Artists at Risk Connection (ARC) Consultant, International Programs

PEN America, a nonprofit organization working at the intersection of literature and human rights, seeks an enterprising and determined International Programs consultant to strengthen and lead our work to fortify and expand the Artist at Risk Connection (ARC)’s international programs. The role will oversee ARC’s regional hubs and expand PEN America’s international reach in order to grow the network of organizations and individuals providing assistance to at-risk artists. The ideal candidate will have the vision, expertise, and program management skills to shape ARC’s international programs and manage ARC’s regional representatives while also collaborating with the ARC team and the PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Center.  The role requires strong project management skills and a demonstrated commitment to the arts and human rights internationally. This is a six-month consultancy, preferably based at PEN America’s New York office. The consultant reports to the Director of the Artists at Risk Connection.

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 63 countries in receiving direct support, including fellowships and residencies, emergency funding, legal assistance, and advocacy, among other forms of assistance, from partner organizations. 

The consultant will refine, manage, and elevate ARC’s international portfolio. In this capacity, the individual will be responsible for the day-to-day supervision and oversight of ARC’s four regional representatives, along with program administration and budget management. The consultant will also oversee the functioning, expansion, and profile-raising of ARC-led regional protective networks, including Amani: Africa Creative Defence Network and PAR (Protección de Artistas en Riesgo) – América Latina y el Caribe, as well as ARC’s regional workshops and public programs. The incumbent will also guide the expansion of our safety trainings and content related to ARC’s Safety Guide for Artists; engage in and spearhead coalitions among partner organizations; and conduct national and international outreach to artists and partner organizations. The consultant will also work with regional bodies on advocacy actions in close collaboration with the PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Center team and ARC’s protection programs team. This consultancy provides an excellent opportunity for advancing expertise in human rights and non-profit management skills in the free expression and cultural arenas, joining a growing organization at a time when this work has great urgency.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Plan, design, and execute new international initiatives, such as advocacy campaigns, public programs, or exhibitions alongside regional partners on an annual basis
• Ensure that ARC presents high-quality international initiatives in direct collaboration with our partners, and reinforce the visibility of our existing international programs by conducting outreach and promotion 
• Develop and maintain relationships with our local and regional partners and oversee ARC’s regional protection networks in Africa (Amani: Africa Creative Defence Network) and Latin America and the Caribbean (PAR – Protección de Artistas en Riesgo)
• Work with ARC’s director to plan and develop strategies for improving, deepening, and growing ARC’s international partnerships and regional knowledge and reach
• Manage ARC’s artist and organization capacity-building initiatives, including overseeing ARC’s existing safety trainings, developing new specialized trainings, translating the Safety Guide for Artists into additional languages, and creating thematic and regional tip sheets on artist safety to be translated into other target languages
• Identify new resources for artists at risk and initiate coordination and information sharing between organizations that support artists at risk in the region
• Supervise ARC’s regional representatives for Asia, Africa, Latin America, and the Middle East, keeping them on track and ensuring deadlines are met while producing quality work
• Prepare grant reports, proposals, press releases, and budgets pertaining to ARC’s international work, including overseeing the monitoring and evaluation of ARC’s work by tracking and reporting on project-based metrics
• Manage and oversee all budget and expenditures reports in collaboration with the ARC’s Director and finance department to ensure accurate expenditures and reporting
• Liaise with PEN America’s PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Center and others in the Free Expression Program (FEP) department  on activities as relevant
• Represent ARC and PEN America in meetings, panels, and advocacy as needed
• Provide other assistance to the ARC team as needed

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of six to eight years of professional experience in international network or coalition building
• Minimum of three years of project management experience
• Advanced degree in human rights, international affairs, or related area a plus
• Understanding of and interest in artistic freedom, free expression, and the role of artists in our society
• Experience in staff management in a cross-cultural environment required
• Proactive and able to work under pressure and without daily supervision, to prioritize assignments as needed, and to balance multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Demonstrated analytical skills and report writing experience required
• Outstanding organization skills and superb attention to detail
• Strong facility with interpersonal communication and relationship building
• Track record for independent project management, problem-solving, critical thinking, innovation, creativity, and effectiveness
• Excellent written and oral communication skills, especially when communicating across different cultures
• Mastery of  written and spoken English, including ability to create sophisticated written materials and edit the work of others
• Proficiency in at least one other language is required, two desired (target languages: Arabic, Spanish, and/or Russian) 
• Expertise in digital outreach, communications, and database development a plus

Consultancy Fees: The monthly consultancy fees range from $6k to $7k, 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.

TO APPLY:

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and unedited writing sample to [email protected]. Use “ARC Consultancy, International Programs” and your name as the subject of your email (for example, “ARC Consultancy, International Programs – 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.