Application Guide

How to Apply for Director, Communications

at The Aspen Institute

🏢 About The Aspen Institute

The Aspen Institute is a globally respected nonprofit dedicated to igniting human potential and solving society's greatest challenges through dialogue, leadership, and action. Its Ascend program focuses on advancing solutions for children and families, making it a mission-driven workplace where communications directly shape policy and systems change.

About This Role

As the Communications Director for Ascend, you will lead all integrated communications to amplify Ascend's impact, attract partners and funding, and position the program as a leader in family well-being. This role is pivotal in telling the story of Ascend's work and influencing national policy and practice.

💡 A Day in the Life

A typical day might start with a check-in with your team to prioritize media outreach and content deadlines. You could then draft a press release for a new report, meet with Ascend's leadership to align on messaging for an upcoming event, and review analytics from a recent social media campaign. Afternoon could involve pitching a story to a national reporter or collaborating with a partner organization on a joint communications effort.

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🎯 Who The Aspen Institute Is Looking For

  • Experienced in nonprofit communications with a track record of leading integrated strategies that drive policy and systems change.
  • A master storyteller who can synthesize complex issues into compelling narratives for diverse audiences, including policymakers, funders, and the media.
  • Skilled in media relations and digital communications, with the ability to secure high-impact coverage and manage social media campaigns.
  • A strategic leader who can partner with senior management to align communications with organizational goals and measure impact.

📝 Tips for Applying to The Aspen Institute

1

Tailor your resume to highlight specific achievements in policy communications, such as campaigns that influenced legislation or shifted public opinion.

2

In your cover letter, explicitly connect your experience to Ascend's 'Forward With Families' initiative and show understanding of their focus on economic mobility.

3

Prepare a portfolio of your best work, including writing samples and examples of integrated campaigns, and be ready to discuss results.

4

Research recent Ascend publications and mention specific reports or initiatives in your application to demonstrate genuine interest.

5

Address your ability to work remotely and manage a distributed team, as this role is fully remote.

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Your passion for improving outcomes for children and families, aligning with Ascend's mission.", "Specific examples of how you've used communications to drive policy change or elevate an organization's influence.", 'Your experience leading a communications team and managing budgets, as this is a director-level role.', 'Understanding of the intersection of policy, systems change, and storytelling, and how you can position Ascend as a thought leader.']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Review Ascend's website, especially the 'Forward With Families' initiative, to understand their current priorities and messaging.
  • → Read recent reports or blog posts from Ascend to see the tone and style of their communications.
  • → Look at media coverage of Ascend to understand how they are currently positioned and identify gaps or opportunities.
  • → Research the Aspen Institute's overall communications approach and how Ascend fits into the broader brand.

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 Describe a communications campaign you led that influenced policy or systems change. What was your strategy and how did you measure success?
2 How would you approach telling the story of Ascend's work to attract new funders and partners?
3 Given Ascend's focus on economic mobility, how would you tailor messaging for different audiences (e.g., policymakers vs. community members)?
4 How do you stay current on trends in family policy and communications, and how would you integrate those into Ascend's strategy?
5 This role is remote. How would you build team culture and manage communications across a distributed team?
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⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't reference Ascend's specific programs or mission.
  • Focusing too much on corporate communications experience without connecting it to nonprofit or policy work.
  • Not demonstrating an understanding of the policy landscape around children and families, which is central to the role.

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to The Aspen Institute!

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