Manager, Education Policy

Education Policy Manager, Washington – Job Description

PEN America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to the intersection of literature and human rights, is hiring a motivated, highly organized Education Policy Manager to support our legislative, policy, and partnership efforts in Washington, D.C. This full-time position reports to the lead, Congressional Affairs on PEN America’s government affairs team.

Responsibilities:

1. Legislative Analysis:
   • Track developments in Congress and the Department of Education related to proposals impacting the freedom to teach, learn, or read.
2. Engagement and Analysis:
   • Provide incisive data and analysis for engagements with policymakers, higher education leaders, and academic associations.
3. Policy Development:
   • Lead federal education and academic freedom-related policy strategy.
4. Relationship Building:
   • Cultivate and maintain relationships with educational organizations and federal interlocutors in Washington, D.C.
5. Event Coordination:
   • Facilitate and participate in convenings, briefings, and panel events.
6. Collaboration:
   • Coordinate closely with free expression programs and U.S. free expression programs teams for policy alignment.
7. Thought Leadership:
   • Serve as a thought partner in developing PEN America’s organizing and advocacy efforts on higher education and K-12 policies.
8. Administrative Support:
   • Manage press availabilities, email lists, and software for the Washington, D.C. government affairs team.
   • Provide administrative support to the senior manager, legislative affairs as necessary.
9. Communication:
   • Effectively communicate issues of free speech, academic freedom, and educational censorship to diverse audiences.
10. Mission Support:
    • Support and advance PEN America’s mission to safeguard free expression in the United States and abroad.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree with 2-3 years of relevant professional experience.
• Understanding of education policy, legislative processes, and contemporary debates over free expression.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Project and time management skills, including meeting deadlines.
• Ability to engage diverse stakeholders and build relationships.
• Familiarity with Asana or other project management software is a plus.

Salary and Benefits:

PEN America offers competitive compensation and full benefits. The salary range is $65-70K. Benefits include medical, dental, vision insurance, paid time off, 10 holidays, pre-tax commuter benefits, and a 403b retirement plan.

How to Apply:

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and unedited writing sample to [email protected] with the subject “Education Policy Manager, Washington – [Your Name]”. Indicate where you heard about the position in the email body. Only complete applications will be reviewed, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

PEN America is an equal opportunity employer actively seeking a diverse applicant pool. No phone calls, please.

About PEN America: PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights, defending free expression in the United States and worldwide. We unite writers to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible.