Assistant Editor

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 twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. The Brennan Center’s work ranges from voting rights to campaign finance reform, from ending mass incarceration to preserving constitutional protections in national security policies. 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, in the courts, and in the court of public opinion. 

Position Overview: 

The Brennan Center seeks an individual with excellent writing and editing skills to join its editorial team.

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, they routinely mold the national conversation about critical issues facing American democracy.

The assistant editor will work with attorneys and scholars across the Brennan Center to ensure smooth editorial workflows and exacting editorial standards for reports. The assistant editor will also work with colleagues in the Brennan Center’s Communications Department to ensure similar standards for social media, podcasts, video, and other media. This role will report to the managing editor for publications. This is a two year term limited position.

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

Responsibilities:

• Shepherd reports from manuscript through typesetting to publication, coordinating among authors, staff and freelance editors, and designers 

• Enforce production schedules, regularly update project stakeholders about progress, and maintain project management systems 

• Ensure that text and graphics are clear, accurate, and consistent with house style 

• Collate corrections from authors and proofreaders and implement them in InDesign or InCopy 

• Build or edit publication web pages 

• Draft concise and compelling display copy, promotional copy, and collateral content 

• Update style guide periodically 

• Copyedit or proofread newsletters, video scripts and subtitles, event blurbs, podcast copy, social media posts, institutional web pages, staff bios, and other materials 

• Advise staff on house style and editorial best practices

• Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, journalism, English, or a related field 

• At least two years of editorial experience at a publishing house, media organization, think tank, or advocacy organization

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

• Comfort working in InDesign or InCopy 

• Proficiency with basic HTML and familiarity with Drupal-based content management systems 

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

• Outstanding copyediting, proofreading, and fact-checking skills and judgment 

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

• Familiarity with data visualization concepts and tools a plus 

• Knowledge of current debates in democracy reform also a plus 

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. In your cover letter, please describe your interest in the position and what you hope to contribute to the role.  

Application Instructions:   

To apply, visit >> this link << ( .  Please upload the following documents: (1) cover letter, (2) résumé, and (3) contact information for three supervisor references. Applications without all the 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 email to View email address on click.appcast.io with “Assistant Editor” in the subject line, after registering in the online system.   

Compensation and Benefits:   

The Brennan Center is a fantastic workplace! We offer competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefits package that is regularly assessed based on workplace trends and employee feedback.  

The salary range assigned to this position is $70,000 – $80,000. We determine our salary ranges based on market competitiveness and internal equity for each job. However, the ultimate salary offered to a selected candidate will be contingent upon the candidate’s qualifications and internal equity considerations. Additionally, we offer a generous time off program, 401(k) 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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