Consultant, Los Angeles Programs and Engagement - Fall 2025 - Spring 2026

PEN America, a nonprofit organization working at the intersection of literature and human rights, seeks a consultant to lead, execute, and produce the Los Angeles team’s public literary programming, membership engagement, and fundraising events in consultation with the region’s managing director. This consultancy, estimated to require approximately 30 hours per week, will be contracted for an initial six months, with the possibility of an extension for two to three additional months.

The ideal candidate will have a strong track record of preparing and producing meticulously planned events, and be creative, accountable, and capable of juggling multiple timelines and workload demands with poise under pressure. Assignments may also include other fundraising and cultivation events and projects, developing communications and marketing materials, engaging with stakeholders and partner organizations, and liaising with our finance and communications teams as necessary.

The successful candidate will be an energetic self-starter who is ambitious, organized, has excellent follow-through, and has a polished and systematic approach. The candidate should be a creative thinker and problem solver who has awareness of writers and the literary world to draw on, and be able to comfortably converse with supporters, writers, celebrities, and activists. The candidate should be committed to PEN America’s mission and work, with a demonstrated track record of managing and delivering meaningful programmatic experiences with multiple moving parts.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead, execute, and produce the Fall 2025 through Spring 2026 slate of PEN America public programs and events, including literary programs and Free Expression events
• Develop a slate of revenue-generating Author's Evenings and other donor engagement opportunities
• Establish Emerging Voices alumni programming
• Manage all logistical aspects of programs, including liaising with authors, authors’ representatives, host donors, venues, partner organizations, and other service providers; development, production, and distribution of event-related materials; track event participation and prepare event graphics, outreach, and follow-up emails; and process contracts and invoices, and ensure budget reconciliation
• Represent PEN America and/or prepare representatives at events, as required

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of two years of fundraising and/or event planning experience at a nonprofit organization
• Superb written and verbal communications skills, copy editing and proofreading skills, familiarity with brand-conscious design, and ability to compose digital communications
• Demonstrated success as a team player, engaging in both big picture thinking and minute details
• Must be self-driven, able to take initiative, and able to work independently; has demonstrated creative problem-solving skills
• Willingness and the ability to travel around the Los Angeles metro area, as required
• Local candidates with pre-existing connections within the Los Angeles creative community strongly preferred
• Prior work or familiarity with PEN America is a plus
• Excellent judgment, strong decision-making and negotiation skills, and a collaborative and results-oriented approach
• Experience with human rights and/or arts and culture fundraising is a strong plus
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, including Publisher; familiarity with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, or Canva; familiarity with Asana; familiarity with Raiser’s Edge is a plus

Consultancy Fees: The consultancy fee will be $6,000 per month for an initial term of six months. Any reasonable expenses incurred in the execution of duties will be reimbursed, as approved by the managing director.

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 in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seeks a diverse applicant pool.

No phone calls or solicitations, 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.