Senior Manager, Safety & Protection

About PEN America

PEN America is a nonprofit organization working at the intersection of literature and human rights to defend free expression in the United States and worldwide. The organization unites writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and protect the liberties that make it possible.

The Role

The Senior Manager, Safety & Protection leads PEN America’s work providing direct, holistic safety support to writers and their allies at risk due to their work. Based in New York City (with consideration for Washington, D.C.), this full-time role designs and implements safety systems, delivers trauma-informed consultations, builds partnerships, and strengthens networks to protect authors, journalists, scholars, and librarians facing digital and physical threats.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, build, and implement an in-house system to manage safety consultations and referrals
• Provide individualized, trauma-informed safety consultations and coordinate referrals
• Strengthen coalitions and partnerships that support at-risk writers and democracy defenders
• Conduct outreach to professional associations, publishers, libraries, universities, and media organizations
• Advise internal teams on safety, protection, and risk mitigation strategies
• Develop and maintain safety resources for writers across digital platforms
• Represent PEN America at conferences and public events
• Support grant development, reporting, monitoring, and evaluation through data tracking

Requirements

• 5–8 years of experience in digital security, physical security, human rights, journalism, or related fields
• Experience providing trauma-informed support to individuals at risk
• Strong knowledge of safety risks, online abuse, and risk mitigation strategies
• Demonstrated project management and partnership-building skills
• Knowledge of free expression, press freedom, and creative or academic rights
• Strong communication, integrity, and ability to maintain confidentiality
• Valid U.S. work authorization required

What They Offer

• Salary range of $85,000–$95,000 based on experience
• Comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, vision, and retirement plan
• Paid time off, holidays, and commuter benefits
• Opportunity to advance national and global free expression and writer protection efforts

How to Apply

Submit a complete application including a cover letter, resume, and unedited writing sample via BambooHR. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. No phone calls, please.