Senior Manager, Safety and Protection

About the role

PEN America is seeking a senior manager to lead its Safety and Protection program, providing direct, holistic safety support to at‑risk writers, journalists, scholars and librarians across the United States. The role is based in New York City (with consideration for Washington, D.C.) and reports to the Director of Digital Safety and Free Expression.

Key responsibilities

• Design, build and launch an in‑house case‑management system for safety consultations and referrals.
• Deliver individualized, trauma‑informed safety advice and referrals in collaboration with internal teams, external consultants and partner organizations.
• Represent PEN America in multi‑stakeholder coalitions such as the Journalist Assistance Network and Democracy Protection Network.
• Develop and sustain partnerships with professional associations, media outlets, publishers, libraries, bookstores and academic institutions.
• Provide expert guidance on safety and protection issues to the wider organization.
• Contribute to the creation and maintenance of multimedia safety resources for writers and allies.

Required profile

• Extensive experience in safety, protection or digital‑rights work, preferably with writers or journalists.
• Strong project‑management capabilities and ability to design and implement systems.
• Deep understanding of intersectionality and the evolving risks faced by free‑expression defenders.
• Passion for free expression and a commitment to trauma‑informed practice.

Required skills