Design Associate

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.

Program Description:

The Communications and Marketing Department creates compelling content to elevate and position the Aspen Institute as a values-based organization that ignites human potential through dialogue, leadership, and action to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Our creative services team serves as an in-house agency that provides communications and marketing support to the Institute’s 40+ programs, initiatives, public events, fundraising efforts, and the president’s office. Learn more at aspeninstitute.org.

We function on the foundation of 5 values: Collaboration, Learning, Excellence, Accountability and Respect or CLEAR. These attributes and behaviors are how we work. Upholding our department values is of paramount importance as they guide us to thoughtfully engage with our colleagues whilst performing at the highest level.

Basic Function:

The Design Associate on the Creative Services team is vital in executing the content strategy for specific programs and initiatives at the Aspen Institute. They are an enthusiastic design professional who can listen to the needs of program partners and develop beautiful digital and print assets to meet those needs.

This position reports directly to the Project Manager (Creative Services, Communications &Marketing). The hourly rate for this role is $36.00 /hr. This role is expected to have a 6-month term length, with a possibility for extension depending on manager approval.

In accordance with our Reimagining Work policy, the Design Associate should be willing to be in-person with colleagues a minimum of 40% of the time in the D.C. office while having the flexibility to work remotely for the balance.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Collaborate with Creative Services to create visually engaging assets for a variety of Aspen Institute programs and projects, developing imagery, short videos, and infographics that align with brand messaging and enhance storytelling efforts on digital and social channels.
• Collaborate on digital media content calendars for Aspen Institute programs.
• Design and create simple, clean, and compelling graphics and templates using Canva.
• Support the launch of announcements, new initiatives, and events with live coverage, social media tool kits, and other content marketing strategies.
• Maintain a consistent brand voice in all digital content, aligning with the Institute’s brand guidelines.
• Participate in discussions and design work related design strategy.

Knowledge, Education, and Experience:

• 1-3 years of professional experience preferred.
• Strong working knowledge of Adobe InDesign, Photoshop, Canva, HTML, and other design-related software; knowledge of project management tools such as Wrike and Asana a plus; Proficiency in the Adobe Suite preferred.
• Self-starter with project management experience.
• Experience working with and managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong time management skills.
• Experience working with non-designers on translating complex concepts across a range of topic areas into graphics.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Team player with a collaborative attitude.
• Must be willing to submit design samples of past work.

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.