership, system improvement, or superintendent/central office roles.
• Experience publishing in policy, research, or leadership domains.
• Familiarity with Congressional processes and networks.

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.