Talent.com
Program Assistant
Program AssistantAspen Institute • San Francisco, CA, US
Program Assistant

Program Assistant

Aspen Institute • San Francisco, CA, US
[job_card.30_days_ago]
[job_preview.job_type]
  • [job_card.full_time]
[job_card.job_description]

Program Assistant

The Program Assistant provides operational, administrative, communications, and events support to Aspen Policy Academy programs. Responsibilities will include supporting finance, contracting, and other operational processes; supporting writing and editing efforts; and assisting in special projects such as curriculum development. The Program Assistant will work closely with the small Academy team and will benefit from close mentorship from Academy and Aspen Digital leadership. They will also attend most Academy training program sessions, giving them exposure to critical skills in policy advocacy and policymaking, and the opportunity to hear from exciting guest speakers and policy leaders.

The ideal candidate is a multi-talented, entry-level professional who has a passion for handling a wide range of operational, logistical, and communications tasks; demonstrates professional communication skills; is creative and eager to learn on the job; is excited about balancing multiple, often simultaneous, activities; and has extremely high standards for the quality of their work. The role is a good fit for candidates seeking experience in the wide range of skills and capabilities needed to manage and operate a nonprofit organization and to learn more about the policy space.

The Program Assistant will report to the Academy's Strategy and Operations Manager, who reports to the Academy's Director. The salary range for this role is $60,000 $65,000. Bay Area-based candidates are preferred. Remote candidates must be willing to work mostly Pacific hours and to relocate to the Bay Area for a month every summer to help run our annual in-person fellowship program.

What You Will Do

Program Support

  • Assist with recruitment efforts for the Academy, organizing and executing outreach, reviewing applications, corresponding with applicants, and managing contracts.
  • Manage weekly operations for select Academy programs, including taking attendance, tracking participation and accomplishments, managing electronic filing and contact systems, and collecting assignments.
  • Organize curriculum material for select Academy programs, including drafting syllabi, prepping slides, and sometimes communicating with speakers.
  • Attend in-person and virtual sessions of Academy training programs.
  • Identify opportunities to improve the quality and efficiency of the program and implement improvements as directed.

Finance, Contracting, and Other Operations Work

  • Process invoices, expenses, reimbursements, and payments for services for Academy vendors and speakers.
  • Develop and maintain organization systems to keep track of finances, grants, and contracts.
  • Ensure that internal Academy guides on finance, contracting, and other operations are up to date.
  • Draft initial contracts for Academy vendors and coordinate revisions where necessary.
  • Schedule team-wide and external meetings.
  • Provide logistical support for high-profile and well-attended briefings, forums, roundtables, and other convenings, such as managing backend Zoom webinar settings and leading in-person event setup.
  • Communications and External Relations

  • Serve as the first point of contact for outside inquiries. Handle written, telephone, and web requests for information.
  • Serve as a backup for communications staff members, which could include crafting content for social media accounts, the Academy's website, newsletters, and grant reports.
  • Support initiatives that will broaden awareness of the Academy's programs and activities.
  • Proofread white papers, policy briefs, and other products written by science and technology experts prior to publication.
  • Manage relationships with external contractors and vendors, ensuring they complete work and are paid on time.
  • Other

  • Execute special projects for the Academy as necessary, conducting research and operational support.
  • Participate in Academy strategic planning processes.
  • Take notes in stakeholder meetings and disseminate follow-up materials.
  • Pitch in to support other Academy staffers and priorities as needed.
  • What You Will Need To Thrive

  • HS Diploma + 1-2 years' experience, bachelor's preferred.
  • Passion for operations work and strong attention to detail.
  • Strong, demonstrable writing, editing, and professional communications skills.
  • Strong interest in and passion for policy work.
  • Superior attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.
  • Excellent computer skills required, specifically expertise with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace products; Airtable and graphic design software experience.
  • Creative problem-solving skills and professional and polished interpersonal skills.
  • A desire to learn, a sense of humor, flexibility, and resourcefulness.
  • How To Apply

    Applicants must submit a cover letter and resume to be considered. Applicants without a cover letter will not be considered. Since strong writing skills are a key qualification for this role, candidates who heavily rely on generative AI to prepare their cover letters may not be a good fit. We strongly encourage you to apply for this position if it aligns with your career interests and skill set, even if you are not sure whether you meet all of the qualifications. Our first review date for applications will be November 7th. Applicants who apply by that date will be given priority review.

    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.

    [job_alerts.create_a_job]

    Program Assistant • San Francisco, CA, US

    [internal_linking.similar_jobs]
    Program Management Coordinator

    Program Management Coordinator

    University of California - Riverside • Oakland, CA, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    The Program Management Coordinator in SMPPH / CHC (Social Medicine, Population, and Public Health / Center for Healthy Communities) at the UCR School of Medicine supports the development, coordination,...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_30] • [promoted]
    Program Assistant

    Program Assistant

    Mission Bit • San Francisco, CA, United States
    [job_card.part_time]
    Mission Bit is a San Francisco-based nonprofit that inspires youth of color to explore the world of STEM with project-based computer science education that embraces their identities.The Program Ass...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Program Assistant - MSROC

    Program Assistant - MSROC

    Mission Action • San Francisco, California, United States, 94110
    [job_card.full_time]
    Mission Action has been growing rapidly, therefore, we have created a lot of new positions across our different programs and departments. Please consider joining our team to serve the communities.Mi...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days]
    Secondary Program Assistant Center for Educational Partnerships, Puente Project

    Secondary Program Assistant Center for Educational Partnerships, Puente Project

    University of California Berkeley • Berkeley, CA, United States
    [job_card.full_time] +1
    Add to Favorite Jobs Email this Job.At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Assistant Program Director

    Assistant Program Director

    Positive Resource Center • San Francisco, CA, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    San Francisco community through legal advocacy, workforce development, financial services, and residential treatment programs. We support formerly homeless adults living with co-occurring mental hea...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Program Assistant - On Call

    Program Assistant - On Call

    Salvation Army • San Francisco, CA, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    The Program Assistant assists in providing our clients a safe environment so they can begin addressing aspects of their lives in a peaceful setting. The Program Assistant is a frontline worker respo...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Assistant Director of Teen Programs & Specialty Areas

    Assistant Director of Teen Programs & Specialty Areas

    Camp Tawonga • San Francisco, CA, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    Assistant Director, Teen Programs and Specialty Areas.Assistant Director, Teen Programs and Specialty Areas.Tawonga’s mission is to provide educational and recreational programs for children, adult...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Program Coordinator

    Program Coordinator

    VirtualVocations • San Francisco, California, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    A company is looking for a Qgenda Program Coordinator.Key Responsibilities Review and validate time punch activity and locum timesheets for accuracy and compliance Document adjustments and maint...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Program Support Assistant

    Program Support Assistant

    Self-Help For The Elderly • San Francisco, CA, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    To support the day-to-day operations and assist in ensuring compliance with program requirements.Documents services / activities. updates computer data and records according to program protocols; pre...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Secondary Program Assistant Center for Educational Partnerships, Puente Project

    Secondary Program Assistant Center for Educational Partnerships, Puente Project

    Berkeley University of California • Berkeley, CA, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special pla...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Assistant Director, Teen Programs and Specialty Areas

    Assistant Director, Teen Programs and Specialty Areas

    The New Orleans Jewish Community Center • San Francisco, CA, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    Assistant Director, Teen Programs and Specialty Areas.Tawonga's mission is to provide educational and recreational programs for children, adults and families that foster self-esteem, lifelong frien...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Expanded Learning Program Assistant - Wardlaw Elementary - (Internal - Contingent on funding)

    Expanded Learning Program Assistant - Wardlaw Elementary - (Internal - Contingent on funding)

    Vallejo City Unified School District • Vallejo, CA, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    Expanded Learning Program Assistant - Wardlaw Elementary - Pos#2693 - (Internal - Contingent on funding) at Vallejo City Unified School District Share on X - Application Deadline 1 / 26 / 2026 8 : 00 PM ...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_hours] • [promoted] • [new]
    HICAP Program Assistant

    HICAP Program Assistant

    Legal Assistance for Seniors • Oakland, CA, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    Legal Assistance for Seniors (LAS) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit in its 50th year serving Alameda County residents who are 60 years of age and older. LAS has held the Alameda County HICAP contract for 37 y...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Program Assistant, Policy and Innovation

    Program Assistant, Policy and Innovation

    San Francisco Staffing • San Francisco, CA, US
    [job_card.full_time]
    Program Assistant, Policy & Innovation.Type : Regular, Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Limited-Term.Experience : Entry-Intermediate. The hourly compensation for this position in FY26 is : $37.Organizational Res...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    2026 SMASH Academy - Program Coordinator (Berkeley)

    2026 SMASH Academy - Program Coordinator (Berkeley)

    SMASH • Berkeley, CA, US
    [job_card.full_time] +1
    As a member of the Site Management Team, the Program Coordinator plays a critical support role to the Program Director and liaison to SMASH National team. Working with the instructional and resident...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Assistant Program Leader

    Assistant Program Leader

    YMCA of San Francisco • San Francisco, CA, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    Careers by Empowering Futures, Building Communities.Imagine going to work each day knowing that your efforts positively impact individuals and communities. As a global movement and the nation's lead...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Program Assistant (Metas, TEMP)

    Program Assistant (Metas, TEMP)

    Contra Costa Community College District • San Pablo, CA, United States
    [job_card.part_time] +1
    Posting Details (Default Section).Program Assistant (Metas, TEMP).Special Instructions to Applicants.Metas is a college access and enrichment program that serves middle and high school students by ...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]
    Program Assistant - On Call

    Program Assistant - On Call

    The Salvation Army USA Western Territory • San Francisco, CA, United States
    [job_card.full_time]
    The Program Assistant assists in providing our clients a safe environment so they can begin addressing aspects of their lives in a peaceful setting. The Program Assistant is a frontline worker respo...[show_more]
    [last_updated.last_updated_variable_days] • [promoted]