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About the Role
PEN America seeks a proactive and organized program assistant to support research, analysis, and operations in defense of the freedom to read and learn in schools. This role is crucial for championing free expression principles in educational institutions and making a difference in advocating for the future of free expression in education.
Responsibilities
- Support research efforts by identifying, inputting, and tracking instances of book bans in K-12 public schools and public libraries into PEN America’s comprehensive database of book bans, maintaining detailed spreadsheets, and completing data memos
- Validate cases of censorship through review of school board meeting minutes, school board hearings, district, department, and government agency websites, public records requests, and other primary sources
- Help grow and maintain a network of public records request partners nationwide by organizing trainings, developing and updating education resources, and sharing best practices
- Track breaking news and compile key stories for the Freedom to Read team
- Manage, track, and triage submissions to PEN America’s Book Ban Report Tool
- Execute administrative tasks, including calendar management and scheduling of meetings and press availabilities, record keeping, and expense tracking
- Respond to internal data requests for public communication via social media content, newsletter, and other tools, reviewing communications for accuracy
- Support awareness efforts by preparing slide decks, developing one-pagers and brochures, and maintaining up-to-date fact sheets
- Serve as a thought partner on the Freedom to Read team, particularly with relation to research processes and products
- Support internal and external coordination across teams and projects
- Support and advance PEN America’s mission to safeguard free expression in the United States and abroad
- Other duties as assigned
- Play a role in varied activities within the workplace, such as committees or task forces on office issues, diversity and inclusion, strategy projects, or training.
Requirements
- At least one year of experience with research, data collection, and analysis using qualitative and quantitative methods
- Understanding of and interest in contemporary debates over free expression and the freedom to read, as well as literature and/or publishing
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong attention to detail
- Strong organizational, project management and time management skills, including the ability to meet deadlines and multitask effectively
- Ability to engage professionally with stakeholders across a range of ideological perspectives
- Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Familiarity with database programs and project management tools such as Asana, or ability to learn quickly
- Familiarity with social media, strategic communications, and/or advocacy preferred
- Experience defending free expression and/or freedom to read in educational settings is a plus
- Ability to travel an estimated 10% of the time depending on program needs
- 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.
- 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
- Availability to report to the New York City office at least three days per week.
Skills
- Qualitative and quantitative research
- Data collection, management, and analysis
- Administrative tasks
- Collaborative work
- Work style: energized and highly organized
- Attention to detail
- Diplomatic disposition
- Prompt, courteous, and effective email communication
- Knowledge of and passion for literature
- Google Suite
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Database programs
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana)
- Social media
- Strategic communications
- Advocacy
Location
- New York City
Work Type
- Full-time
- Hybrid
Experience Level
- Entry-level
Salary/Compensations
- $55k - $65k
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision health insurance
- Paid time off
- 10 paid holidays
- Pre-tax commuter benefits
- 403b retirement plan
About the Company
- 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.
Equal Opportunity
- 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.