Assistant Director

• Manage a body of work funded by the Kern Family Foundation, coordinating implementation of grant objectives to integrate character development into community college leadership and student success initiatives.
• Lead project management for multiple concurrent workstreams, including overseeing reports, case studies, presentations, and field-facing resources that translate research into actionable practice.
• Support research and field-learning activities to identify leadership practices and student-centered strategies that improve student outcomes during and after college.
• Manage funder relationships, including proposal development, grant reporting, and stewardship activities.

This role strengthens community college leadership and practices to improve student outcomes, advancing economic mobility and developing talent for the good of individuals and society. By integrating character development into leadership and student success strategies, it helps ensure credentials lead to good jobs and flourishing lives.

• At least seven years of experience in education (institution, association, nonprofit, or education provider) with direct work involving community college leaders and senior teams.
• Bachelor's or advanced degree in higher education, public policy, organizational leadership, social sciences, or related field.
• Proven track record of managing complex, high-stakes initiatives on demanding timelines with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong communication and analytical skills to synthesize evidence and translate findings into actionable strategies.

Salary range: $120,000 to $135,000 per year. The Aspen Institute offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, and prescription benefits, retirement benefits, and paid leave.

The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization founded in 1949 that ignites human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Its College Excellence Program aims to strengthen higher education leadership and practice to improve student outcomes, advancing economic mobility and talent development.