Program Manager, Freedom to Learn

PEN America, a nonprofit organization working at the intersection of literature and human rights, seeks a dynamic program manager to advance our efforts to push back against legislative censorship of higher education through coalition building, legislative analysis, and commentary in defense of academic freedom. This is a full-time, union-eligible position based in Washington, D.C. or New York City, reporting to the program director, Freedom to Learn.

PEN America’s U.S. Free Expression Programs work to safeguard freedom of expression, particularly the unhampered transmission of literature, art, and ideas. We defend and expand the freedom to write, read, and learn, concentrating on key sectors (arts and culture, libraries, K-12 and higher education, journalism), aiding professionals that work in them, and offering support to writers of various kinds. Overall we aim to counter official censorship; foster a robust culture for free, open, and respectful exchange; build capacity among professionals and institutions to support free expression and inclusion; and unite writers and their allies in defense of pluralistic democracy.

Within this framework, PEN America’s Freedom to Learn program, and broader Higher Education team, aim to ensure robust protections for free speech and academic freedom are upheld in colleges and universities. Programmatic work includes coalition building on the state and national levels, research, advocacy, media engagement, public events, and virtual and in-person convenings.

The program manager will be an integral member of the Freedom to Learn team, responsible for managing and strengthening our diverse coalitions, and responding to state-level academic censorship, for example, by supporting on-the-ground partners, issuing media commentary, delivering presentations, and organizing events. The program manager will make a critical and creative difference in PEN America’s advocacy for the future of free expression and academic freedom in higher education - an urgent issue with implications for American democracy. The manager will develop expertise in higher education policy, as well as U.S. free expression issues broadly, and contribute to PEN America’s resources and research reports.

The successful candidate will have relevant experience in higher education; an aptitude for coalition-building and outreach, both to advocates in higher education and to partners in civil society; familiarity with legislative and policy analysis; and excellent written and oral communication skills, equally comfortable addressing specialized or general audiences. They will have experience with administrative tasks and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a dynamic work environment. The position requires an energized and highly organized work style, attention to detail, a diplomatic disposition, and a confident approach to both internal and external communications.

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 advocacy initiatives pertaining to the freedom to learn and academic freedom in higher education at the local, state, and national levels
  • Manage and promote our national and state-based coalitions
  • Develop strong professional relationships with leaders in higher education and the nonprofit sector
  • Provide support for the advocacy of our state-based partners
  • Plan and facilitate monthly meetings
  • Ensure regular and responsive communications with coalition members and partners
  • Coordinate action alerts and other campaigns to raise awareness of threats to academic freedom and free expression on college and university campuses
• Serve as a thought partner to the program director and collaborate with the Higher Education team and other colleagues to advance PEN America’s mission to safeguard free expression in the United States and abroad

• Draft, edit, and author reports, press releases and statements, action alerts, blogs, talking points, and other forms of internal and external communications
• Represent the organization and support outreach efforts through virtual and in-person presentations on higher education censorship to varied audiences, including colleges and universities, civil society and academic organizations. Prepare presentation materials such as slide decks and one-pagers, and ensure effective follow-up communications and engagement, including circulating meeting notes to coalitions, as appropriate
• Contribute to the drafting of grant funding proposals and reports, and ensure grant deliverables are met and documented
• Provide support for intern recruitment, training, and management for the Higher Education team, as needed
• Perform other duties 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:

• Bachelor’s degree with three to five years years of relevant professional experience in higher education and/or nonprofit, including familiarity with community engagement, advocacy, and/or organizing
• Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills; experience with public and/or media communications a plus
• Understanding of contemporary debates surrounding free expression and academic freedom with a commitment to advance these issues through writing, public speaking, and engagement with diverse audiences
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining exceptional attention to detail
• Ability to travel an estimated 25% of the time, depending on program needs, 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 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 $75k-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 short 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.