Artists at Risk Connection (ARC) Communications and Editorial Assistant

PEN America, a nonprofit organization working at the intersection of literature and human rights, seeks a detail-oriented, highly organized, skilled, and energetic communications and editorial assistant to support the Artist at Risk Connection (ARC)’s communications, social media, and editorial operations. The role will oversee ARC’s communications-related content and strategies, particularly social media, newsletters, and website content, to grow ARC’s online presence and draw in new audiences while keeping existing ones engaged. The role will also assist with the team’s editing and other content responsibilities. The role requires strong writing and editing skills, demonstrated commitment to the arts and human rights internationally, and an eagerness to learn. This is a full-time position, expected to be based at PEN America’s New York City headquarters, and reports to ARC’s program manager.

At PEN America, ARC safeguards the right to artistic freedom of expression around the world and works to ensure that artists of all disciplines everywhere can live and work without fear. With a global network of 800 organizations providing crucial resources for artists and cultural practitioners at risk, ARC plays the critical role of liaising between threatened artists and the organizations that support them. Since its inception, ARC has assisted more than 500 artists from over 71 countries in receiving direct support, including fellowships and residencies, emergency funding, legal assistance, and advocacy, among other forms of assistance, from partner organizations. 

The communications and editorial assistant will oversee ARC’s social media channels, including drafting and posting content, engaging with other social media accounts, and improving the team’s social media and communications strategy. The assistant will also draft newsletters and e-blasts and help maintain the website, oversee website content planning and execution, and assist with reports, proposals, and other texts. The successful candidate will have demonstrated success in executing projects from start to finish. The assistant should be creative, have an eye for – and experience with – designing visually appealing images, be a quick learner, have a keen sense of creating interesting content, stay up-to-date on social media platforms, and be able to bring fresh ideas and strategies to ARC’s communications and overall team projects.

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:

• Draft and schedule/post eye-catching, innovative, on-brand social media content for ARC’s channels – Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, including creating or sourcing images and videos as needed
• Develop and execute communications campaigns and social media kits for new initiative launches and events
• Draft quarterly newsletters and other ad-hoc e-blasts in Mailchimp
• Create regular content for ARC’s website, including brainstorming and editing profiles, op-eds, and other features; delegating drafting of web content; building web pages; keeping the website updated; and maintaining the media library
• Help to edit presentation, reports, grant proposals, and other written materials and ensure that ARC’s content follows brand guidelines set by both ARC and PEN America
• Compile social media and website statistics and analyze them to inform strategies for improving ARC’s communications and reach
• Compile monthly social media and website statistics and analyze them to inform strategies for improving ARC’s communications
• Keep ARC’s communications and editorial documents and calendars up-to-date and ensure all program files are correctly saved and organized
• Stay up-to-date with best practices for social media platforms and adapt ARC’s strategies
• Participate in the recruiting and management of interns and fellows
• Liaise with PEN America’s Communications team
• Assist with the drafting or editing of press statements 
• Train regional representatives, staff, and interns in social media and communications skills and best practices 
• Help draft grant reports and proposals 
• Handle administrative tasks
• Other responsibilities as necessary

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 or other initiatives.

Salary and Benefits: PEN America offers competitive compensation and full benefits. The salary range for this position is $45-50k, 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 cover letter, resume, unedited writing sample, and the contact information for three references. Please submit the entire application to jobs@pen.org. Please use “ARC Communications and Editorial Assistant” and your name as the subject of your email (for example, “ARC Communications and Editorial Assistant – Jane Doe”). Please also share where you heard about this position in the body of your email. 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 in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seeks a diverse applicant pool.

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.

• Master’s degree required, in Journalism or Communications (preferred), or Political Science, International Affairs, Human Rights, or similar fields
• Minimum of 3 years of relevant work experience (not including internships)
• Proficiency in at least one other language – target languages: Spanish, Arabic, Farsi, Russian, and/or Ukrainian
• Excellent writing, editing, research, and organizational skills
• Demonstrated commitment to human rights and/or artistic freedom
• Ability to develop and present new ideas and approaches
• Proficiency with content management systems, G Suite, Mailchimp, and Canva
• Proactive and able to self-manage, prioritize work assignments, and balance multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to manage verbal and written communications tactfully and professionally with a high level of attention to detail and accuracy
• Commitment to diversity, accessibility, and inclusiveness through proactive approaches
• A team player with an ability to work on diverse teams with accountability and responsibility
• Knowledge of Chicago Style a plus 
• Graphic design experience a big plus
• Experience working with budgets and/or administrative tasks a plus
• Knowledge of database development and international coalition-building a plus

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.

Please submit a cover letter, resume, unedited writing sample, and the contact information for three references. Please submit the entire application to jobs@pen.org. Please use “ARC Communications and Editorial Assistant” and your name as the subject of your email (for example, “ARC Communications and Editorial Assistant – Jane Doe”). Please also share where you heard about this position in the body of your email. 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 in order to build the strongest possible workforce, actively seeks a diverse applicant pool.