Job Description

Position description

PEN America, a nonprofit organization working at the intersection of literature and human rights, seeks an experienced policy and government affairs manager to work in our Government Affairs team. This is a full-time, union-eligible position based in Washington, D.C. and reports to the Director, Government Affairs.

The policy and government affairs manager will play an integral role in PEN America’s work on policy and government affairs at the federal level in Washington, D.C. In this varied role, the manager will track and analyze policy developments and legislation at the federal level, manage relationships with those inside and outside government, engage in various writing tasks, and support the functioning of the Government Affairs team in D.C. overall, including administrative tasks and covering policy events and meetings. This role will entail both domestic policy issues relating to free expression with a focus on educational policy as well as international issues with a focus on engaging in specific casework surrounding jailed writers. In addition, this role will entail working closely with staff across the organization to identify, support, and advance advocacy agendas. The manager will also coordinate legislative work and priorities with the manager, state policy.

The ideal candidate will have some experience in legislative tracking and analysis, government relations, a background and/or demonstrated interest in issues of free speech, and a desire to be a presence in the D.C. policy and advocacy community. Strong writing and editing skills are essential in succeeding in this position as well as the ability to synthesize large amounts of information into something clear and digestible.

All positions are subject to a five-month trial period and assessment. In alignment with PEN America’s current policy, all applicants should be available to report to the office at least three days per week.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In coordination with the Director of Government Affairs, track and/or attend Congressional briefings, hearings, and other external events. Provide information and updates to PEN America staff, sharing key observations.
• Develop and maintain relationships, as needed, with foreign embassy staff, congressional staff and other stakeholders and policymakers, including meeting with congressional staff and representing PEN America in coalition meetings
• Serve as the primary point of contact for federal legislative tracking, research, and analysis in support of the Washington office; track legislation on assigned issues and regions relevant to PEN America’s mission
• Research, analyze, and evaluate legislative and regulatory proposals and policies
• Help maintain knowledge management and data management infrastructure including systems for tracking work products and legislation, and preservation of key documents
• Assist in managing and expanding a database of key contacts in Washington, D.C. (legislative and executive branch, multilateral organizations, foreign embassy staff, media, and the NGO community)
• Provide support for convenings, events, coalitions, and working groups of partners and allies on specific topics as well as PEN America delegations.
• Fact-check and cite-format testimony, reports, and other written products
• Draft social media, website copy, press releases, blog posts, and policy briefs as needed
• Other duties as assigned

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.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Two to four years of experience in an advocacy or policy focused position; Hill experience is a plus
• Strong editing and research skills
• Polished, meticulous, and impeccably courteous written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to quickly create engaging content targeted toward specific audiences, and the ability to think creatively and collaboratively
• Ability to engage an ideologically varied set of stakeholders and to communicate effectively with different audiences, internally and externally
• Demonstrated ability to problem solve and to multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Energetic, prompt, and skilled at multitasking in a fast-paced environment; strong administrative and project management skills, including attention to detail
• Exemplary team player with professional demeanor and ability to work independently
• Knowledge of one or more issues that PEN America is focused on, and an understanding of and interest in contemporary debates over free expression
• 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. PEN America promotes open and respectful dialogue across difference, and we work to allow a diversity of perspectives to flourish.
• 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

Salary and Benefits:PEN America offers competitive compensation and full benefits. The salary range for this position is $75k-85k, 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.

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