Associate Editor

Brennan Center for Justice•New York, NY

1d•$100,000 - $120,000•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 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. 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.

Requirements

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)

Nice To Haves

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

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