Explore Booksellers, a favorite destination for visitors and locals alike, has been an institution in the Aspen community for nearly 50 years. More than a bookstore, Explore is an intellectual gathering place that embodies the Aspen spirit – where books, ideas and the free-flowing conversation they initiate are part of the environment.
Explore Booksellers is owned by a non-profit organization in The Public Interest Network, which operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change.
Part of Explore Booksellers’ mission is to serve the Aspen community by hosting free programming with local and visiting authors, educational events, and workshops. We aspire to have a thoughtful lineup of events that welcome and challenge visitors to discover and explore new ideas.
We are looking for a smart, creative organizer to run Explore’s events and programs and build support from the community to further our mission.
You’re a great fit for the Program Director position if
- You’re outgoing, friendly, love meeting new people, and are a natural recruiter;
- You’re an avid reader and love exploring new ideas, even those you might not personally agree with;
- You love the idea of a non-profit owned bookstore, and are motivated by the mission of the Public Interest Network.
Representative Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Build & manage Explore Booksellers robust programs:
- Build on Explore Booksellers’ history of hosting nationally-known and locally-prominent political, business, and literary speakers
- Develop and execute a plan for a robust calendar of events, featuring interesting speakers on a variety of topics that will appeal to Aspen locals and visitors. This includes developing the plan, recruiting the speakers, managing the event logistics, marketing the events, and hosting the events.
- Track and analyze event attendance
Build support for our mission in the Aspen community:
- Build and deepen relationships with institutions, thought leaders, philanthropists, and other members of the community who live in or frequent Aspen
- Attend events and meet with community leaders
- Identify, cultivate, and fundraise from potential individual and institutional donors to the bookstore
This is not a “9-5” position – our events and many of the community outreach opportunities often happen in the evening or on weekends. This position requires exercising discretion and independent judgment in making decisions in matters of significance.
Qualifications
Candidates must have a minimum of three years of professional experience. Experience in marketing, organizing, community relations, event planning, and/or fundraising is preferred. The Program Director also must be:
- Highly goal-driven, results-oriented, and have a track record of academic and professional success and proven leadership ability;
- Flexible, excited to embrace new challenges, and have a can-do attitude and strong work ethic;
- Willing to operate on a nonprofit budget;
- Be able to work independently and creatively, as well as take direction and work as part of the Explore and Public Interest Network teams.
Compensation & Benefits
The starting compensation range is $33,000-$65,000 and depends on relevant experience and/or education. Candidates on the low end of directly relevant experience should expect to be on the lower end of this range; candidates on the higher end of relevant experience are likely to be on the higher end of this range. Explore Booksellers offers an excellent benefits package. Our benefits package may include medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, needs-based student loan assistance, 401(k) plan with employer match, commuter benefit program, paid time off, parental leave and long-term disability insurance. We also offer an excellent training program and opportunities for advancement.
Things to Know When You Apply
The Public Interest Network operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change.. Read more about our network before you apply: https://publicinterestnetwork.org/core-values/.
Explore Booksellers is an equal opportunity employer.
COVID-19: We take COVID-19 safety very seriously. Employees must follow our COVID safety protocols and be fully vaccinated including boosters. Accommodations are provided to the extent required by law.