Artists at Risk Connection (ARC) Consultant

PEN America, a nonprofit organization working at the intersection of literature and human rights, seeks a dynamic and detail-oriented consultant to provide operational support to the Artists at Risk Connection (ARC). ARC is an international organization dedicated to safeguarding and advancing cultural rights by empowering artists and cultural workers to create, participate, and thrive in the face of repression and attack. Through emergency and resiliency support, advocacy, and coalition-building, ARC defends and advances artistic freedom and cultural rights. Since 2017, ARC has supported over 2,000 artists from 61 countries.

ARC is seeking to hire a consultant to provide administrative and programmatic assistance as a direct support to the Director of ARC for a wide range of ARC’s activities, gaining hands-on experience in ARC’s core activity of supporting artists in emergency situations around the world, working closely with partners across the arts and human rights, and developing diverse and dynamic programming. This role will contribute to finding solutions to some of the biggest challenges facing artists and artistic freedom today.

The successful candidate will be an energized and collaborative individual with a highly organized work ethic, exceptional writing skills, and have experience working with individuals at risk or otherwise vulnerable communities. They should have a commitment to the arts and human rights. Basic familiarity with graphic design programs, content management systems, and/or HTML/CSS is highly preferred.

Programmatic Support

• Research human rights and artistic freedom conditions for cases ARC is accompanying, as well as compiling potential resources tailored towards diverse stakeholders such as artists and cultural organizations
• Support data entry and upkeep of requests for assistance from at-risk artists
• Coordinate ARC’s different networks of partner organizations and facilitate periodic meetings
• Conduct research to further develop and update ARC’s support resources and guides tailored towards different stakeholders including artists, cultural organizations and others
• Monitor global threats to artistic freedom and contribute to drafting press statements, open letters, and other advocacy communications
• Draft, edit, and update content for ARC’s website (artistsatriskconnection.org) in collaboration with artists and partners
• Maintain ARC’s social media presence (Instagram, Twitter/X, Facebook, Bluesky, and LinkedIn) through content creation, graphic design, and editorial planning
• Draft and disseminate newsletters and communications via MailChimp

Administration & Operations Support

• Assist in organizing in-person and virtual events, including public programs, workshops, and trainings
• Support ARC’s monitoring and evaluation efforts by tracking program metrics and compiling impact data
• Conduct research on funding opportunities and assist in drafting concept notes, grant proposals, and donor reports
• Help with the administration of program budgets, including payment processing, expense tracking, and financial reconciliation
• Support in organizing board meetings and developing necessary materials to keep board members informed and up to date on ARC’s growth
• Provide general administrative and programmatic support as needed to ensure timely and effective delivery of ARC’s activities

Qualifications:

• Minimum of two years of experience in program or cultural management experience
• Demonstrated commitment to human rights and/or artistic freedom
• Existing relationships in the arts and culture sector in the United States
• Proficiency in Spanish
• Excellent writing, editing, and research skills
• Proactive and able to self-manage, prioritize work assignments, and balance multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to manage verbal and written communications tactfully and professionally with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy
• A team player with an ability to work on diverse teams with accountability and responsibility
• Familiarity with content and social media management systems, Google Workspace, MailChimp, Mailmerge, Canva, and Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator, etc.)
• Must be able to provide valid proof of U.S. work authorization

Consultancy Fees:

The consultancy is estimated to require 25 hours per week for a term of six months, starting September 1, 2025. The monthly fee will range between $2,500 and $3,000, depending on the experience and scope of the work.

To Apply:

Please submit a complete application (including a cover letter, resume, and an unedited writing sample) via BambooHR. Priority will be given to applicants who apply before July 18, 2025. 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.

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.