Program Manager, Field Engagement

Program Manager

The Aspen Institute College Excellence Program seeks a program manager to support our Leadership and Field Engagement division. In this role, you will oversee the day-to-day management of major projects and workstreams, with a focus on CEP's Unlocking Opportunity network. Unlocking Opportunity intensively engages community college leaders and teams over multiple years to develop and enact bold reforms aimed at increasing the number of students entering and completing high-value community college programs. The project's central goal is to ensure that more students complete programs that lead directly to jobs that pay a sustaining wage or to transfer and completion of a bachelor's degree. Fifty-five community colleges have recently joined to expand the Unlocking Opportunity network, bringing the total number of network colleges to 65 with an aggregate objective of impacting at least 100,000 students within the next three years.

Our ideal candidate is passionate about impacting lives through higher education. Our ideal candidate can also demonstrate through examples from previous employment an approach to work that is strategic, thoughtful, resourceful, and characterized by a proactive mindset and consistent follow-through to achieve results. Qualified candidates will have at least five years of experience as a project or program manager, preferably in the nonprofit sector working with leaders and senior teams in higher education. Experience must show an ability to drive complex project assignments such as (1) working closely with your supervisor and other colleagues to develop and deliver high-quality project materials in a timely manner; (2) collaborating with team members to draft and execute project plans for in-person and virtual events; (3) working with hotels and vendors to plan and deliver in-person events; (4) managing communications for internal and external audiences; and (5) supporting the evaluation of project workstreams.

This position is based in the Aspen Institute's Washington, DC office with a minimum of 40% in-person work (two days per week), up to four weeks of travel per year, and a target salary range of $85,000 - $100,000. This position will report to CEP's Assistant Director for LFE.

Manage multiple workstreams within major CEP projects

• Develop a plan for managing all aspects of the project work, with an appropriately detailed project schedule and a realistic project budget.
• Manage project execution according to the project plan, schedule, and budget to ensure high-quality performance that satisfies project goals and stakeholder expectations.
• Upon completion of a project (or associated grant), help verify that it has met all obligations of the award, archive project documentation and data, and reflect on any lessons learned.
• Work with team members and external collaborators to develop internal and external-facing case-making assets, slide decks, memos, and other materials to advance project goals.

Provide hands-on support for project operations and logistics

Support project escalations and other organizational duties, as needed

What You Will Need To Thrive

How To Apply

All interested applicants must submit the following for full consideration :

Additional Information

The Aspen Institute offers a generous benefits package including health, dental, vision, and prescription benefits, retirement benefits, and paid leave. The Aspen Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and complies with all District and federal laws. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or protected veteran or disabled status and will not be discriminated against. The Aspen Institute welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs, including the interview process. If you would like to request accommodations or have questions about accessibility, please email hrsupport@aspeninstitute.org or call 202-736-2127 in advance of your visit. Requests for ASL or CART services should be made at least two weeks in advance when possible. We will make every effort to fulfill requests, subject to availability.