Director, Global Programs

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.

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Program Description

The Stevens Initiative is an international leader in virtual exchange, which brings young people from diverse places together to collaborate and connect through everyday technology. Created in 2015 as a lasting tribute to Ambassador J. Christopher Stevens, the Initiative invests in virtual exchange programs; shares research, resources, and promising practices to improve impact; and advocates for broader adoption. Learn more

Basic Function

The Director of Global Programs sets and implements a global programming strategy to advance the mission of the Stevens Initiative to grow and scale virtual exchange by fostering a robust ecosystem of partners and implementers. Reporting to the Executive Director, the Director manages a team of 5-7 professional staff and works closely with other members of the senior leadership team.

The Director will bring solid experience and expertise in developing investment strategies, program management, partner cultivation and management, global education, and exchange. They are driven by evidence-based approaches and a rapidly evolving domestic and global landscape. They will ensure the implementation of robust global programs through high standards of quality and leading with innovation and collaboration.

This role requires exceptional strategic thinking and execution, a deep understanding of virtual exchange and global education, and a proven record in leading large-scale, high-impact international programs.

In accordance with our Reimagining Work policy, the Director should be willing to be in-person with colleagues a minimum of 40% of the time while having the flexibility to work remotely for the balance. In-person consists of meaningful connections with colleagues in an office, traveling to a different office or location to meet fellow staff members, at an Aspen event, at a meeting outside the office or other opportunities to meet in person with teammates and colleagues.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Strategy Development and Execution

• Develop and implement a comprehensive global programs strategy.
• Continuously assess programmatic trends and opportunities to drive program expansion, innovation, and technical excellence, propelling the virtual exchange field towards growth and scale.
• Drive cross-pillar investment approaches and best practices into programs to maximize impact and sustainability.

Delivering Program Impact

• Oversee efforts to grow the Stevens Initiative’s impact by improving grant and program quality, and better meet the needs of the field and communities the Initiative serves by integrating, aligning, and layering programmatic work across various funding portfolios.
• Direct the planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of all global programs, ensuring their quality, effectiveness, and impact.
• Ensure that programs align with strategic priorities and budget is effectively distributed to ensure that the programs are resourced for success.
• Maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including implementing partner organizations, research hubs, governments, funders to ensure effective program delivery and long-term sustainability.
• Provide strategic guidance on data analytics and the linkages for effective decision-making, sharing, and learning that supports performance improvement and growth.

Program Representation & Development

• Work closely with the senior leadership team, helping scale programs by contributing to revenue growth strategies, identify and pursue funding opportunities to support the growth of the Initiative.
• Contribute to the growth of the Initiative through partner identification, funder development, resource mobilization, supporting the design of compelling proposals.
• Promote knowledge-sharing and collaboration across the research and global learning sectors.

Knowledge, Education, and Experience

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant field with at least 10 years of relevant experience;
• Progressively responsible experience in program and international development and with at least seven years of management experience;
• Highly strategic and creative systems-thinker;
• Compelling and diplomatic communicator (written and verbal) with the ability to effectively communicate across diverse cultures;
• Excellent organizational skills;
• Politically savvy and attuned to global trends;
• Able to work in a globally distributed program;
• Experience working with a variety of different donors, with a strong focus on U.S. government grants;
• Ability to mentor, coach, and professionally develop staff and teams for improved success;
• Strong interest in the mission of the Stevens Initiative;
• Strong commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and leadership.

Special Qualifications

• Knowledge of and experience working with innovative curricula, pedagogies, and technologies associated with the global education and virtual exchange fields.

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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