The Aspen Institute

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. Headquartered in Washington, DC, the Institute has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, and an international network of partners.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

To achieve our mission of a more free, just, and equitable society, we commit to working proactively to advance the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion across our myriad endeavors such as the recruitment, compensation, training, and advancement of staff. The best people-serving institutions make this commitment, and we seek to be a leader in the ways that we do so and learn from others. Visit our website to learn more about our commitment and recent actions taken toward building and nurturing a diverse and inclusive environment.

Program Description:

The Communications and Marketing Department creates compelling content to elevate and position the Aspen Institute as a values-based organization that ignites human potential through dialogue, leadership, and action to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Our creative services team serves as an in-house agency that provides communications and marketing support to the Institute’s 40+ programs, initiatives, public events, fundraising efforts, and the president’s office. Learn more at aspeninstitute.org.

We function on the foundation of 5 values: Collaboration, Learning, Excellence, Accountability and Respect or CLEAR. These attributes and behaviors are how we work. Upholding our department values is of paramount importance as they guide us to thoughtfully engage with our colleagues whilst performing at the highest level.

Basic Function:

The Copywriting and Editing Associate on the Creative Services team is vital in executing the content strategy for specific programs and initiatives at the Aspen Institute. They are an enthusiastic writing professional who can listen to the needs of program partners and write original content, as well as edit existing content across voices, tones, and expertise to meet those needs.

This position reports directly to the Project Manager (Creative Services, Communications &Marketing). The hourly rate for this role is $36.00 /hr.

In accordance with our Reimagining Work policy, the Copywriting and Editing Associate should be willing to be in-person with colleagues a minimum of 40% of the time in the D.C. office while having the flexibility to work remotely for the balance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Support with the execution of content creation projects, whether new writing opportunities or existing copy that needs editing, with an expert lens to style, voice, and English mechanics; Types of content may include white papers, digital newsletters, messaging, web copy, blogs, listicles, social media copy.
• Assist with testing content for audience targeting, ie A/B testing, iterating on copy to improve user experience, SEO, engagement, and conversions.
• Participate in conversations with program staff and help them simplify and disseminate their ideas into text for key audiences, at least in first draft form.
• Utilize discussions and reference materials to conceptualize and create scripts and interview questions for the Institute’s strategic priorities and in alignment with program topics.
• Draft, edit, and partner with programs on blogs around event coverage, publication takeaways, Q&As, and other promotional goals and activities.
• Edit digital and print copy across a variety of mediums for errors, proper tone, and style – including blogs, reports, and event collateral.

Knowledge, Education, and Experience:

• 1-3 years of experience with writing, copyediting, and content creation, ideally with nonprofit or similar organizations.
• Demonstrated background incorporating research, interviews, and similar information into well-written first drafts.
• Be a generalist with the ability to jump into a variety of topics with a learners’ mind, enthusiasm, and flexibility.
• Demonstrated expertise copyediting a variety of texts, from white papers to blogs to social media posts.
• Familiarity with AP Style.
• Familiarity with content management systems, especially WordPress.
• Comfort with Google Docs for cross-team collaboration.

• Demonstrated ability to maintain a consistent brand voice in all digital content, aligning with the Institute’s brand guidelines.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Team player with a collaborative attitude.

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.

If you would like to request a reasonable accommodation regarding the accessibility of our website, a modification or adjustment of the job application or interview process due to a disability, contact HRSupport@aspeninstitute.org or call (202) 736-5800.