Program Manager – U.S. Author Safety

Black Pen Recruitment

Program Manager developing and managing author safety training programs at PEN America. Collaborating with literary communities to address safety challenges in the face of online abuse and threats.

Posted 5/23/2026full-timeNew York City • New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $75,000 - $85,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Build, manage, administer, and grow safety training for authors, their allies, and the wider literary community
Conduct training for authors and their allies within the literary community
Attend and speak at conferences and other public events
Jointly oversee the development and maintenance of safety resources for writers and their allies
Collaborate with the senior manager of safety and protection to facilitate the provision of individualized, trauma-informed safety support to writers and their allies
Coordinate across PEN America teams to support authors and the wider literary community
Build and strengthen partnerships with author-safety-related coalitions and networks
Research funding opportunities and draft proposals to sustain and build the program
Follow current developments in author safety, online abuse, freedom of expression, and digital rights

Requirements

What you’ll need

A minimum of three to five years of relevant experience in publishing, literary or arts nonprofits, communications, education, digital safety and/or physical safety
At least one year of experience working on issues of digital and/or physical safety, online harassment, gender-based violence, and/or trauma-informed care
Experience and facility with public speaking and teaching is required and experience organizing public programs/events is preferred
Demonstrated ability to network and build strong relationships with partners
Strong organizational skills and track record for independent problem-solving
A diplomatic disposition and great facility with interpersonal communication
Personal qualities of integrity, empathy, patience, respect for others, and a willingness to learn
Knowledge of free expression issues, including book bans and online abuse
General knowledge of grant writing and reporting
Ability to travel an estimated 30% of the time, with availability to work some nights and weekends as necessary in relation to travel
Must be able to provide valid proof of U.S. work authorization

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision health insurance
Paid time off
10 paid holidays
Pre-tax commuter benefits
403b retirement plan

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

grant writingproposal draftingtrauma-informed caredigital safetyphysical safetyonline harassmentgender-based violencepublic speakingevent organizationsafety training

Soft Skills

interpersonal communicationnetworkingproblem-solvingorganizational skillsdiplomacyempathyintegritypatiencerespect for otherswillingness to learn