Project Lead — Philosophy Research & Development Lab

• R&D Lab Management: Take delegated responsibility for R&D Lab and all associated Philosophy & Society outputs, including research and editorial publications, by leading a team of research fellows and other junior staff to implement P&S priorities.
• Operational Stewardship: Track grant deliverables, monitoring progress toward milestones, prepare reporting materials, and work closely with the Director on outcome measurement. Manage budgets associated with publications and related projects, ensuring fiscal responsibility and alignment with institutional requirements.
• Intellectual Agenda-Setting: In coordination with the Director, develop vision to shape the program’s publications agenda, identifying themes, authors, and outputs that advance the public role of philosophy.
• Editorial Leadership: Serve as lead editor for the program’s portfolio of publications—including essays, policy papers, podcasts, books, and experimental formats. This entails not only ensuring clarity and precision but also making publishing decisions that foreground the most urgent and impactful questions.

This role creates positive change by stimulating public discourse about fundamental societal questions through philosophy research and publications, helping to address critical challenges facing communities in the United States and around the world.

• Bachelor’s degree required. We are considering particularly two types of candidates: Individuals with advanced degrees in philosophy and a related field (political theory, history of ideas, literature) OR candidates with very strong track record of ideas focused experience in journalism.
• Minimum of 5 years of professional experience, with management, editorial, and operational experience (e.g., tracking grants, budgets, or funded projects).
• A portfolio of research, editorial, or authorial work that demonstrates both intellectual rigor and public clarity.
• Proven ability to lead complex projects with multiple stakeholders. Experience managing budgets, grants, and/or funded projects, ideally in a nonprofit or academic setting.

The Aspen Institute offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, and prescription benefits, retirement benefits, and paid leave. Salary range: $85,000 - $97,000.

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.