PEN Ukraine is announcing an open call for the Executive Director position

Applications are being accepted via the link until September 15.

PEN Ukraine is announcing an open call for the Executive Director position.

Maksym Sytnikov had held the position since January 2025, before his recent decision to join the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

"It has been an honor to be part of PEN Ukraine for those five years. Regrettably, most of that time coincided with the full-scale war. Throughout these years, we have recorded the losses of our colleagues, fought for the release of our captives, exposed the crimes of the Russians to the entire world, covered tens of thousands of kilometers across frontline and de-occupied territories, distributed tons of humanitarian aid, hosted several hundred cultural events, and represented our nation abroad. Earlier this summer, I firmly decided to join the military, so my PEN journey is on hold for the time being. I am grateful to the colleagues who had my back, and to the community for its support. We have made sure that this transition does not undermine the organization's operational capacity," Maksym Sytnikov said.

"I am incredibly thankful to Maksym for all the hard work he has put in and is still putting in for PEN Ukraine. Maksym provided the organization with stability, certainty, and a presence across numerous regions of Ukraine, including the frontline territories. We deeply respect his decision to join the Ukrainian military. We are staying in touch and will seek out new ways to collaborate," noted Volodymyr Yermolenko, President of PEN Ukraine.

The organization is headed by President Volodymyr Yermolenko. During the search for a new Executive Director, Development Director Hanna Ustynova ensures the continuity of PEN Ukraine's project and partnership operations.

We are seeking someone to oversee the organization’s effective day-to-day operations, the realization of its strategy, and its financial and operational stability.

The new Executive Director will step into a compelling role at a stable organization with an extensive network of national and international partnerships and a team of highly experienced professionals.

Key responsibilities

• Organize and coordinate the day-to-day operations of PEN Ukraine;
• Manage the team, internal processes, and contractors;
• Develop and implement new ideas for the organization's growth alongside the administrative team, in line with the NGO’s strategic directions;
• Plan and oversee the operational and financial activities of the organization;
• Ensure the proper maintenance of financial, legal, HR, and contractual documentation;
• Manage grant activities and reporting;
• Ensure the execution of decisions made by the Executive Board and the General Assembly;
• Engage proactively with the PEN Ukraine community;
• Prepare and execute the organization's annual activity plans in collaboration with the administrative team;
• Represent PEN Ukraine within the scope of authority and liaise with PEN International;
• Report regularly to the President and the Executive Board.

Required skills and qualifications

• Commitment to PEN Ukraine’s core values;
• Deep understanding of the NGO and non-profit landscape;
• Experience in team leadership and organizational workflows;
• Experience in budgeting, financial planning, and grant reporting;
• Experience in handling contracts, alongside financial and administrative processes;
• Excellent organizational and communication skills;
• Capacity to build a cohesive team, delegate efficiently, coordinate experts, and drive collective success;
• C1 level of English.

PEN Ukraine is a cultural and human rights organization that unites Ukrainian authors — journalists, writers, scholars, playwrights, publishers, translators, human rights activists, cultural managers, photographers, and illustrators. PEN Ukraine is one of 139 national centers of PEN International. PEN Ukraine currently consists of over 200 members. The Executive Board serves as the organization's governing body.