Assistant Editor

Brennan Center for Justice•New York, NY

3d•$70,000 - $80,000•Onsite

About The Position

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

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with data visualization concepts and tools a plus
Knowledge of current debates in democracy reform also a plus

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