Manager, Authors' Evenings and Special Events

PEN America, a nonprofit organization working at the intersection of literature and human rights, seeks a dynamic fundraising professional to serve as manager of Authors’ Evenings and Special Events. As part of our development department, the manager will lead, produce, and execute the organization’s Authors’ Evenings series–salon style book events in private homes–as well as oversee portions of the annual PEN America Literary Gala. This is a full-time, union-eligible position based at PEN America’s New York City headquarters and reports to the Major Gifts Officer.

The manager will be creating and organizing PEN America’s Authors’ Evenings, which are private fundraising events featuring a writer in the homes of PEN America’s most valuable supporters. These events are primarily in-person in New York City, Miami, and the Bay Area, but a few may be scheduled in other locations, as well as virtual. The manager will be responsible for the development of each event in the year-round schedule (20-30 events annually), raising $150,0000-$200,000 a year. This includes identifying writers and matching them with hosts; marketing the events; tracking of data related to the event, including financial reporting, and, if necessary, representing PEN America at the events. The manager will also provide support for the annual Literary Gala and other events as they arise. The successful candidate will be ambitious, organized, have excellent follow-through and a polished and systematic approach, have awareness of writers and the literary world to draw on, and have comfort conversing with supporters, writers, celebrities, and activists.

The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of preparing and producing meticulously planned events, working in close collaboration with major donors, and be creative, accountable, and capable of juggling multiple timelines and workload demands with poise under pressure. Assignments may also include other fundraising and cultivation events and projects, developing communications and marketing materials, engaging with donors and sponsors, and liaising with our finance team as necessary. As an organization with a vital mission to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible, this position is central to PEN America’s strategies for even greater impact.

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:

• Manage logistical aspects of Authors’ Evenings, including liaising with authors, authors’ representatives, host donors, venues and other service providers; development, production, and distribution of all event-related materials; and tracking of event participation
• Identify and coordinate hosts and authors to maintain 20-30 annual Authors’ Evenings
• Achieve the fundraising goal of $150,000-$200,000 per year
• Prepare all Authors’ Evenings collateral and marketing materials, including invitations, programs, branding for solicitation materials, other print material as needed, electronic collateral, and updates to the website
• Ensure robust marketing of events to attain revenue goals, coordinate research, track revenue, and maintain budgets
• Represent PEN America and/or prepare representatives at events, as required
• Oversee the organization and lineup of literary hosts at the annual Literary Gala and coordinate the necessary logistical details
• Coordinate with event leads on tracking attendee responses, donations, journal ad submissions, and other administrative tasks related to the event
• Support the finance department with financial reconciliation of events, processing donations, and ensuring funds arrive in a timely manner
• Assist with Literary Gala logistics including creating event materials; updating event pages on the website; organizing co-chair and committee meetings and taking notes; preparing mailing lists; and assisting with travel needs for honorees and special guests
• Support with Young Patrons group administrative tasks, including assistance with Fall Fundraiser Event, Literary Gala Afterparty, and committee meetings
• Manage the tax acknowledgement process post-events
• Other development responsibilities as assigned
  

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:

• Minimum of three years of fundraising and event planning experience at a nonprofit organization; experience with human rights and/or arts and culture fundraising a strong plus
• Superb written and verbal communication, editing, and digital content creation skills
• Demonstrated success as a team player engaging in both “big picture” thinking and minute details
• Proven ability to multitask in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
• Ambition to strengthen and grow an already-successful and substantial fundraising events program
• Excellent judgment, strong decision-making and negotiation skills, and a collaborative and results-oriented approach
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, including Publisher; familiarity with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, or Canva; familiarity with Raiser’s Edge a plus
• 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 differences, 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 $75-85k, 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 is committed to having a workforce that reflects the population that it serves at all levels within the organization.

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.