ABOUT US

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.

Aspen Digital

Aspen Digital is a nonpartisan technology and information-focused organization that brings together thinkers and doers to uncover new ideas and spark policies, processes, and procedures that empower communities and strengthen democracy. This future-focused Aspen Institute program inspires collaboration among diverse voices from industry, government, and civil society to ensure our interconnected world is accessible, safe, and inclusive – both online and off. Across its initiatives, Aspen Digital develops methods for elevating promising solutions and turning thought into networked impact. To learn more, visit aspendigital.org

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Director of AI & Democracy drives Aspen Digital’s strategy at the intersection of AI and public trust. The Director will take over the ongoing AI Elections Initiative and support the Initiative’s Advisory Council, while also developing a long-term strategy for Aspen Digital’s effort to secure civic participation - a hallmark of democracy - in the face of fast-evolving AI. The Director will leverage the Initiative’s prior work to build a highly strategic roadmap in support of democratic resilience via strategic convenings; partnerships; targeted publications and external messaging; and policy-maker support.

This position reports to Aspen Institute Vice President and Aspen Digital Executive Director. The Director interacts externally with key stakeholders, partners, and funders, while collaborating with colleagues across Aspen Digital. The position will manage existing staff and will travel nationally, as needed. The salary for this position is $160,000 to $190,000. This is a remote-eligible position with working hours on Eastern Standard Time.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Engage stakeholders strategically across government, civil society, industry representatives, media, and research institutes regarding the impact of emerging technologies on democratic resilience and election integrity. Engagements will include convenings, co-programing, written products, or other strategic opportunities this position will identify and develop.

• Identify, recruit, and support program participants and members of an advisory council representing diverse backgrounds and expertise.

• Compose and publish written materials that advance program goals among key stakeholders, prioritize actionable analysis, and support efforts to mitigate harms and seize opportunities at the intersection of AI and elections.

• Represent Aspen Digital’s work on AI, election integrity, and democracy to stakeholders, policymakers, and/or media, when warranted.

• Maintain existing funding and develop efforts to gain additional funding sources.

• Consult with relevant teams across the Aspen Institute and serve as a resource for program staff on AI, election integrity and democracy, all in coordination with Aspen Digital’s Executive Director.

• Inform cross-functional partners, leadership across the Aspen Institute as necessary to leverage team resources and support opportunities for collaboration and organizational growth.

• Other duties as indicated by Aspen Digital’s Executive Director.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE

• 10+ years of combined experience in the technology industry and at least one of the following: government post(s) focused on human rights and democracy issues; journalism with contacts in relevant sectors; civil society with relevant focus areas; law; advocacy/government affairs; technology company with relevant focus area.

• Degree(s) in journalism, human rights, law, political science (or related), or relevant technologies are strongly preferred, but not required.

• Demonstrated expertise and established network at the intersection of democratic values and technological change.

• Record of success performing in demanding environments that required strategic planning and execution; coordination across functions; stakeholder engagement; messaging management; and leadership in a team context.

• Strong analytical skills, strategic thinking, and roadmap management.

• Experience as a people manager is preferred, but not required.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively across diverse audiences.

• Experience managing priorities and achieving results in a dynamic operating environment.

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.

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