Senior Associate, Cybersecurity Programs at The Aspen Institute in Washington, DC

Job description

• The Senior Associate is a core member of the Cybersecurity Programs team, providing critical support for Cybersecurity Group and annual Cyber Summit program development, operations, and evolution. This position serves as a critical enabler across a portfolio of multi-stakeholder convenings, high-visibility projects, and core relationships focused on cybersecurity policy, both domestically and globally, helping Directors lead premier cybersecurity fora across the public-private ecosystem.
• Key responsibilities include preparing Group and Summit briefing and meeting materials, coordinating meetings, supporting event planning, and maintaining group membership relationships. The ideal candidate thrives in a fast-paced environment, anticipates obstacles, and keeps multiple workstreams on track simultaneously.
• The Senior Associate will work closely under two Directors of Cyber Security Programs. The salary range for this position is $70,000–$85,000. This is a Washington, D.C. based position, and employees are expected to work in person at the office approximately two days a week.

Responsibilities

• Support Directors in agenda creation, theme curation, and speaker recruitment for high-level meetings and roundtables.
• Research, assemble, and distribute background materials for internal and external meetings.
• Support the planning, administration, and logistics of virtual and in-person events, including liaising with diverse external stakeholders by creating forms and tracking attendance and sponsorship agreements.
• Use digital tools to create forms, surveys, and program materials.
• Take notes in stakeholder meetings and disseminate follow-up materials.
• Identify opportunities to improve the quality and efficiency of the program and implement improvements, as directed.
• Track U.S. and Global Cybersecurity Group and Cyber Summit program updates across the Cybersecurity Programs portfolio; support the compilation and tracking of upcoming events, milestones, and other impact metrics.
• Assist with editing and brainstorming ideas on cyber policy thought leadership.
• Lead speaker management for the Aspen Cyber Summit, serving as the daily point of contact and coordination lead for external stakeholders.
• Support external coordination for stakeholders participating in the U.S. and Global Cybersecurity Groups.
• Triage internal and external requests, routing inquiries and ensuring timely, organized follow-up.
• Collaborate with internal team members and external partners to manage timelines, meet project goals, and improve operational processes.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise discretion in handling sensitive materials and conversations.
• Support ad hoc projects, as needed.

Requirements

• At least 3-5 years of relevant professional experience in program coordination, executive support, or operations, preferably in a non-profit, policy, or mission-driven environment focused on cybersecurity or technology policy issues.
• Exceptional attention to detail with consistent habits of double-checking work for accuracy; demonstrated strength in planning, organizing, and following through on commitments.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously and stay on top of complex workflow details.
• Strong time management skills; excel at prioritizing competing demands and working independently.
• Quick to adapt to evolving priorities, modify plans on the fly, and get up to speed on new subject matter.
• Proactive, solutions-oriented, and collaborative.
• Willingness and ability to travel occasionally, including for in-person program convenings.
• Comfort with key platforms, including Slack, Zoom, Microsoft Outlook, and Google Suite. Experience with Jotform and AI tools is a plus.
• Interest in cybersecurity and technology policy issues.

Skills

Required

• Exceptional attention to detail
• Strong time management skills
• Ability to prioritize competing demands
• Ability to work independently
• Adaptability to evolving priorities

Preferred

• Experience with Jotform
• Experience with AI tools

Benefits

• The Aspen Institute offers a generous benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and prescription benefits; retirement benefits, and paid leave.