Coordinator, PEN America

About PEN America

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.

• 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

• 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 (Word Press and Canva a plus)
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, and ability to think creatively and collaboratively
• Exemplary team player with a…