Manager, Authors' Evenings and Special Events

Black Pen Recruitment

Manager of Authors’ Evenings and Special Events at PEN America overseeing fundraising and events organization. Leading logistics for literary events and collaborating with major donors.

Posted 7/2/2026full-timeNew York City • New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $75,000 - $85,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage logistical aspects of Authors’ Evenings, including liaising with authors, authors’ representatives, host donors, venues and other service providers; development, production, and distribution of all event-related materials; and tracking of event participation
Identify and coordinate hosts and authors to maintain 20-30 annual Authors’ Evenings
Achieve the fundraising goal of $150,000-$200,000 per year
Prepare all Authors’ Evenings collateral and marketing materials, including invitations, programs, branding for solicitation materials, other print material as needed, electronic collateral, and updates to the website
Ensure robust marketing of events to attain revenue goals, coordinate research, track revenue, and maintain budgets
Represent PEN America and/or prepare representatives at events, as required
Oversee the organization and lineup of literary hosts at the annual Literary Gala and coordinate the necessary logistical details
Coordinate with event leads on tracking attendee responses, donations, journal ad submissions, and other administrative tasks related to the event
Support the finance department with financial reconciliation of events, processing donations, and ensuring funds arrive in a timely manner
Assist with Literary Gala logistics including creating event materials; updating event pages on the website; organizing co-chair and committee meetings and taking notes; preparing mailing lists; and assisting with travel needs for honorees and special guests
Support with Young Patrons group administrative tasks, including assistance with Fall Fundraiser Event, Literary Gala Afterparty, and committee meetings
Manage the tax acknowledgement process post-events
Other development responsibilities as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Minimum of three years of fundraising and event planning experience at a nonprofit organization; experience with human rights and/or arts and culture fundraising a strong plus
Superb written and verbal communication, editing, and digital content creation skills
Demonstrated success as a team player engaging in both “big picture” thinking and minute details
Proven ability to multitask in a dynamic and fast-paced environment
Ambition to strengthen and grow an already-successful and substantial fundraising events program
Excellent judgment, strong decision-making and negotiation skills, and a collaborative and results-oriented approach
Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office suite, including Publisher; familiarity with Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, or Canva; familiarity with Raiser’s Edge 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.
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.

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

FundraisingEvent PlanningBudget ManagementLogistical CoordinationMarketing Material Preparation

Soft Skills

Written CommunicationVerbal CommunicationDecision-MakingNegotiationMultitasking