Senior Writer/Editor

PEN America, a nonprofit organization working at the intersection of literature and human rights, seeks an experienced and skillful senior writer/editor to tell the story of PEN America in clear, compelling, and accurate ways. This is a key role in our communications department, and one that operates across our vibrant and creative organization to advance advocacy campaigns, celebrate literary excellence, and support public programming. PEN America is a fast-paced, fast-expanding organization with a growing profile and range of activities. For nearly 100 years, we have defended writers at risk and advocated for free expression rights; our work in the United States and around the world has become increasingly urgent as threats emerge every day. This is a full-time position based at PEN America’s New York City headquarters and reports to the chief communications officer. Responsiveness, availability, and flexibility to perform some night and weekend work are required. The senior writer/editor will write in a style that is both conversational and polished, with a deep desire to help experts at PEN America distill their research findings and advocacy work into accessible content for broad audiences. The successful candidate is an experienced, proven, and motivated innovator who will bring value to this crucial and creative role. The candidate is a critical thinker who is skeptical, but not cynical, and can hold their own with other department leaders. This role involves spending most of the time editing or writing external-facing content. As a member of the team, the senior writer/editor will also contribute to executing an evolving communications strategy. The position will provide an opportunity to stand at the forefront of efforts to defend the First Amendment, champion literary expression, and elevate diverse voices in pursuit of open discourse. Taking up this role will mean embracing a growth mindset to build constituencies, reach audiences, and advance messages.