Black Pen Recruitment

Manager

• Oversee the Freedom to Read program’s research portfolio, including data collection on books banned in public schools, the Banned in the USA reports, and ongoing research and analysis in understanding trends on censorship and book banning in K-12 spaces and public libraries
• Lead and coordinate the drafting, writing, and editing of reports, blogs, resources, and other forms of written reports and communications
• Manage coordination with PEN America’s Communications team to publish and disseminate reports and research products in a timely manner
• Collaborate with teams across PEN America on a consistent basis regarding messaging and reporting, identifying opportunities, shared learning, ensuring alignment on positions and priorities, and representing the Freedom to Read team when necessary in key cross-organizational meetings
• Effectively communicate to a variety of audiences on book bans and educational censorship
• Develop and provide original commentary to media, as a spokesperson for the team and for PEN America more broadly
• Identify cases for targeted action and identify strategic response, such as statements, press releases, social media threads, and open letters
• Maintain relationships with key partners engaged in fighting book bans, partnering with organizations to advance the Freedom to Read program’s goals
• Support administrative needs for the Freedom to Read team (i.e. contracts, budgets, expenses, and grant proposals)
• Serve as a thought leader on the Freedom to Read team, developing and revising research and advocacy strategies, approaches, and goals
• Supervise at least one full-time staff member, as well as fellows and interns, with additional team members anticipated as the program expands
• Support and advance PEN America’s mission to safeguard free expression in the United States and abroad

Senior Manager – Freedom to Read

Human Resources

• 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

Director, Human Resources

• Lead the interpretation and administration of collective bargaining agreements, and support the negotiation process to ensure consistent and equitable application across the organization
• Identify, create, and modify standardized processes to properly implement CBA provisions and organizational policies
• Collaborate with and advise management in the identification and resolution of potential collective bargaining issues
• Provide guidance and training to supervisors on labor relations best practices, including performance management, conflict resolution, and documentation
• Cultivate effective relationships with all staff and union leadership
• Manage all communications with union representatives, serving as a liaison between management and union representatives
• Coordinate and assist senior management and outside counsel on union grievance resolutions, and arbitration preparation as needed
• Support employee relations matters, including investigations, performance issues, and disciplinary actions, in accordance with organizational policies and legal requirements
• Ensure employee handbook and policies are up-to-date and legally compliant; monitor compliance with federal, state, and local labor laws
• Support implementation and use of performance management tools for all staff
• Partner with operations manager to develop and coordinate employee engagement initiatives
• Maintain accurate records and documentation related to labor relations matters
• Collaborate with HR leadership on policy development, performance management, and other HR initiatives, ensuring cohesiveness between union and all staff policies, practices and communications

Senior Manager – Freedom to Read

Director, Human Resources

Manager, Labor and Employee Relations