Program Manager – Freedom to Learn

Black Pen Recruitment

Program Manager advancing PEN America’s efforts to combat legislative censorship in higher education. Manage coalitions, conduct advocacy, and support free expression initiatives.

Posted 7/5/2026full-timeNew York City • New York • 🇺🇸 United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $75,000 - $85,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage advocacy initiatives pertaining to the freedom to learn and academic freedom in higher education at the local, state, and national levels
Manage and promote our national and state-based coalitions
Develop strong professional relationships with leaders in higher education and the nonprofit sector
Provide support for the advocacy of our state-based partners
Plan and facilitate monthly meetings
Ensure regular and responsive communications with coalition members and partners
Coordinate action alerts and other campaigns to raise awareness of threats to academic freedom and free expression on college and university campuses
Serve as a thought partner to the program director and collaborate with the Higher Education team and other colleagues to advance PEN America’s mission to safeguard free expression in the United States and abroad
Draft, edit, and author reports, press releases and statements, action alerts, blogs, talking points, and other forms of internal and external communications
Represent the organization and support outreach efforts through virtual and in-person presentations on higher education censorship to varied audiences, including colleges and universities, civil society and academic organizations
Prepare presentation materials such as slide decks and one-pagers, and ensure effective follow-up communications and engagement, including circulating meeting notes to coalitions, as appropriate
Contribute to the drafting of grant funding proposals and reports, and ensure grant deliverables are met and documented
Provide support for intern recruitment, training, and management for the Higher Education team, as needed
Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree with three to five years of relevant professional experience in higher education and/or nonprofit, including familiarity with community engagement, advocacy, and/or organizing
Excellent research, writing, and verbal communication skills; experience with public and/or media communications a plus
Understanding of contemporary debates surrounding free expression and academic freedom with a commitment to advance these issues through writing, public speaking, and engagement with diverse audiences
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining exceptional attention to detail
Ability to travel an estimated 25% of the time, depending on program needs, 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
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.

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

Report WritingGrant Proposal DevelopmentCampaign CoordinationMeeting FacilitationCommunication Strategy

Soft Skills

Attention to DetailRelationship BuildingTime ManagementCollaborationAdaptability