Program Manager – Freedom to Learn

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

• Bachelor’s degree with three to five 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.