Program Assistant, Eurasia (Consultancy)

PEN America, a nonprofit organization that stands at the intersection of literature and human rights, seeks an energetic and highly organized consultant to serve as a program assistant for the Eurasia program at PEN America. This is a temporary, six-month contract with a possibility of extension.

This role will support and advance the work of our Eurasia program which, as part of the PEN America’s Free Expression Programs team, promotes literature and defends free expression in the Eurasia region. This is an exciting opportunity to work closely and collaboratively with the Eurasia program director on the implementation of various regional projects, and to monitor and respond to free expression issues in the region.

The successful candidate will demonstrate affinity for PEN America’s mission; knowledge of and interest in the Eurasia region; experience in project management using a range of approaches and techniques; experience with advocacy campaigns; interest in human rights and the literary community; a strong belief in free expression principles; and significant measures of energy, organization, imagination, and determination. The candidate will have experience handling logistics for multiple projects and events, drafting communications materials across all distribution channels, and developing and supporting relationships with new and diverse stakeholders. Attention to detail and demonstrated capacity for creative problem-solving are crucial. Knowledge of journalism and press freedom issues is strongly preferred.

This position will be remote, and will work directly with the PEN America Eurasia program director, in collaboration with other Free Expression Programs team members and others across PEN America’s staff.

RESPONSIBILITIES:
Coordinate on implementation of current Eurasia program projects; research potential funding opportunities for new projects

Contribute to the design and development of advocacy campaigns on behalf of persecuted writers and artists from Eurasia

Draft content for PEN America’s web and social media, press statements, public communications materials, and other publications as necessary

Manage databases, recordkeeping, event logistics, expense tracking, and other administrative tasks for the Eurasia program as appropriate

Cultivate and sustain positive relationships with partners

QUALIFICATIONS:
Two to three years of relevant nonprofit, advocacy, and/or project management experience

Knowledge of freedom of expression, literary, and artistic expression issues

Deep knowledge and understanding of the Eurasia region; experience working in/with Eurasia preferred; Russian or other relevant language skills desired

Demonstrated project management and organization skills, including meeting the logistical needs of multiple projects simultaneously

Strong research, writing, and communication capabilities, including capacity to create engaging content targeted toward specific audiences

Collaborative, personable energy, with an enthusiasm for building new networks and partnerships

Commitment to diversity and inclusiveness through proactive approaches

Energetic self-starter with the ability to think creatively and collaboratively, and to work independently and as part of a professional, fast-paced team

TO APPLY:
Please submit a cover letter, resume, and the contact information for three references. Please submit the entire application to [email protected]. Please use “Eurasia Program Consultant” and your name as the subject of your email (for example, “Eurasia Program Consultant – Jane Doe”). 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 in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seeks a diverse applicant pool.

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.