Associate Editor

Job Description

Job Description

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve the systems of democracy and justice in the United States. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. Among our core priorities, we fight to protect voting rights, end mass incarceration, strengthen checks and balances, and preserve constitutional protection in the fight against terrorism. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting-edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them — in Congress and the states, the courts, and in the court of public opinion.     

Position Overview: 
The Brennan Center seeks a skilled editor to guide our flagship research and policy reports.

Publications play a fundamental role in the Brennan Center’s theory of change. As a vehicle for developing and disseminating original research and innovative reforms, our reports shape the national conversation about critical issues facing American democracy.

Reporting to the Managing Editor for Publications, the Associate Editor will work closely with attorneys and social scientists across the Brennan Center to develop manuscripts that are rigorous and readable. The Associate Editor will shepherd those manuscripts through production, working with an assistant editor, copyeditors, and design staff to ensure that the finished products meet the highest editorial standards and are poised to influence policymakers and the press. Finally, the Associate Editor will work with communications colleagues to creatively disseminate our research findings and policy proposals beyond the traditional audience for reports. Candidates who can contribute to Brennan en español’s website, newsletter, and social media accounts are especially encouraged to apply.

Note: This position is based at our headquarters in New York City office. 

Responsibilities 

• Line edit report manuscripts and related materials for clarity, concision, accessibility, and rigor 

• Develop and manage production schedules responsive to external deadlines, move reports through the editorial pipeline, and navigate review processes 

• Check proofs for adherence to editorial and design standards 

• Develop innovative plans for report collateral and rollouts 

• Critically assess publication proposals and support authors in developing new projects 

• Advise staff on editorial best practice and house style 

• Substitute as a copyeditor on articles, newsletters, videos, and other short-turnaround editorial and multimedia products 

Qualifications 
Required 

• Bachelor’s degree 

• At least five years of editorial experience at a publishing house, academic journal, media organization, or think tank 

• Sharp thinking about public policy 

• Outstanding editing skills and judgment

• Project management and diplomatic savvy to expeditiously move projects to publication 

• A knack for translating sophisticated research and legal complexities into plain language

• Fluency in Chicago style (and good sense about when to deviate from it)

Preferred 

• Degree in political science, English, or a related field 

• Background in quantitative social science

• A track record of conceiving of and executing creative and compelling data visualizations 

• Working knowledge of Adobe InDesign or InCopy 

• Proficiency in Spanish (reading, writing, speaking) 

• Knowledge of current debates in democracy reform 

We are committed to considering a wide range of candidates, including those with diverse experiences and backgrounds. Whether you are new to the nonprofit law and policy sector, returning to work after a gap in employment, looking to make a career transition, or seeking to advance your professional path, we welcome your application. 

If you're uncertain about meeting 100 percent of our qualifications, we encourage you to apply anyway. Therefore, please consider submitting your application. In your cover letter, please share your interest in the position and what you hope to contribute to the role. 

Applications: 
Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage interested applicants to apply early, as the position will be filled once a qualified candidate is found.  

To apply, please visit >> LINK HERE <<  and upload the following application materials: (1) cover letter, (2) resume, and (3) contact information for three supervisor references. Applications without all the previously listed materials will not be considered.   

Please, no phone calls or faxes; it is strongly preferred that you apply on our website. If you have difficulty with the online system, you may send your application by e-mail to: View email address on us.fitly.work with “Associate Editor” in the subject line, after registering in the online system.  

Compensation and Benefits:  
The salary range assigned for this position is $100,000–$120,000. We determine our salary ranges based on market competitiveness and internal equity for each job. The salary offered to a selected candidate will be contingent upon the candidate’s experience, education, and qualifications, along with internal equity considerations. Additionally, we offer a very robust and competitive array of benefits such as a generous time off program, 401k plan, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), and wellness and office perks.  

In addition, this position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW local 2320. 

The Brennan Center for Justice is committed to a workplace based on equal opportunity and a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic identity, sexual orientation, national origin, previous incarceration, disability, military veteran/status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. To this end, we welcome all qualified applicants to apply.

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