Assistant, Development

PEN America, a nonprofit organization working at the intersection of literature and human rights, seeks a highly organized and proactive assistant to join the development department. This role will support a range of fundraising efforts, including special events, cultivation of individual donors, and partnerships with foundations that sustain the organization and fuel its growth. This is a full-time, union-eligible position based at PEN America’s New York City headquarters, reporting to the manager, individual giving.

The development assistant’s primary duties will include maintaining donor records, conducting prospect research, and providing general support for the department. The role also supports the planning and execution of special events such as the annual Literary Gala, Authors’ Evenings, and other fundraising campaigns and activities, as well as special projects. The assistant will have exposure to every aspect of fundraising, with significant opportunities to develop a portfolio of skills to gain increased responsibilities and advancement over time. Professionalism, confidentiality, and discretion are fundamental to this role. The ideal candidate is a highly organized self-starter with an interest in PEN America’s mission and nonprofit fundraising.

All positions are subject to a five-month trial 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.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain and update donor records in Raiser’s Edge, including gifts, event attendance, and pledge schedules
• Assist the finance department with the reconciliation of donations on a monthly basis
• Prepare and send gift acknowledgments
• Provide support for special events, including mailing invitations, distributing event-related materials, and on-site assistance
• Provide assistance with donor/funder and prospect research
• Submit expenses to Nexonia on behalf of the Chief Development Officer
• Support the individual giving manager with creation of appeals, including drafting, coordination with mailing house, payments, and mailing lists
• Administer the state registration process
• Assist with submitting grant proposals and gathering relevant financial documentation
• Other development functions as needs emerge

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:

• Bachelor’s degree with at least one year of experience working in a nonprofit development department preferred
• Database experience, with Raiser’s Edge experience preferred
• Excellent research, writing, and communication skills, with the ability to contribute effectively in team and organizational meetings
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage with stakeholders with discretion, maturity, and professionalism
• Ambitious work ethic and demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively within and across teams
• Exceptional organizational skills and the ability to prioritize multiple tasks, with zealous attention to detail
• 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 differences, 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 $55k-65k, 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, resume, and unedited writing sample) 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.