The Aspen Institute
Senior Manager, Benefits Transformation Initiative
The Aspen Institute, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Overview
Senior Manager, Benefits Transformation Initiative Join to apply for the Senior Manager, Benefits Transformation Initiative role at 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. The Senior Manager is a core member of the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program’s Benefits Transformation Initiative. This initiative aims to convene cross‑sector leaders, develop innovative tools, and elevate actionable insights to close benefit gaps, enhance state capacity, and build integrated, responsive, and modernized systems of public and workplace benefits. The role focuses on the on‑the‑ground implementation of these goals, supporting leaders in building administrative and technological capacity for true systems change. What You Will Do
State Project Management and Implementation Support: Lead and manage complex, multi‑state projects designed to accelerate the adoption of modernized benefits delivery practices, from initial scoping and planning through execution and evaluation; coordinate cross‑state initiatives focused on high‑impact solutions (e.g., multistate common application, modernization of Electronic Benefit Transfer systems, multi‑state adoption of new income verification tools); provide direct support to state partners by deploying resources, including potentially regranted funding for pilot projects and identifying targeted technical assistance to overcome implementation hurdles; develop and maintain robust project management systems with detailed timelines, work plans, and communication protocols for clarity and accountability across multiple concurrent state engagements. Convening, Facilitation, and Network Building: Lead the design, organization, and facilitation of high‑impact convenings and working groups that bring together state public benefits executives and ecosystem leaders to share best practices, workshop innovative delivery models, and co‑design solutions; serve as the primary relationship manager for a portfolio of diverse state solutions partners, building deep trust and credibility with state leaders to foster a collaborative network; support members of the State Benefits Leadership Cohort in identifying and implementing solutions identified by cohort activities. Ecosystem Partnership and Resource Connection: Proactively identify, vet, and connect state agencies with best‑in‑class technical providers, civic technology organizations, and other implementation partners; develop and nurture relationships with key stakeholders beyond state government, including technology vendors, philanthropic partners, and research institutions; stay abreast of emerging trends, tools, and innovations in benefits administration, human‑centered design, and civic technology to advise state partners on cutting‑edge solutions. Initiative Strategy and Collaboration: Contribute to the ongoing development of the initiative’s strategy for engaging and supporting states; collaborate with peers on Insights and Evidence and Communications teams to translate learnings into published research, case studies, and other products; represent the Benefits Transformation Initiative at conferences, panel discussions, and other public events to share insights and raise the initiative’s profile. What You Will Need To Thrive
5+ years of progressively responsible professional experience in a relevant field such as public administration, program management, management consulting, or public sector technology. A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience is required. A graduate degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field is a plus. A deep commitment to the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program’s mission of financial security for all and a passion for modernizing public benefits systems. Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi‑stakeholder projects from conception to completion, utilizing formal project management tools and methodologies. Preference for experience working directly within or in close partnership with state government agencies responsible for administering public benefits (e.g., SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, WIC). Demonstrated understanding of the operational, technological, and political challenges involved in public benefits delivery and systems change at the state level. Exceptional facilitation and communication skills, with the ability to develop agendas, lead productive discussions, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and present complex information clearly and persuasively, both verbally and in writing. Superior relationship management skills, with the ability to quickly build trust and credibility with senior leaders in government, technology, and philanthropy. Familiarity with the civic technology landscape and human‑centered design principles is a significant plus. Ability to commit to up to 20% domestic 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.
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Senior Manager, Benefits Transformation Initiative Join to apply for the Senior Manager, Benefits Transformation Initiative role at 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. The Senior Manager is a core member of the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program’s Benefits Transformation Initiative. This initiative aims to convene cross‑sector leaders, develop innovative tools, and elevate actionable insights to close benefit gaps, enhance state capacity, and build integrated, responsive, and modernized systems of public and workplace benefits. The role focuses on the on‑the‑ground implementation of these goals, supporting leaders in building administrative and technological capacity for true systems change. What You Will Do
State Project Management and Implementation Support: Lead and manage complex, multi‑state projects designed to accelerate the adoption of modernized benefits delivery practices, from initial scoping and planning through execution and evaluation; coordinate cross‑state initiatives focused on high‑impact solutions (e.g., multistate common application, modernization of Electronic Benefit Transfer systems, multi‑state adoption of new income verification tools); provide direct support to state partners by deploying resources, including potentially regranted funding for pilot projects and identifying targeted technical assistance to overcome implementation hurdles; develop and maintain robust project management systems with detailed timelines, work plans, and communication protocols for clarity and accountability across multiple concurrent state engagements. Convening, Facilitation, and Network Building: Lead the design, organization, and facilitation of high‑impact convenings and working groups that bring together state public benefits executives and ecosystem leaders to share best practices, workshop innovative delivery models, and co‑design solutions; serve as the primary relationship manager for a portfolio of diverse state solutions partners, building deep trust and credibility with state leaders to foster a collaborative network; support members of the State Benefits Leadership Cohort in identifying and implementing solutions identified by cohort activities. Ecosystem Partnership and Resource Connection: Proactively identify, vet, and connect state agencies with best‑in‑class technical providers, civic technology organizations, and other implementation partners; develop and nurture relationships with key stakeholders beyond state government, including technology vendors, philanthropic partners, and research institutions; stay abreast of emerging trends, tools, and innovations in benefits administration, human‑centered design, and civic technology to advise state partners on cutting‑edge solutions. Initiative Strategy and Collaboration: Contribute to the ongoing development of the initiative’s strategy for engaging and supporting states; collaborate with peers on Insights and Evidence and Communications teams to translate learnings into published research, case studies, and other products; represent the Benefits Transformation Initiative at conferences, panel discussions, and other public events to share insights and raise the initiative’s profile. What You Will Need To Thrive
5+ years of progressively responsible professional experience in a relevant field such as public administration, program management, management consulting, or public sector technology. A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience is required. A graduate degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field is a plus. A deep commitment to the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program’s mission of financial security for all and a passion for modernizing public benefits systems. Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi‑stakeholder projects from conception to completion, utilizing formal project management tools and methodologies. Preference for experience working directly within or in close partnership with state government agencies responsible for administering public benefits (e.g., SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, WIC). Demonstrated understanding of the operational, technological, and political challenges involved in public benefits delivery and systems change at the state level. Exceptional facilitation and communication skills, with the ability to develop agendas, lead productive discussions, build consensus among diverse stakeholders, and present complex information clearly and persuasively, both verbally and in writing. Superior relationship management skills, with the ability to quickly build trust and credibility with senior leaders in government, technology, and philanthropy. Familiarity with the civic technology landscape and human‑centered design principles is a significant plus. Ability to commit to up to 20% domestic 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.
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