Assistant Editor

About the Organization

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law operates as an impartial law and policy research institute dedicated to enhancing democratic and justice systems in the United States. Its efforts span voting rights, campaign finance, mass incarceration reforms, and safeguarding constitutional protections in national security, combining research, policy innovation, and advocacy.

Role Overview

The organization seeks a skilled writer and editor to join its editorial team, supporting the creation and dissemination of influential publications that shape national discussions on democracy-related issues. The assistant editor will collaborate closely with attorneys, scholars, and communications teams, upholding high editorial standards across reports and multimedia content. This position is located at the Brennan Center's New York City headquarters and reports to the managing editor for publications.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the editorial publication process from manuscript submission through final production, liaising with authors, internal teams, freelancers, and designers.
• Maintain production timelines, regularly communicate updates to stakeholders, and oversee project management tools.
• Ensure text and visuals are accurate, clear, consistent, and align with established house style guidelines.
• Consolidate and apply corrections received from authors and proofreaders using Adobe InDesign or InCopy.
• Create or update web pages for publications.
• Compose engaging and succinct promotional and display copy along with collateral materials.
• Periodically revise and maintain the organization's style guide.
• Perform copyediting and proofreading across various content types including newsletters, video scripts, subtitles, event descriptions, podcasts, social media posts, institutional web content, and staff bios.
• Guide staff regarding house style adherence and editorial best practices.
• Execute additional assignments as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, journalism, English, or a related discipline.
• Minimum two years of editing experience within publishing, media, think tanks, or advocacy organizations.
• Proficient in Chicago style with the ability to judiciously depart from it when appropriate.
• Experience using InDesign or InCopy software.
• Working knowledge of basic HTML and familiarity with Drupal content management systems.
• Skillful at conveying complex research and legal topics in accessible language.
• Strong copyediting, proofreading, and fact-checking abilities with sound editorial judgment.
• Effective project management skills along with diplomatic communication to expedite publication workflows.
• Knowledge of data visualization principles is advantageous.
• Awareness of contemporary democracy reform issues is a plus.

Equal Opportunity and Diversity

The Brennan Center encourages candidates from diverse backgrounds and experiences, including those starting anew in nonprofit law and policy, returning from employment gaps, changing careers, or seeking professional growth. Applicants are invited to apply even if not meeting every qualification exactly, with a cover letter expressing interest and contributions they envision for the role.

Application Instructions

Submit a cover letter, résumé, and contact details of three supervisory references. Applications missing any of these components will not be considered. Phone calls and faxes are discouraged. If online application issues arise, applications may be emailed post-registration.

Compensation and Benefits

The position offers a salary range between $70,000 and $80,000, determined by qualifications and internal equity considerations. Benefits include a comprehensive time off program, 401(k) retirement plan, full health coverage (medical, dental, vision), wellness initiatives, and workplace amenities. This role is within a union represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW local 2320.

Commitment to Inclusion

The Brennan Center is dedicated to equal opportunity employment, fostering an inclusive environment valuing diversity irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic background, sexual orientation, origin, incarceration history, disability status, military service, or any legally protected status.