Manager, Foundation Relations & Grants

Jul 31

Anticipated Start Date: In 2026

Description

PEN America, a nonprofit organization working at the intersection of literature and human rights, seeks a detail-oriented, motivated and creative manager of Foundation Relations and Grants to join our dynamic and close-knit Development team. The team manages relationships with more than 50 foundations and raises/manages over $10 million in revenue to support PEN America’s programs. The manager will be integral to supporting the stewardship and growth of this portfolio.

The role will have the opportunity to learn the full spectrum of foundation relations while supporting timely efforts in support of literature and democracy, at home and abroad. This is a full-time, union-eligible position based at PEN America’s New York City headquarters and reports to the director of Foundation Relations and Grants. The manager will be responsible for owning a fast-moving portfolio of grants, with tasks ranging from record-keeping, template preparation, writing, funder research, and project management.

Additionally, they will support the day-to-day operations of the foundation relations and grants team and provide as-needed assistance to the director and senior manager, as well as the larger Development department. The successful candidate understands tight deadlines and is capable of working across a range of internal and external partners. 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

Lead a portfolio of grants which includes, but is not limited to:

Managing all stages of the grant lifecycle, including identifying prospects; preparing outreach; securing and preparing for meetings; drafting and writing letters of inquiry and proposals; and managing the grant upon award including all attendant operational work
Research including reviewing existing and prospective funders, identifying their priorities and previous grantmaking, and making connections to PEN America’s program priorities, while contributing ideas for potential funding pitches
Partnering with the Finance department and relevant program teams to develop proposal budgets and ensure timely, complete financial reporting to donors
Tracking payments of grants and awards, including execution of payment requests
Support the director in a range of tasks, including portfolio support, maintaining integrity of grants data in Raiser’s Edge, database and measuring progress, maintaining calendars, and developing grants management tools informed by that data
Other responsibilities as defined by the Director, including as-needed portfolio and
Development department support 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree with at least three years of foundations and grants experience
Strong written and verbal communication skills with experience editing and copy-editing
Superb organizational and process management skills with excellent attention to detail
Exceptional interpersonal skills, and ability to think creatively and collaboratively
Formidable work ethic and high energy level, with ability to multitask effectively
Exemplary team player with professional demeanor and ability to work independently
Willing to work some nights and weekends to support PEN America events when agreed upon in advance with supervisor
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 Range and Employee Benefits

PEN America offers competitive compensation and full benefits. The salary range for this position is $75-85k, 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. TO APPLY: Please submit a complete application (including a cover letter, resume, and unedited writing sample) via BambooHR. 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 is committed to having a workforce that reflects the population that it serves at all levels within the organization. No phone calls, please.

How to Apply for this Job

Apply Now

About the Organization

PEN America is the largest of the more than 100 centers worldwide that make up the PEN International network whose mission it is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. PEN America works to ensure that people everywhere have the freedom to create literature, convey information and ideas, express their views, and access the views, ideas, and literatures of others.

Its membership community of more than 7,200 novelists, journalists, nonfiction writers, editors, poets, essayists, playwrights, publishers, translators, agents, and other writing professionals, as well as numerous devoted readers and supporters who join with them, together carry out PEN America’s mission. PEN America is headquartered in New York City, with offices in Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles.

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