ABOUT US
The Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit organization whose purpose is to ignite human potential to build understanding and create new possibilities for a better world. Founded in 1949, the Institute drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve society’s greatest challenges. It is headquartered in Washington, DC, and has a campus in Aspen, Colorado, as well as an international network of partners.
PHILOSOPHY & SOCIETY PROGRAM
Philosophy & Society works to reignite the tradition of public philosophy. Through publications, events, and original research, Philosophy & Society seeks to press into our most haunting questions of individual and societal purpose — What is justice? What is humanity? What is society for?
ABOUT THIS ROLE
The Aspen Institute’s Philosophy & Society Program seeks a Managing Editor to lead the editorial vision, development, and production of the program’s primary publications.
This role sits at the center of the program’s work: shaping ideas for public engagement and ensuring that all outputs meet the highest standard of intellectual rigor, clarity, and relevance. The Managing Editor will oversee the full editorial lifecycle for individual pieces and for our in-house publications—from concept development through publication and dissemination—while managing up to an editorial board and down to associates.
The successful candidate will combine editorial authority, intellectual judgment, and strong operational discipline. They will serve as a key partner to the Executive Director in defining the program’s publications agenda and ensuring consistent, high-quality execution across formats.
The Managing Editor will report to the Executive Director of the Philosophy & Society Program. The salary range for this position is $93,000 - $100,000. Candidates must be based in Washington, DC, and meet the Aspen Institute’s regular attendance requirements. Remote candidates will not be considered.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
Publications Strategy
- Report to the program's Executive Director, working to define and execute the program’s editorial vision and publications agenda
- Take the primary agenda and distill it into a vision and operational plan for a specific publication or podcast
- Identify priority themes, contributors, and formats that advance the primary publication goals
- Develop a clear pipeline from idea generation through to publication and dissemination ensuring top quality for every output
- Foster a collaborative environment that supports strong thinking and high-quality writing
Editorial Leadership
- Report to senior program staff to clarify and implement primary publication goals.
- Serve as lead editor for the program’s publications and podcasts, with central responsibility in every aspect of the publication pipeline from publication strategy, to idea conception, to editing, to public dissemination.
- Establish and maintain consummate editorial standards across all outputs.
- Edit individual essays and outputs with various stakeholders to refine arguments to highest standards of quality in writing and argument.
- Work with various members of staff to develop concepts into full pieces for publication in-house or pitches for external publications.
- Responsibility for primary editorial judgements regarding content, structure, and readiness for publication.
Editorial Operations & Workflow
- Design and manage editorial workflows, timelines, and production processes.
- Ensure coordination across multiple projects and formats.
- Track progress of publications and ensure timely delivery.
Audience & Dissemination
- Develop strategies to expand the reach and impact of the program’s publications.
- Collaborate on placement, partnerships, and distribution channels.
- Explore and implement new formats (audio, video, digital-first) to engage broader audiences.
- Manage junior staff to support editorial workflows.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with program, communications, and external partners to align editorial work with broader institutional goals.
- Support events and convenings by shaping intellectual content and outputs.
Strategic Contributions
- Contribute to fundraising and partnerships related to publications, including tracking grant deliverables and reporting.
- Assist in drafting fundraising and new business proposals and representing the program externally as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
- Bachelor’s degree and 7+ years of experience in editorial leadership, journalism, or related fields required.
- Demonstrated ability to shape complex ideas into clear, compelling written work.
- Excellent understanding of the very rapid pace of the contemporary media ecosystems and the core skills needed to make compelling public arguments in that environment.
- Strong editorial judgment and attention to detail, with demonstrated experience managing a team of writers or content creators.
- Experience with an editorial board—working with and reporting to a masthead—preferred.
- Ability to engage with creators to get a piece from ideation to first draft to published essay.
- Experience managing multiple editorial projects simultaneously.
- Ability to build and maintain efficient workflows and production systems.
- Experience with multimedia or digital publishing formats.
- Ability to move between philosophical depth and public-facing clarity.
- Strong interpersonal skills and collaborative mindset.
- Strong organizational and time management skills.
- Understanding of how ideas reach and engage public audiences.
- Intellectual curiosity and generosity.
- Commitment to rigor, clarity, and public impact.
- Flexibility and willingness to support evolving program needs.
- Ability to work non-traditional hours to support high paced work culture and publication rhythms.
- Must be based in Washington, DC.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are to be submitted on or before May 8, 2026.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
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.
The Aspen Institute welcomes individuals with disabilities to participate in its programs, including the interview process. If you would like to request accommodations or hav questions about accessibility, please email [email protected] or call 202-736-2127 in advance of your visit. Requests for ASL or CART services should be made at least two weeks in advance when possible. We will make every effort to fulfill requests, subject to availability.
