Program Director, Literary Awards

PEN America, a nonprofit organization that stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect open expression in the United States and worldwide, seeks a creative, detail-oriented, and collaborative Literary Awards program director to lead the day-to-day operations of this high-profile program, continuing to support its strength and growth. This is a full-time position in the New York office and will report to the Chief Program Officer, Literary Programming.

The Literary Awards program is one of the most public ways PEN America recognizes the literary excellence that free expression rights make possible. PEN America confers more than 20 distinct awards, fellowships, grants and prizes each year, awarding nearly $350,000 to the most outstanding voices in literature across diverse genres, including fiction, poetry, science writing, essays, biography, children’s literature, drama, and translations.

The Program Director will continue to build and maintain the programming, public profiles, partnerships, and funding to fulfill the mission of the Literary Awards program and represent PEN America in a wide range of settings. They will be responsible for a year-round cycle of activities involving awards and grants submissions, the selection of judges, the announcement of long and shortlists, and winners, as well as the annual awards ceremony. The program director will develop strategies to expand the program by creating engagement opportunities for its robust alumni community of winners and nominees of the program.

The program director will oversee and provide hands-on guidance to the Literary Awards Coordinator, who supports all aspects of the department’s work with the support of seasonal interns, fellows, consultants, and producers. In this role, the program director will also collaborate with the development, finance, communications, and membership team to support fundraising and donor cultivation, promote and celebrate the writers and translators that are recognized by the program, build out participation in literary and free expression programming, and activate authors through our advocacy campaigns.

The successful candidate will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills as well as the ability to conceptualize and execute a vision and strategic direction for the program, and problem-solve proactively. The successful candidate will thrive as part of a close-knit, mission-driven staff in a professional environment that treasures ideas, free expression, and the written word. The candidate must have demonstrated success in managing a small team, and in working with substantial autonomy. A network of relevant literary, philanthropic and community partners in the publishing industry, and significant public programming and event production are essential. The program director will enjoy an extraordinary vantage point on the breadth of modern literature and new and emerging voices in the literary scene. This position offers an unparalleled opportunity for a dedicated, skilled, and seasoned professional to work in an intellectually enriching environment, and in the literary and human rights sectors.

All positions are subject to a six-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. This policy is subject to change.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In collaboration with the Chief Program Officer, Literary Programming, develop and implement a strategic vision for the Literary Awards Program
• Manage Literary Awards Coordinator and seasonal awards interns, consultants and producers
• Set the annual awards and grants timeline and production calendar, in coordination with other PEN America departments, and ensure that all deadlines are met
• Lead key internal and external meetings, and work closely with program staff to maintain and update processes, program administration, and best practices
• Oversee judge outreach with the support of the Literary Awards coordinator; identify and confirm more than 70 awards and grants judges, with special attention to including diverse and wide-ranging literary voices from across the United States
• Oversee judging process and facilitate communication with judges over email and conference calls; support judges as needed and ensure they meet all deadlines for submitting their choices
• Publicize award availability through appropriate print and online channels
• Support the Literary Awards Coordinator with communications with publicists, agents, and authors throughout the awards cycle, including organizing the shipment of books by publishers to judges and drafting and sending notification/congratulatory letters to honorees
• Oversee and work closely with the Literary Awards Coordinator on the submission vetting process: recruit and supervise volunteers in the timely vetting of over 2,000 submitted titles and applications; provide thoughtful final determination of eligibility; oversee, evaluate, and assign submissions for PEN’s manuscript awards using the online platform Submittable
• Ensure the timely, accurate and courteous flow of information to Awards donors, including updates on awards decisions and shipment of finalists/winners books to donors
• Ensure that all action items within award agreements with donors are met and successes are clearly communicated to donors, working in close collaboration with the Chief Development Officer
• Oversee and work closely with the Literary Programs Coordinator on the logistics for the annual PEN America Literary Awards Ceremony: coordinate with caterer, bookseller, venue staff, and other vendors; draft run-of-show and presenter scripts; manage and track sales of reception tickets; prepare winner’s award checks and certificates
• Curate and collaborate with the Literary Programs team to present events featuring awards finalists and winners, and related events as necessary
• Support the Chief Development Officer in fundraising activities (researching donor prospects, cultivating donors for new PEN America Awards, etc.)
• Represent PEN America at key literary events including galas and awards within the broader literary community.

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 and/or other initiatives.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A minimum of four to six years of fast-paced and detail-oriented program management experience involving a large volume of data
• Demonstrated passion for writers and writing and connection to the literary world and/or the publishing industry
• Expert project management skills with the ability to toggle between multiple projects and keep strong archives and process files
• Excellent attention to detail and editorial and writing skills
• Willingness to attend events recognizing literary excellence and engage with the literary community in New York and beyond
• Exceptional interpersonal skills, and ability to think creatively and collaboratively
• Formidable work ethic and high energy level, with ability to multi-task effectively
• Exemplary team player with professional demeanor and ability to work independently
• Demonstrated ability to face challenges with creativity and problem-solving skills
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (InDesign, Photoshop, etc.) a plus
• 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 $105,000-$130,000, 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, 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.