Washington, DC-- The Aspen Institute- Public Affairs Coordinator

Public Affairs Coordinator



Education: Bachelor (BA, BS, etc.)
Location: Washington, District of Columbia, 20036-1133, United States
Posted by: The Aspen Institute
Job Category: Communications, Research
Language(s): English
Job posted on: February 23, 2009
Area of Focus: Communications Access and Infrastructure, Media and Journalism
Type: Full time
Last day to apply: April 24, 2009
Last updated: February 23, 2009



Description:
Position Title: Public Affairs Coordinator
Program/Dept: Communications Department
Position Location: Washington, DC
Reports To: VP of Communications & Public Affairs
FLSA Status: Exempt

The Aspen Institute:
The Aspen Institute mission is twofold: to foster values-based leadership, encouraging individuals to reflect on the ideals and ideas that define a good society, and to provide a neutral and balanced venue for discussing and acting on critical issues.

The Aspen Institute does this primarily in four ways:

? Seminars, which help participants reflect on what they think makes a good society, thereby deepening knowledge, broadening perspectives and enhancing their capacity to solve the problems leaders face.
? Young-leader fellowships around the globe, which bring a selected class of proven leaders together for an intense multi-year program and commitment. The fellows become better leaders and apply their skills to significant challenges.
? Policy programs, which serve as nonpartisan forums for analysis, consensus building, and problem solving on a wide variety of issues.
? Public conferences and events, which provide a commons for people to share ideas.

The Institute is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has campuses in Aspen, Colorado, New York and on the Wye River near the shores of the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland.

Public Affairs:
The Public Affairs office within the Communications Department is responsible for media relations and communications support of Institute programs. The team manages the external communications efforts including media placement and response, editorial writing, and communications counsel to Aspen Institute programs.

Basic Function:
The Public Affairs Coordinator supports the Vice President of Communications and Deputy Director with all facets of media relations and external communications activities for the Aspen Institute at large and its programs.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
• Coordinate planning and execution of monthly roundtable series and other special programs
• Assist VP of Communications and Deputy Director in all aspects of Communications Department work
• Maintain media database
• Manage, maintain, and disseminate press clippings
• Provide editorial and research support to editor of Institute’s bi-annual magazine––The Aspen Idea.
• Coordinate distribution of The Aspen Idea magazine, respond to requests, and provide support in other non-editorial capacities
• Draft written materials such as news releases, newsletters, fact sheets, bios, and related correspondence
• Respond to press calls and to general public inquiries
• Provide organizational and editorial support for departmental products including press kits, brochures, and other written materials.
• Perform research (fact checking, media information, etc.).
• Help coordinate myriad public relations projects, such as symposia and special events
• Maintain Institute’s Global Calendar
• Work with web team to regularly update content on Institute’s homepage.
• Stay actively informed of activities of the Institute

Principal Interactions:
Interacts routinely with Communications team members, Institute employees at all levels, members of the media, and external constituents.

Knowledge, Education and Experience:
• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications or related area, with one (1) to three (3) years of related experience
• Working knowledge of media directories, related services, and other media relations tools
• Outstanding writing skills with a focus on detail and accuracy
• Strong organizational skills with ability to complete projects and handle multiple tasks simultaneously
• Ability to work independently and well with a diverse group of people throughout the organization
• Demonstrated ability to work under tight deadlines
• Web savvy
• Flexible and versatile work style
• Superior computer skills: proficient Microsoft Office; desktop publishing skills a plus

Physical Requirements & Work Conditions
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel. The employee is frequently required to stand, walk, sit, reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Level of Authority:
• Non-supervisory position
• No budgetary authority
How to Apply:
To apply, send resume with cover letter to:

The Aspen Institute
Human Resources
One Dupont Circle N.W., Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
Email: resumes@aspeninstitute.org
fax: (202) 736 2524
EOE