Director, Strategy – Operations

The Aspen Institute

Aspen Institute strategy director leading Philosophy & Society operations, staff, budgets, grants, fundraising, and partnerships. Driving program execution and growth from Washington, D.C.

Posted 8/5/2026full-timeWashington, D.C. • Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesLead💰 $95,000 - $105,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates strong leadership in nonprofit program management, with expertise in strategic planning, budget management, and grant oversight. Proven ability to build relationships and collaborate across sectors while executing complex initiatives and ensuring compliance with funder requirements.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Nonprofit LeadershipProgram ManagementStrategic PlanningGrant ManagementTeam Management

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Budget ManagementGrant TrackingProposal DevelopmentData EvaluationProject Management

Soft Skills

Excellent CommunicationOrganizational LeadershipRelationship BuildingAttention to DetailAdaptability

Industry Keywords

PhilanthropyCivic DialoguePublic PhilosophyStakeholder EngagementFunder Compliance

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Supervise program staff and support a high-performing team culture.
Establish goals, accountability structures, and professional development opportunities.
Coordinate decision-making processes and prepare briefing materials.
Manage strategic projects and ensure follow-through on key priorities.
Oversee day-to-day program operations and develop efficient, accountable systems.
Establish workflows and processes supporting program priorities.
Track grant deliverables, monitor milestones, prepare reports, and ensure funder compliance.
Manage program budgets and support financial planning, forecasting, and resource allocation.
Partner with the Executive Director to set and execute strategic priorities.
Lead planning processes and cross-functional initiatives.
Track program performance, evaluate impact, and report outcomes using data.
Develop fundraising strategies, cultivate funder relationships, and contribute to donor stewardship.
Lead proposal development, reporting, and grant management efforts.
Build relationships with philanthropic partners, academic institutions, media organizations, and external collaborators.
Identify and develop strategic partnerships.
Oversee public programs, workshops, convenings, and special events.
Represent the program internally and collaborate across the Aspen Institute.
Lead or support special initiatives, including program launches and institutional partnerships.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred.
Minimum of 7 years of professional experience in nonprofit leadership, program management, philanthropy, or a related field.
Experience managing teams, budgets, grants, contracts, and funded projects.
Demonstrated success leading complex initiatives involving multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
Strong strategic planning and organizational leadership skills.
Ability to translate vision into execution.
Comfort in a fast-moving environment where responsibilities may extend beyond 9–5 hours.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Experience preparing reports, proposals, presentations, and briefing materials.
Exceptional organizational and project management abilities.
Strong attention to detail and follow-through.
Ability to build and sustain relationships across sectors and constituencies.
Interest in the mission of public philosophy and the broader goals of the Philosophy & Society Initiative.
Familiarity with philosophy, ethics, or civic dialogue is a plus.

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive salaries
Health benefits
Dental benefits
Vision benefits
Prescription benefits
Retirement benefits
Paid leave
Reasonable accommodation for website accessibility or the application/interview process