Assistant Director, Aspen Institute ESG Summit - The Aspen Institute

ABOUT US

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.

The Aspen Institute Business & Society Program

The Aspen Institute Business and Society Program works with business executives and scholars to align business decisions and investments with the long-term health of society and the planet. Through carefully designed networks, working groups and focused dialogue, the Program identifies and inspires thought leaders and “intrapreneurs” to challenge conventional ideas about capitalism and markets, to test new measures of business success and to connect classroom theory and business practice.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Aspen Institute Business & Society seeks a new director for its annual Aspen ESG Summit. The Aspen ESG Summit is the Business & Society Program’s marquee event, held each summer in Aspen, Colorado. The Summit is an invitation-only, immersive gathering of ~ 200 business leaders, long-term investors, corporate governance experts and those who advise, prod, and regulate business. The Summit creates space for participants to examine and advance current thinking and practice in corporate ESG strategy.

The Aspen ESG Summit is customized each year to reflect current topics and priorities. The event is tailored to the specific interests and expertise of participants with a heavy emphasis on participatory dialogue and peer exchange.  The Assistant Director, Aspen ESG Summit, will have a team of staff colleagues and contractors to support fundraising, event production, communication, and agenda setting. Please note that the event title will be updated for the 2025 iteration.

This position reports to the Deputy Director. The salary range for this role is $140,000 - $150,000. Successful candidates will be located in the NYC area and will be prepared to be in our NYC office at least two days per week to collaborate with colleagues. 

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Assume overall responsibility for design and delivery of the Aspen ESG Summit

• Optimize the Summit’s role within Aspen BSP’s broader strategy and goals

• Set the broad thematic direction for the annual event, and identify key topics for plenary and breakout sessions

• Source and work directly with highly curated selection of speakers and participants

• Lead the agenda development process

• Source and work directly with Summit sponsors

• Work with the team to develop a robust pre- and post-Summit communication strategy that leverages participants and content to strengthen the Aspen BSP brand and advance the field

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE

• At least five years of experience in areas of corporate sustainability, social impact, corporate governance and sustainable finance, with demonstrable interest/experience in the role of corporations in one or more of the following domains:

  • supply chain, labor and workforce conditions,

  • accountability and regulation,

  • partnership and innovation,

  • inequality and economic mobility,

  • employee engagement and voice,

  • climate and the energy transition

• At least five years of experience working with executive-level business leaders

• At least five years of experience overseeing the design and production of large-scale events

• Proven capacity for effective writing and public speaking

• Capacity to research new topics and capture and convey nuance about the issues

• Excels at working with and forming meaningful relationships with a range of colleagues and collaborators.

• The ideal candidate will have expertise in corporate fundraising, sponsorship, and partnerships.

• The ideal candidate will have expertise in marketing and communication

TO APPLY

To apply for this position, include a current resume and cover letter outlining your interest and fit for the role.

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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