About us
Founded in 1949, the Aspen Institute is a global nonprofit committed to realizing a free, just, and equitable society. Headquartered in Washington, DC, it drives change through dialogue, leadership, and action to help solve the most critical challenges facing communities around the world, supported by an international network of partner institutes and leadership programs across Europe, Asia, Latin America, and Africa.
Aspen Initiative Nairobi carries that mission forward in Nairobi, in Kenya and on the African continent. We convene diverse leaders across business, government, civil society, academia, and the arts to turn bold ideas into lasting impact, working at both the continental and community level, and connecting African leadership to the wider Aspen global network. Our work is grounded in values-based leadership, nonpartisan dialogue, and the conviction that leadership is best understood as service.
We are entering a defining chapter in our institutional growth, and we are looking for an Executive Director to help lead it.
About this role
The Executive Director is the heart of the organization. Reporting to the Board, you will set strategic direction, steward our programs and partnerships, and build the resources and institutional foundations that will sustain our impact for years to come. This is a builder’s role, for a builder’s moment: you’ll shape how a growing institution matures, and you’ll do it alongside a committed team and an engaged network of convenors and fellows.
What you’ll do
Strategy and leadership: Set and execute the organizational strategy in partnership with the Board; represent the Initiative to senior stakeholders across government, philanthropy, and the private sector.
Resource mobilization: Lead fundraising and cultivate multi-year partnerships with donors and funders who share our mission, a central priority for this stage of our growth.
Programs and impact: Oversee the design and delivery of high-quality programming; ensure strong monitoring, evaluation, and learning so that impact is sustained beyond individual program cycles.
Team and operations: Build and support a high-performing team; oversee sound financial management, governance, and operations.
Partnerships and voice: Deepen relationships across the Aspen global network and regional ecosystem; provide thought leadership that elevates ethical, values-based leadership across the continent.
What you’ll need to thrive
A deep commitment to our mission and to leadership as service, not status. Proven experience leading and growing an organization or a significant program, ideally in the nonprofit, policy, or development space. A strong track record of fundraising and donor partnership. Sound judgment on strategy, finance, and governance. An entrepreneurial, collaborative mindset, comfortable building in a growth-stage environment. Excellent communication and public-speaking skills, and the credibility to represent the Initiative to senior audiences.