Strategic Operations Intern Jobs in Berkeley, CA

ABOUT US

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.

ASPEN POLICY ACADEMY

The Aspen Institute’s Policy Academy helps community leaders and experts across the political spectrum elevate their voices, influence key decisions, and strengthen democracy from the ground up. We believe that the people closest to problems are best positioned to come up with solutions, so we work to empower citizens to have a say in the decisions that affect them. Our innovative training programs and resources equip people across sectors – from tech to the environment, science to civic engagement – with the skills to shape critical policy efforts. We’re building an America where everyone is engaged in our democratic process—and has the power to make a difference. 

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Aspen Policy Academy seeks a part-time Social Media Intern to support content creation and social media strategy. This role reports to the Program and Communications Coordinator and will work closely with the Strategy and Operations Manager and the broader Academy team. The intern will play a key role in social media and content creation, supporting a robust public profile for the Academy and helping establish our staff and Fellows as key resources for partners who want to have policy impact.

This is a remote position, but candidates based in San Francisco, CA, are preferred to help capture in-person content for Academy events. The internship is expected to last 12 months. The anticipated workload is approximately 10 hours per week, with some fluctuation depending on program needs and the intern’s school schedule.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Social Media & Content Creation

• Engage with the Academy’s community on social media (liking, commenting, and reposting content).

• Pitch, draft, and share social posts across LinkedIn, Instagram (including Reels), X, and Bluesky.

• Create and edit social media graphics, photos, and video content as needed.

• Track, analyze, and report social media metrics.

• Research trends to inform social media strategy.

• Transform existing Academy news posts and reports into engaging, bite-sized content.

• Assist in researching and compiling influencer databases for potential partnerships.

• Develop creative campaigns to highlight Academy programs and accomplishments.

• Special projects, as necessary.

Additional responsibilities:

• Track our alumni and their impact (e.g., careers, accomplishments, media hits).

• Assist with sending program recruitment emails, as needed.

• Assist with operational or programmatic tasks as needed.

• (If in San Francisco) Attend Academy training sessions, gaining exposure to policy advocacy skills and industry guest speakers.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

• Practical nonprofit and policy social media operations experience.

• Structured, experiential training in key communications skills and strategies including understanding brand voice and audience segmentation.

• Experience using a wide range of professional tools and platforms including Airtable and Asana.

• A professional portfolio of polished social media outputs including a final, self-directed project.

• Direct mentorship and feedback from a team of communications professionals.

• The opportunity to attend events and network with policy experts and industry leaders.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE

• Undergraduate or Graduate student.

• Strong organizational, reliability, and time management skills.

• Ability to work independently as this is a primarily remote position.

• Some experience with social media management, video editing, and graphic design.

• Creativity and strategic thinking for social media campaigns.

• Passion for policy, social impact, and nonprofit work.

• Interest in gaining exposure to nonprofit operations in addition to social media management.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume. Please also submit a portfolio of 3-5 social media posts or other professional communications outputs that you have produced. Applicants without a portfolio will not be considered. 

Please note that since strong writing skills are a key qualification for this role, candidates who heavily rely on generative AI to prepare their application materials may not be a good fit. 

For various reasons, amazing talent hesitate to apply for positions for which they could potentially be a great fit. We strongly encourage you to apply for this position if it aligns with your career interests and skillset, even if you are not sure whether you meet all of the qualifications.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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, please contact HRSupport@aspeninstitute.org or call (202) 736-5800.