Program Associate

Programmatic Responsibilities

• Manage student experience and communications for the Summer Words writers conference, including workshop acceptances and rejections, workshop logistical details, coordination of professional consultations and development of student activities and schedule.
• Oversee nomination process for Emerging Writer Fellows and manage communication and conference experience for accepted fellows.
• Recruit and manage consultant readers for Emerging Writer Fellowships and juried workshop applications.
• Manage communications and hospitality for visiting authors for the Aspen Literary Festival, Winter Words, Aspen Writers Network, the Community Read and other programs, as needed.
• Help with all aspects of the Community Read program, including book distribution and engagement with a wide variety of constituents in the Roaring Fork Valley.
• Manage relationships and workflow with consultant editors and clients for the Editing Room. Handle client payments.
• Hire and coordinate teaching artists and guest authors for writers-in-the-schools programs, including vetting talent, ensuring fit and compliance with host schools, and managing travel and lodging.
• Identify and coordinate with host schools for the writers-in-the-schools program, including meeting with teachers and administrators, conducting post-program surveys and scheduling workshops and author talks.

Developmental Responsibilities

• Support all aspects of fundraising and development operations, including individual giving, grants, donor events, and campaigns.
• Assist with donor cultivation, stewardship, and acknowledgment, including meeting and communicating with donors and prospects regularly.
• Maintain accurate donor records in the CRM/database and utilize a variety of platforms to track and manage data and reporting.
• Draft and edit donor-facing materials such as grant applications, appeal letters, emails, proposals, and impact reports.
• Research prospective donors, foundations, and funding opportunities aligned with AW's mission.
• Track fundraising metrics.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Collect signed contracts and media release forms for AW events and programs as needed.
• Review contracts and coordinate with Legal and other Aspen Institute departments as needed.
• Copy edit and proofread correspondence and marketing-event materials as needed.
• Contribute to the smooth execution of events and development processes for AW as needed.

This role helps encourage writers, inspire readers, and connect people through the power of stories by supporting literary programs that foster community engagement and social impact through literature.

• A bachelor's degree and 1-3+ years of relevant experience is required; Special consideration will be given to candidates with experience in the literary/publishing world.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to multi-task and problem-solve in a fast-paced, detail-oriented environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and experience working with volunteers, donors, high-level talent.
• Event management experience and the ability to juggle many competing priorities.
• Excellent administrative skills with effective management of time in a deadline-intensive environment.
• Excellent writing and editing skills for effective marketing and communications.
• Technologically savvy with the ability to quickly master new databases and system software.

The salary range for this position is $60,000 - $75,000. 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 committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society, driving change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve critical challenges. Aspen Words, a program of the Aspen Institute, encourages writers, inspires readers, and connects people through the power of stories.