Artists at Risk Connection (ARC) Gap Year/Postgrad Fellowship Program 2023-2024
PEN America, a nonprofit organization working at the intersection of literature and human rights, offers a unique learning opportunity for individuals who are passionate about human rights, free speech, and creative expression, and interested in how the nonprofit sector works, specifically in the area of artistic expression, individual artist casework and protection, emergency grantmaking, international coordination and network building, research, and advocacy. This fellowship opportunity will require a commitment of nine months and will provide a stipend of $5,000 dispersed in installments, contingent on the completion of the program. It is ideal for a student seeking to take a “gap year” either post grad, between studies, or pausing undergraduate or graduate school for the 2023-24 academic year.
Our fellowship program will operate from our headquarters in New York City, and potentially our offices in Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles. The fellowship will offer the opportunity for in-person participation, dependent upon applicable health and safety considerations. Applicants needing a fully virtual arrangement are also welcome to apply and should indicate this requirement in their application. Fellows will be welcomed as members of their assigned team and participate fully in the community of PEN America, including departmental and all staff meetings, professional development offerings, and social opportunities.
The fellowship provides an opportunity to work alongside our Artists at Risk Connection (ARC) team through direct involvement in daily tasks and long-term projects. An ARC fellowship includes research and outreach to identify and expand the vast network of arts and human rights organizations assisting artists at risk; drafting content for social media platforms, the website, and other communications/outreach; attending regular coordination meetings with international partners regarding ongoing socio-political and humanitarian crises; and supporting prospect research and other fundraising efforts to expand funding for the initiative. Fellows will communicate with individual artists at risk worldwide and liaise with ARC’s global network of organizations in order to connect artists to support. They will also have the opportunity to monitor news and cases concerning the repression of artistic expression worldwide, including assisting with press releases.
Candidates with diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Additionally, candidates who would be balancing the fellowship (in place of school) along with outside employment are also encouraged to apply and should indicate this in their application for special consideration regarding schedule flexibility.
DESIRED ATTRIBUTES:
- Ability to clearly identify their personal goals for the program and what they hope to gain from the fellowship
- Ability to demonstrate skills and abilities and to provide references to support this
- Knowledge of and interest in global free expression and artistic freedom issues
- Strong research, writing, organizational, and administrative skills
- Ability to work both independently and with an expanding team
- Ability to communicate challenges and find solutions
- Ability to work quickly, stay highly organized, and multitask in a fast-paced environment
- Detail-oriented
- Comfortable with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and G Suite; experience with Adobe, Canva, and other design tools a plus
- Experience managing social media accounts, drafting social media content, and working with websites a plus
- Proficiency in Spanish, Ukrainian, Arabic, or other languages a plus but not required
REQUIREMENTS:
- Must be able to provide proof of authorization to study in the United States
- Must be able to provide proof of enrollment or acceptance into an academic program of study for the academic year of 2023-24 or 2024-25, or prepare a document that explains their academic history with academic plans or postgrad aspirations (if recently graduated)
- Must commit to 24–35 hours, and four or five days per week, within normal weekday business hours for 9–10 months
TO APPLY, PLEASE PREPARE:
- A resume or CV, one to two pages maximum
- A cover letter indicating your interest in the fellowship, how the fellowship will support future plans or current studies/projects, and the skills you would bring to the fellowship
- A separate short statement explaining your academic status and why a gap year is planned
- A work sample that demonstrates your proficiency as a writer, researcher, advocate, or communicator, preferably with applicability to PEN America’s work (five pages maximum)
The above must be sent via email to jobs@pen.org with a subject line that includes “Gap Year Fellowship,” the department you are interested in, and your first and last name (for example, “Gap Year Fellowship – ARC – Jane Doe”).
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the positions are filled.
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.