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.

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The Aspen Institute Energy and Environment Program (EEP)Â

EEP explores significant challenges with diverse thinkers and doers to make a more prosperous, equitable, and sustainable society for all. We address critical energy, environmental, and climate change issues through non-partisan, non-ideological convening, with the specific intent of bringing together diverse stakeholders to improve the process and progress of policy-level dialogue. This enables EEP to sit at a critical intersection in the conversation and bring together diverse groups of expert stakeholders. In addition to energy and environmental policy, which the program has been addressing for several decades, EEP is now actively and purposefully engaging in climate change policy – mitigating the effects of climate change, adapting to the inevitable impacts of climate change, and the international cooperation needed to achieve these goals.

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ABOUT THIS ROLEÂ Â

The Melanie Diaz Energy and Environment Program Internship is a part-time, temporary opportunity for passionate young leaders to join the Energy and Environment Program team. Over the course of five months, the internship offers early-career professionals who are seeking to make a change in this world first-hand experience in convening high-level dialogues and understanding their real-world impact. The goal is that by the end of the internship experience, interns will have developed a deeper understanding of the energy and environment policy landscape and built practical skills in program coordination and event production.

The Melanie Diaz Intern will work directly with EEP’s Executive Team and report to the Senior Advisor to the Executive Director. This role will support the team’s mission to advance solutions to today’s most pressing energy and climate challenges through assisting with high-quality in-person and virtual meetings and events, and prioritizing key administrative and research activities. They will gain exposure to the inner workings of EEP, including how ideas are translated into action by bringing together policymakers, experts, corporate leaders, thinkers and do-ers.Â

The Melanie Diaz Energy and Environment Program Internship was first launched in 2024 as a lasting symbol of Melanie Nicholle Diaz, who was 25 years old and had been part of the Energy and Environment Program for nearly two years at the time of her tragic and unexpected death on February 18, 2023, in an apartment fire. She was originally from South Florida, graduated from Georgetown University School of Foreign Service, and had interned at NASA, the Office of the Surgeon General, and the Beeck Center for Social Impact before joining EEP.Â

She was driven by a passion for environmental justice and protecting the planet, including the people around her. More than anything else, Melanie was a truly kind, thoughtful, and caring human being who cared about her family, colleagues, and her work. She always put others first.Â

The internship will start in late January and end in late May, with some flexibility. The salary range for this position is $18 per hour based on experience. The expectation is to work at least 20 hours/week. In accordance with the Aspen Institute Reimagining Work policy, this position is located at the Aspen Institute’s Washington, D.C. office, and the Melanie Diaz Intern is expected to work from the office at least 40% of their time.
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WHAT YOU WILL DO

Research

• Desk research on relevant topics related to EEP’s work;
• Research individuals and organizations to prep material for meetings;
• Support project team with identifying speakers and participants for EEP convenings;
• Support other programmatic needs on an ad hoc basis.

Event/Logistics

• Support project team with meeting logistics, including scheduling, sending reminders, and organizing key operations when necessary;
• Support with the preparation of materials and ensure the timely distribution of materials.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

The Melanie Diaz Intern will have the chance to learn about ongoing projects across the program and support strategic initiatives and convenings within the Executive Office. Your day-to-day responsibilities will encompass a range of research, writing, logistical, and administrative tasks aimed at aligning the Executive Team's objectives with our projects and strategic goals, along with:

• Acquire deeper knowledge of current energy policy and climate solutions.
• Gain understanding and experience working on event planning and execution.
• Gain experience working in a fast-paced and multidisciplinary team.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE

• Must be a current undergraduate or graduate student or have graduated, with either a bachelor’s or associate degree, in the last one year;Â
• Must demonstrate experience or strong interest in climate change issues;
• Proven communication and organizational skills as well as attention to detail;
• Experience with Microsoft Office or Google Workspace products;
• Ability to prioritize competing tasks;
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills;
• A “Yes, and” positive entrepreneurial attitude.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONÂ

The Aspen Institute offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, and prescription benefits, retirement benefits, and paid leave.Â

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.Â

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation regarding the accessibility of our website, a modification or adjustment of the job application or interview process due to a disability, contact HRSupport@aspeninstitute.org or call (202) 736-5800.Â