Strategic Lead, Higher Ed Transfer & Reform

The Aspen Institute; United States; On-site; USD 135,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Dental benefits

Vision benefits

Retirement benefits

Paid leave

Job summary

The Aspen Institute is seeking an Associate Director for the College Excellence Program to lead national and state transfer portfolios, focusing on student outcomes and pathways to a bachelor’s degree. You will supervise staff, manage grants, and foster partnerships with college presidents and system leaders to advance workforce-aligned reforms.

Based in Washington, DC with travel, you will translate research into practical tools, drive cross-institution collaboration, and help secure continued

Qualifications

• 7+ years in education sector with leadership roles.
• Experience engaging college leaders and senior teams.
• Strong track record delivering high-impact programs.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic execution of national and state transfer portfolios.
• Design and deliver technical assistance and coaching for college leadership.
• Oversee budgets, grants, and partnerships to ensure accountability.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Executive communication

Project management

Partnership development

Policy implementation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

The Aspen Institute is seeking an Associate Director for the College Excellence Program to lead national and state transfer portfolios, focusing on student outcomes and pathways to a bachelor’s degree. You will supervise staff, manage grants, and foster partnerships with college presidents and system leaders to advance workforce-aligned reforms.

Based in Washington, DC with travel, you will translate research into practical tools, drive cross-institution collaboration, and help secure continued