Manager – State and Local Governments

The Aspen Institute

. Manage relationships, communications, project execution, and knowledge-sharing across the Benefits Transformation Initiative’s state and local government portfolio .

Posted 9/15/2026full-timeWashington, D.C. • District of Columbia • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $90,000 - $105,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in project management, relationship management, and communication strategies within government and public benefits contexts. Proven ability to coordinate multi-stakeholder initiatives and synthesize insights for actionable outcomes.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Project ManagementRelationship ManagementGovernment CommunicationPublic Benefits AdministrationStakeholder Engagement

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Project ManagementGovernment CommunicationPublic Benefits AdministrationStakeholder EngagementKnowledge Sharing

Soft Skills

Relationship ManagementTrust BuildingInitiative TakingCollaboration

Tools & Technologies

CRM SystemsCommunications Calendars

Industry Keywords

SNAPTANFMedicaidPublic AdministrationProgram Management

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage relationships, communications, project execution, and knowledge-sharing across the Benefits Transformation Initiative’s state and local government portfolio
Draft, edit, and coordinate communications products for government-facing audiences, including newsletters, memos, case studies, implementation resources, and follow-up materials
Own internal systems for managing state relationships, communications calendars, and deliverables, including the team’s CRM for state contacts
Partner with Aspen FSP’s Marketing and Communications team to align with communications policies, procedures, and strategy
Coordinate the Safety Net Response Network of nonprofits providing technical assistance to states in response to OBBBA changes, particularly in SNAP and Medicaid
Monitor state needs and coordinate publication of resources, workgroups with state staff, and related activities
Coordinate external partners including nonprofits, technical assistance providers, advocates, researchers, vendors, and philanthropic partners
Maintain shared context on state priorities, agency needs, relationship history, and opportunities for deeper engagement
Support scheduling, follow-up, partner coordination, and timely responses for state and local benefits leaders
Support planning and implementation of convenings, peer learning sessions, working groups, leadership forums, webinars, and other government-partner engagements
Synthesize lessons from government-agency engagements into actionable insights for the team, partners, funders, and the benefits delivery field
Represent the BTI team and Aspen FSP at conferences, panel discussions, and other public events

Requirements

What you’ll need

5+ years of progressively responsible professional experience in a relevant field such as government, public administration, program management, management consulting, or communications
A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience is required
Experience working with government leadership and staff, particularly those responsible for administering public benefits such as SNAP, TANF, and Medicaid
Proven project management experience driving and tracking progress across initiatives with multiple stakeholders
Strong relationship management skills and ability to build trust and credibility with senior government leaders
Entrepreneurial mindset with a track record of taking initiative in dynamic, results-oriented environments
Ability to commit to up to 20% domestic travel for presentations, conference attendance, state convenings, and other relevant events
Passion for modernizing public benefits systems and commitment to the Aspen Institute Financial Security Program’s mission
Graduate degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field is a plus

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive salary
Health benefits
Dental benefits
Vision benefits
Prescription benefits
Retirement benefits
Paid leave
Equal Opportunity Employer
Disability accommodations during the interview process