Assistant Editor

Position Overview

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is seeking 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.

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
• 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)
• 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

Note

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

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 [email protected] 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.

About the Brennan Center

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.