Nicole Marie Gervasio

PEN America stands at the intersection of literature and human rights to protect free expression in the United States and worldwide. It champions the freedom to write, recognizing the power of the word to transform the world. Its mission is to unite writers and their allies to celebrate creative expression and defend the liberties that make it possible. The Festival Programs Manager will curate programming and develop audience engagement for the annual PEN World Voices Festival of International Literature and other events on the PEN America schedule. The Manager will be involved in all aspects of designing programming that attracts an increasingly diverse public in New York City and for satellite events in communities across the country. The position reports to the Senior Director of Literary Programs/Director, PEN World Voices Festival. The Manager will identify a vibrant range of ideas and presentation formats as well as participants who will draw significant audiences for events that seed the wider public conversation about literature, and pressing social, political, and moral issues. The Manager also will develop partnerships with affiliated organizations to grow and diversify PEN America audiences. This will involve working with prominent literary figures and public intellectuals, as well as recognizing new voices that bring dynamic creativity and thinking to conversations of immediacy. Working closely with colleagues in Literary Programs, the Manager will also participate in fundraising efforts, primarily through grant applications, in ensuring initiatives are grounded in good production practices, and in meeting budgetary requirements.