Director, Human Resources

PEN America, a nonprofit organization working at the intersection of literature and human rights, seeks a director of Human Resources to lead and strengthen all aspects of the organization’s people operations and strategy. This senior position will support executive leadership in recruiting, retaining, and developing a diverse and mission-driven workforce equipped to advance PEN America’s work defending and celebrating free expression. This is a full-time position based in PEN America’s New York City headquarters and reports to the Chief Operating Officer.

The director of human resources will work closely with the Co-CEOs and senior leadership team to develop and implement human resources strategies aligned with organizational goals. The director will oversee talent acquisition, performance management, employee relations, compliance, labor relations, and organizational development, while ensuring that policies, practices, and systems support consistency and organizational growth.

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated and experienced HR professional with strong judgment, exceptional interpersonal skills, and the ability to balance strategic leadership with hands-on execution.

This position is subject to a six-month probationary period and assessment. In alignment with PEN America’s current policy, all applicants should be available to report to the office at least three days per week. This policy is subject to change.

Responsibilities

• Lead PEN America’s human resources strategy in partnership with executive leadership, including oversight of organizational staffing structure, workforce planning support, and overall talent development
• Lead negotiations and manage collective bargaining agreements to ensure compliance and effective labor relations
• Supervise HR team in all facets of the HR function, including labor relations and organizational and office operations
• Lead and refine the organization’s performance management systems for union and non-union staff, including goal-setting, evaluations, promotions, and feedback
• Support managers on effective staff supervision, performance documentation, and employee development
• Ensure compliance with applicable labor and employment laws and regulations, including oversight of policies, procedures, and collective bargaining agreements
• Serve as a senior internal resource on employee relations matters, including grievances, investigations, and disciplinary processes, in coordination with outside counsel as appropriate
• Develop, refine, and ensure adherence to employee handbooks, policies, salary bands, and remote work practices
• Oversee HR operations, including benefits administration, payroll, PEO partnership, and HR systems and processes
• Support staff training, professional development, and wellness initiatives
• Promote a work environment grounded in belonging and respect, and support leadership in addressing opportunities to enhance employee engagement and retention
• Other duties as assigned

All PEN America staff are considered to be stakeholders in the development of our shared organization. As such, staff play a role in varied activities within the workplace as part of their job responsibilities. These may include committees or task forces to work on office issues, diversity and inclusion, strategy projects, training or other initiatives.

Qualifications

• Minimum of eight years of progressively responsible experience in human resources, including experience in a senior leadership role
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing HR strategy and managing organizational budgets and compensation/benefits decisions in a mission-driven organization
• Strong knowledge of employment law, compliance, and best practices, including experience working with unionized staff and collective bargaining agreements
• Proven experience in workforce planning, including developing strategic staffing recommendations and best practices
• Excellent interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to handle sensitive matters with discretion and care
• Strong systems-thinking, organizational skills, and sound, empathetic decision-making in complex situations
• 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. PEN America promotes open and respectful dialogue across difference, and we work to allow a diversity of perspectives to flourish.
• 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

Salary and Benefits: PEN America offers competitive compensation and full benefits. The salary range for this position is $135,000-$170,000, commensurate with experience. Candidates whose expectations are outside this range are welcome to apply, as PEN America is open to considering talented individuals at varying stages of their careers. PEN America's benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision health insurance, paid time off, 10 paid holidays, pre-tax commuter benefits and a 403b retirement plan.

TO APPLY:

Please submit a complete application (including a cover letter and resume) via BambooHR. 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 is committed to having a workforce that reflects the population that it serves at all levels within the organization.

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.

PEN America's benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision health insurance, paid time off, 10 paid holidays, pre-tax commuter benefits and a 403b retirement plan.