Senior Director, Cybersecurity Programs

ABOUT US

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.

ASPEN DIGITAL

Aspen Digital is a nonpartisan technology and information-focused program that brings together thinkers and doers to uncover new ideas and spark policies, processes, and procedures that empower communities and strengthen democracy. It is future-focused and inspires collaboration among diverse voices from industry, government, and civil society to ensure our interconnected world is accessible, safe, and inclusive – both online and off. Across its initiatives, Aspen Digital develops methods for elevating promising solutions and turning thought into networked impact. To learn more, visit aspendigital.org

The Aspen Institute’s Cybersecurity Program, founded in 2017, stands as the field’s leading convenor of high-level dialogues between the senior-most levels of industry, government, and civil society, helping to drive change on issues like artificial intelligence, workforce, critical infrastructure security, international cyber norms and standards, among other efforts. Its work has helped lead to Fortune 100 hiring reforms, federal legislation, and its events regularly host Cabinet and sub-Cabinet leaders from across the US government, as well as executives from foreign partners and allies. Specific programs under this umbrella include the US Cybersecurity Group, the Global Cybersecurity Group, programming around Cyber Civil Defense, and other regular public and private events throughout the year, ranging in size from intimate closed-door roundtables to large-scale public conferences.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

The Senior Director of Cybersecurity Programs oversees all aspects of Aspen Digital’s cybersecurity initiatives and programming, both existing and to be developed. The Senior Director ensures superb execution of existing projects, top-tier gatherings, and working groups; engages deeply with high-profile stakeholders across government, the private sector and civil society; and identifies actionable ideas for change across the cybersecurity arena. Already a subject matter expert, the ideal candidate will consistently grow thought leadership and strong professional networks relevant to cybersecurity and technology, as well as help develop a vision and strategy for the next iteration of Aspen Digital’s growth and leadership at the intersection of technology and security.

The Senior Director will report to the VP and Executive Director of Aspen Digital. The Senior Director will directly manage Directors of cybersecurity Programming and other program staff. The salary range for this position is $205,000-$250,000. This is a hybrid, Washington, DC-based position. Selected candidates are expected to work in person at the Washington, DC office approximately two days per week.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Lead the continuous growth and success of the flagship Aspen US and Global Cybersecurity Groups, working closely with the group staff director and co-chairs to guide workstreams, recruit members, engage with government partners, and drive impact.
• Lead the program’s schedule of annual, recurring cybersecurity events, including the flagship Aspen Cyber Summit — developing conference themes, agendas, recruiting speakers, participants, and sponsors, and overseeing event logistics, in partnership with the Aspen Digital events team — as well as other high-profile events and regular issue-specific roundtables, seminars, and workshops.
• Engage with existing funders and help develop and secure new sources of revenue from philanthropic and corporate entities and oversee project budgets.
• Manage and grow Aspen Digital’s corporate, government, and civil society engagement on cybersecurity issues, including developing educational and high-profile webinars, roundtables, and other live events that regularly engage senior corporate leaders and officials from around the world.
• Identify and recruit program participants from a wide, diverse set of backgrounds.
• Handle relevant logistics such as protocol matters liaising with national and international dignitaries, with a high degree of care and service.
• Oversee the Program’s Cyber Civil Defense (CCD) efforts in close collaboration with craig Newmark philanthropies (cnp) and the many CCD grantees and regularly engage with cnp to ensure that Aspen Digital is meeting cnp’s goals.
• Represent Aspen Digital and Aspen cyber initiatives to the industry and the media as warranted, including thought leadership on cyber issues via op-eds, press interviews, public engagement, industry events, overseas exchanges, social media, and more.
• Be a resource to staff across the Institute on topics of technology and security.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE

• 15 years of relevant experience, including a track record of leadership and accomplishments.
• Extensive content knowledge and networks in the areas of cybersecurity and technology policy.
• Deep understanding of US government roles and responsibilities in cybersecurity, key positions, and proven ability to interface with senior leaders from across government branches.
• Record of success performing in demanding environments that require strategic planning and execution; coordination across functions; stakeholder engagement; and leadership in a team context.
• Proven experience leading and managing staff as well as external partners from diverse backgrounds (industry, philanthropy, nonprofit).
• Communications savvy: Experience in public speaking and thought leadership, including ability to guide a room of senior leaders, and to engage diverse audiences in public and private settings. Strong, demonstrable writing and editing skills.
• Entrepreneurial acumen and drive, ability to see and respond to opportunities to strengthen and/or course correct program plan to increase program reach.
• Experience with fundraising, program development, and design.
• Experience handling dignities and protocol issues.
• Ability to thrive in a fast changing, dynamic environment.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including a desire to learn.
• Willingness and ability to travel.

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 have questions about accessibility, please email hrsupport@aspeninstitute.org 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.

Salary : $205,000 - $250,000