Intern, City Innovation

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.

CITY INNOVATION

Bloomberg CityLab, a project of the Aspen Institute and Bloomberg Philanthropies, convenes artists, academics, funders, and other public and private sector leaders focused on improving cities and spreading urban strategies that work. Since 2013, CityLab has occurred in New York, Los Angeles, London, Miami, Paris, Detroit, Washington DC, Amsterdam, Mexico City, and Madrid. The multi-day gathering shares creative ideas and solutions with city leaders to create inclusive and thriving communities and will be next held in the spring of 2027.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

City Innovation at the Aspen Institute seeks a motivated and creative intern to assist with the expansion of Bloomberg CityLab to drive year-round dialogue and action on urban issues and solutions. The intern will support the Director and Program Associate, City Innovation and Aspen Institute's existing partnership with the Government Innovation team at Bloomberg Philanthropies to develop and execute content for the annual Bloomberg CityLab convening. Additionally, this position, where possible, will help transition Bloomberg CityLab from an annual event into a year-round series of programming that connects city leaders around the world to the best, most innovative thinking on urban issues and solutions.

Our ideal candidate brings an entrepreneurial and creative mindset with strong data management skills and event logistics experience. The intern should also have an appreciation for excellent customer service, problem solving, teamwork, and an academic and/or extracurricular interest in urban issues. The Intern will be encouraged to attend Bloomberg CityLab in spring (likely late April) of 2027 if their school commitments allow. However, attendance is not required. All travel, meals, and hotel accommodation will be paid for by The Aspen Institute.

This role has an hourly pay rate of$18.40/hr with an expectation of approximately 10 hours per week in the fall of 2026 and 15 hours per week in the spring of 2027. Approximately 10 weeks per semester. Please note, occasionally odd and/or longer hours would be expected from March to April. This internship is remote. If the intern is already located in the Washington metro area, they will be expected to work at the Aspen Institute office in Washington, D.C located at 2300 N Street NW on a flexible weekly basis.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

Bloomberg CityLab and year-round events

• Support logistics of Bloomberg CityLab 2027, including database management, travel and lodging data entry, management of speaker materials, and onstage content and speaker research.
• Support logistics of high-quality programming including seminars and receptions (ie, ordering food, checking in guests, etc). Includes but not limited to collecting and editing speaker bios, monitor presentation or panel materials, supporting speakers/guests, and printing event materials.
• Take notes during meetings with funders, consultants, Aspen staff, and external partners.
• Provide regular media updates about urban policy and city-centered solutions from around the world.

Data Management

• Support the Program Associate in regularly updating all databases and files related to CityLab and City Innovation.
• Clean data and assist the team in the development of reports, surveys, and other program requirements.

Other Administrative and Program Projects

• The intern will, from time to time, support the Executive Vice President, Public Events and Engagement, with graphic design-related projects. This may include support with designing presentations and other graphic design projects.
• The intern also has the autonomy to identify and implement projects and/or needs that relate to their interest and the City Innovation team
• Other communication related projects and administrative needs will arise that involve basic project management skills.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED TO THRIVE

• Currently enrolled in undergraduate accredited university, including community college.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion within the Institute and in public programming.
• Excellent graphic design skills and proficiency in Canva and Adobe Suite.
• Exceptional organizational skills and strong attention to detail.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite.
• Knowledge of basic social media and digital marketing.
• Proven ability to learn new platforms efficiently and willingness to be trained in new systems.
• Demonstration of interest in current urban affairs and intellectual curiosity are a plus.

HOW TO APPLY

• Interested candidates must apply through the website and applications will be kept confidential. All candidates will be considered equally.

• Candidates should review and watch any of these 2026 CityLab sessions on YouTube:
  • The Housing Paradox
  • Symphony of the Streets
  • A Gen Z Guide to Civic Space
  • Breathable Cities: How Hyper-Local Data Can Drive Action
• Submit a one-page cover letter that addresses all following questions:
  • What did you find interesting about the session you watched and why was it compelling to you?
  • How does the session and/or Bloomberg CityLab relate to your current studies and/or career interests?
  • What skills and/or experiences do you hope to contribute to the team? What skills and/or experiences do you hope to gain from this internship?

Please note, the use of an AI-generated resume and cover letter is strongly discouraged.

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.