Development Communications Associate Jobs in Ashburn, VA

ABOUT US
The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society's greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners.
THE RELIGION & SOCIETY PROGRAM
The Aspen Institute's Religion & Society Program (RSP) ignites change by convening, catalyzing, and researching important challenges and opportunities at the convergence of religion, culture, and justice. The Associate would contribute to the team by developing graphics and videos, maintaining the program's website; supporting the development of electronic communications, maintaining social media; and assisting in special projects. The Communications Associate will work closely with all members of the RSP team to support project communication needs.
RSP hosts three program initiatives: Faith Angle Forum, Religion Fellows, and the Religion & Philanthropy initiative. All three programs support cultural leaders in understanding and fostering a healthier, equitable public pluralism through robust dialogue across religious traditions. The Associate would also perform tasks related to successfully implementing these related programs.
In its programming, RSP honors the ideal of equitable public pluralism-basic equity, human flourishing, and justice in public life, not one tribe achieving hegemonic cultural victory over others. Many scholars and clerics argue it is possible to hold deeply to the depth of one's own faith tradition while also embracing, learning alongside, and being sharpened by those who believe differently. Aspen Religion Fellows, our Religion & Philanthropy gatherings, and our Faith Angle convenings set the table for engagement and mutual learning-building a dense, overlapping network of like-minded peers, and bridging ideological divides. The Associate would support programming for some of the country's leading clerics, philanthropists, journalists, and civic leaders.
ABOUT THIS ROLE
The Communications Associate will report to the Program Director and work closely with the rest of the RSP team to provide primary staff support through an array of functions integral to the success of the program. As Communications Associate, you will have the opportunity to exercise your skills in leading and managing work, engage collaboratively with the RSP team, and connect with a wide range of leaders across the nation.
Our ideal candidate is a multi-talented professional who has a passion for handling a wide range of logistical and communications tasks; demonstrates professional communication skills; is creative and eager to learn on the job; is excited about balancing multiple, often simultaneous, activities; and has extremely high standards for the quality of their work.
The role is a good fit for candidates seeking experience in the wide range of skills and capabilities needed to manage and operate a nonprofit organization. The successful candidate will be creative, enjoy balancing multiple, often simultaneous, communication and operational tasks, and have a passion for religious pluralism.
This is a full-time position with a salary of $60,000-68,000 a year. This position is located at the Aspen Institute's Washington, D.C. office, with the expectation to work from the office at least 40% of the time.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Communication & Engagement

• Develop tailored communication strategies and materials for RSP while incorporating the department's broader audience and communication priorities as well as specific programmatic priorities.
• Source thought leadership content from internal and external stakeholders, leveraging various content formats such as articles, testimonials, whitepapers, social media, and webinars while maintaining alignment with the Aspen Institute's brand.
• Maintain and update the RSP website with current information and network-focused content that effectively communicates the value of programming.
• Create graphics and short videos for program communications.
• Draft and post written, image and video content on social media platforms (LinkedIn, Instagram, X, YouTube, etc.).
• Design emails for monthly newsletters and other program blasts.
• Maintain and improve program websites (RSP and Faith Angle Forum).
• Use data analytics to improve communication outreach strategies.
• Support development of presentations, one-pagers, and decks for projects.
• Coordinate activities with consultants, photographers, and Institute comms staff, as needed.
• Coordinate activities with the communication teams of program partners.
• Edit content and draft social and other content, as needed.

Operations/Financial Support

• Coordinate cross-functional collaboration among internal teams and external stakeholders, serving as the central point of communication.
• Create and streamline processes for collecting, organizing and producing high-quality meeting materials, managing publication inventory, and handling printing, shipping and copying requirements.
• Execute efficient systems for tracking and processing post-event participant reimbursements and vendor payments.
• Create and maintain operations documentation to establish consistent processes and facilitate knowledge transfer across the team.
• Assist with on-the-ground event execution as needed.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE

• 1-3 years of experience in communications and project management work (Relevant college coursework, internships, and academic projects may be considered in lieu of professional experience).
• Demonstrated communications experience, taking complete ownership of work, ensuring its high-quality delivery, and when relevant, overseeing team efforts to achieve excellence. Adept project management skills to handle increasingly complex tasks.
• Ability to be adaptable and remain flexible when carrying out tasks so that you can identify ways to better support the team.
• Ability to manage time effectively, work autonomously and with a small team.
• A positive, can-do, "Yes, and" attitude.
• Excellent computer skills and mastery of Adobe inDesign and Photoshop, and familiarity with office productivity tools like Asana, Cvent, Google Suite, Zoom, etc..
• Ability to travel up to 20% of time. Occasional night and weekend work is required, usually as part of the planning or execution of events.

TO APPLY
All applicants must submit the following to be considered for the position:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• Completed online application through the Aspen Institute web page

This job posting will close on May 31, 2026.
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.
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.