Application Guide
How to Apply for Director, Postsecondary Value and Field Strategy
at The Aspen Institute
🏢 About The Aspen Institute
The Aspen Institute is a unique global nonprofit that drives climate solutions through dialogue, leadership, and action, rather than advocacy or lobbying. It stands out for its convening power, bringing together diverse leaders across sectors to tackle complex societal challenges. Working here offers the opportunity to influence systemic change at the intersection of education, economic mobility, and climate solutions within a respected, mission-driven organization.
About This Role
As Director of Postsecondary Value and Field Strategy, you'll lead the 'Unlocking Opportunity' initiative to improve workforce and transfer outcomes for students, while executing a research agenda on postsecondary value. This role is impactful because it directly addresses economic mobility and educational equity, requiring you to build external partnerships, fundraise, and collaborate with CEP's Senior Team to define strategic priorities that align with the Institute's climate and social justice mission.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve leading meetings on the 'Unlocking Opportunity' initiative to strategize on improving student outcomes, analyzing research data on postsecondary value, and collaborating with CEP's Senior Team on strategic priorities. You could also spend time building external relationships through calls with donors or partners, managing project delivery systems, and preparing fundraising materials to support the Institute's mission-driven work.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who The Aspen Institute Is Looking For
- Has 10+ years of management experience in higher education, with deep knowledge in educational practice, institutional leadership, or policy research/analysis, ideally holding an advanced degree.
- Demonstrates proven success in nonprofit fundraising and building external relationships, with executive presence to engage donors and partners at high levels.
- Is comfortable with systems supporting nonprofit project delivery (e.g., project management tools, data analysis platforms) and can lead research initiatives focused on postsecondary value.
- Possesses outstanding communication skills to articulate the link between educational outcomes, workforce development, and the Aspen Institute's broader climate and social impact goals.
📝 Tips for Applying to The Aspen Institute
Tailor your resume to highlight specific experience in higher education management, nonprofit fundraising, and research on postsecondary value or economic mobility, quantifying outcomes where possible.
Research and reference the 'Unlocking Opportunity' initiative and CEP's (College Excellence Program) strategic priorities in your application to show alignment.
Emphasize your ability to work at the intersection of education and climate/social justice, as the Aspen Institute's mission spans these areas.
Include examples of building external relationships or partnerships in higher education or nonprofit sectors, as this role requires fundraising and collaboration.
Demonstrate familiarity with systems for nonprofit project delivery (e.g., mention specific tools like Asana, Salesforce, or data platforms) in your materials.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Explain your passion for increasing postsecondary value and student outcomes, linking it to the Aspen Institute's mission on climate and social impact.", "Highlight specific achievements in higher education management, research, or fundraising, with examples of how you've driven measurable results.", 'Describe your experience collaborating with senior teams and external partners to execute strategic priorities in a nonprofit or educational setting.', "Articulate how your skills in project delivery systems and relationship-building align with the role's responsibilities for leading initiatives and fundraising."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore the Aspen Institute's College Excellence Program (CEP) and its current initiatives, such as 'Unlocking Opportunity,' to understand their focus on postsecondary value.
- → Review the Institute's recent publications or reports on climate solutions, education, and economic mobility to grasp their interdisciplinary approach.
- → Investigate the Aspen Institute's funding sources and partnerships to better understand their nonprofit structure and potential fundraising opportunities.
- → Look into the Institute's leadership and key figures in CEP to tailor your application and interview responses to their strategic direction.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application without mentioning the Aspen Institute's specific mission, initiatives like 'Unlocking Opportunity,' or the role's focus on postsecondary value.
- Failing to provide concrete examples of management experience, fundraising success, or research in higher education, as these are core requirements.
- Overlooking the connection between educational outcomes and the Institute's climate/social justice goals, which could suggest misalignment with their holistic mission.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to The Aspen Institute!