Associate Director – Higher Education Reform & Transfer

The Aspen Institute; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 135,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision, and prescribed

Retirement benefits

Paid leave

Job summary

The Aspen Institute in Washington, DC seeks an Associate Director for the College Excellence Program to lead national transfer and four‑year portfolio work, strengthening degree attainment and economic mobility for diverse students.

You will shape strategy, oversee grants and budgets, mentor staff, and collaborate with college leaders to diagnose structural barriers, align curricula, engage funders, and advance evidence‑based practices—with travel and on‑site work expected.

Qualifications

• Seven years of relevant education experience with community college leaders and senior teams.
• Commitment to postsecondary student success and institutional impact at scale.
• Experience with institutional reform in higher education including community colleges and four-year institutions.
• Strong written and oral communication to engage presidents and funders.
• Track record of managing complex initiatives and grant milestones.
• Ability to mentor staff and collaborate across Aspen divisions.
• Attention to detail and problem-solving in project logistics.
• Analytical ability to translate data into strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic execution of transfer and four-year portfolios to improve outcomes.
• Provide coaching to college presidents and senior leaders to diagnose barriers.
• Design executive convenings, workshops, and site visits.
• Develop practical tools and guides with Aspen teams.
• Build strategic relationships across higher education systems and philanthropy.
• Oversee budgets, reporting, and grant expenditures.
• Mentor program staff and manage workload.

Skills

7+ years education

Mission alignment

Domain expertise in higher education

Executive communication

Project leadership

Collaborative management

Operational execution

Analytical capacity

Adaptability and resilience

Bachelor’s degree required; advanced I

Education

Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree preferred

Job description

The Aspen Institute in Washington, DC seeks an Associate Director for the College Excellence Program to lead national transfer and four‑year portfolio work, strengthening degree attainment and economic mobility for diverse students.

You will shape strategy, oversee grants and budgets, mentor staff, and collaborate with college leaders to diagnose structural barriers, align curricula, engage funders, and advance evidence‑based practices—with travel and on‑site work expected.