Program Manager – Freedom to Learn

Jobtailor; New York (NY); On-site; USD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

PEN America is seeking an Advocacy Manager to advance free expression in higher education. You will lead advocacy initiatives at local, state, and national levels, and nurture coalitions with leaders in higher education and the nonprofit sector.

Responsibilities include drafting reports and communications, presenting to diverse audiences, and supporting grant reporting and intern management. Some travel may be required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with three to five years of relevant professional experience in higher education and/or nonprofit.
• Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills; media communications a plus.
• Understanding of debates surrounding free expression and academic freedom with a commitment to advance through writing and engagement.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with strong attention to detail.
• Willingness to travel ~25% and work some nights/weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Manage advocacy initiatives pertaining to freedom to learn and academic freedom at local, state, and national levels.
• Manage and promote national and state-based coalitions.
• Develop professional relationships with leaders in higher education and the nonprofit sector.
• Provide support for advocacy of state-based partners.
• Plan and facilitate monthly meetings.

Skills

Advocacy

Research

Writing

Public speaking

Communication

Organizing

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

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

Requirements

• 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.