Coordinator, PEN America Florida

PEN America, a nonprofit organization working at the intersection of literature and human rights, seeks a dynamic, committed, and highly organized coordinator to support the day-to-day operations of our PEN America Florida office. This is a full-time, union-eligible position based in Miami and reports to the Director, PEN America Florida.

The Florida office draws on PEN America’s national reputation and staff, world-class research, advocacy prowess, and connections to the civil rights and literary communities to elevate the organization’s presence in Florida. The coordinator role offers the opportunity to work on the ground floor with the Florida Director and larger PEN America team to grow a prominent, vibrant hub in Florida. The successful candidate will excel at research and writing, have demonstrated success in executing projects from start to finish, and have experience working with spreadsheets, databases, and bookkeeping.

The role offers the opportunity to gain an understanding of program development and management within a mission-driven nonprofit organization while building upon a wide range of skills. The ability to take initiative, problem-solve, and work independently is necessary. The ideal candidate will be a skilled relationship builder and public speaker who can work closely with the Director on many aspects of the Florida advocacy strategy, and in collaboration with PEN America’s national program teams where relevant. They should also be passionate about PEN America’s mission to defend and celebrate free expression and literary excellence. Full professional proficiency in Spanish or Haitian Creole is highly preferred.

All positions are subject to a five-month trial period and assessment. In alignment with PEN America’s current policy, all applicants should be available to report to the office at least three days per week.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support a growing network of grassroots organizations and coalitions through maintaining coalition membership rosters, shared listservs, and documents; coordinating meetings and engagement efforts; and assisting in strengthening and supporting state-wide coalitions
• Collaborate with PEN America’s government affairs team to engage state-level policymakers to advocate for our priorities
• Support and plan community engagement and advocacy efforts across Florida, including coordinating trainings, workshops, convenings, and public programs
• Cultivate relationships with community partners, educators, authors, advocates, and grassroots organizations to strengthen support for free expression and the freedom to read
• Support the planning, promotion, and execution of literary events, author conversations, public programs, and community gatherings that advance PEN America Florida's mission and strengthen engagement with writers, readers, and partner organizations
• In coordination with other PEN America teams, draft public-facing communications and advocacy materials, including statements, action alerts, newsletters, blog posts, talking points, and other content that advance PEN America Florida's mission and priorities, as appropriate
• Provide administrative support, including expense reporting, financial reconciliation, and other budget tasks, as well as calendar management and scheduling of meetings
• Research and draft content for specific requests related to PEN America meetings, events, and external appearances, as needed
• Support hiring processes in the Florida office, including working with subprogram areas to recruit and manage interns and fellows

All PEN America staff are considered to be stakeholders in the development of our shared organization. As such, staff play a role in varied activities within the workplace as part of their job responsibilities. These may include committees or task forces to work on office issues, diversity and inclusion, strategy projects, training, or other initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of two to three years of experience or background in community organizing and coalition building
• Demonstrated organizational and project management skills
• Excellent research and writing skills, including proofreading
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve and multitask in a fast-paced environment with excellent attention to detail and accuracy
• Bookkeeping and database management experience a plus
• Proficiency with Google Suite, Excel, and Zoom (WordPress and Canva a plus)
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, and ability to think creatively and collaboratively
• Exemplary team player with a professional demeanor, formidable work ethic, and ability to work independently
• Full professional proficiency in Spanish or Haitian Creole is highly preferred
• Ability to travel an estimated 30% of the time, with availability to work some nights and weekends as necessary in relation to travel
• Must be able to provide valid proof of U.S. work authorization
• Commitment to PEN America’s mission, centered on the celebration and defense of free expression for all. Willingness to defend the right to engage in speech that may be offensive and discomfiting and that reflects a wide range of political opinions and ideologies. PEN America promotes open and respectful dialogue across difference, and we work to allow a diversity of perspectives to flourish.
• Commitment to PEN America’s advocacy and support for writers, artists and their allies around the world, without regard to the ideology or actions of their country's government

Salary and Benefits: PEN America offers competitive compensation and full benefits. The salary range for this position is $65-75k, commensurate with experience. Candidates whose expectations are outside this range are welcome to apply, as PEN America is open to considering talented individuals at varying stages of their careers. PEN America’s benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision health insurance, paid time off, 10 paid holidays, pre-tax commuter benefits, and a 403b retirement plan.

TO APPLY: Please submit a complete application (including a cover letter, resume, and unedited writing sample) via BambooHR. Only complete applications will be reviewed, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

PEN America is an equal-opportunity employer that does not discriminate in its hiring practices, and to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seeks a diverse applicant pool.

No phone calls, please.

ABOUT PEN AMERICA:

PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. We champion the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Our mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.