Communications Associate/Senior Communications Associate, Editorial

Research Foundation of The City University of New York • New York, NY

4d • $65,000 - $100,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance (ISLG): About us The CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance (ISLG) is a good governance think-and-do tank. We are driven by the idea that data-informed approaches can measurably improve the way government and public institutions operate, equitably serve all constituents, and ultimately solve social policy problems. We also provide the knowledge and action needed to fuel those approaches. With the necessary research, policies, partnerships, and infrastructures, we help government and public institutions work more effectively, efficiently, and in the interest of all communities. Our Goals for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion We strive to foster an office environment and an approach to work that welcomes and respects different perspectives, backgrounds, and life experiences. We are working towards our goal of recruiting and retaining staff and board members who are diverse in terms of race, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, religion, veteran status, socioeconomic status, disability, and justice system involvement. Who we are looking for We are hiring an Editorial Associate to join CUNY ISLG’s growing communications department at either the Associate (4-6 years of relevant experience) or Senior Associate (7+ years of relevant experience) level. This position, which encompasses writing, editing, and design, will play a critical role in helping the Institute grow and refine its editorial footprint while ensuring all external-facing content is informative, relevant, engaging, and held to high editorial standards. This is an excellent opportunity for an entrepreneurial- and civic-minded communications professional with experience both writing and editing in a public policy setting. While the substantive duties of this role will entail facilitating the development and publication of project-based reports, briefs, and related materials, the Editorial Associate will be encouraged to think creatively and develop original content and workstreams relevant to CUNY ISLG’s work and mission. The Editorial Associate will report to the Communications Project Director (CPD) and will work closely with them as well as other Communications staff, research and policy staff, and colleagues across the organization on a range of tasks.

Requirements

• You have a BA or higher (or equivalent experience) and a minimum of 4 years of demonstrated relevant professional experience in policy writing, editing, content development, journalism, or copywriting.
• Associate: 4-6 years of relevant experience.
• Senior Associate: 7+ years of relevant experience.
• You have strong writing skills, including substantial experience drafting original content.
• You have substantial experience constructively and collaboratively editing the work of colleagues.
• You have an understanding of communication design practices, such as layout and web design.
• You have excellent time management skills and experience working in deadline-driven environments.
• You are familiar with the public policy landscape in New York and/or nationally.
• You can prioritize and work on a number of tasks simultaneously.
• You have an exceptional commitment to accuracy and attention to detail.
• You are familiar with: The Chicago Manual of Style.
• Content management systems, such as Squarespace and/or WordPress.
• Design tools (e.g., Adobe InDesign and Canva).
• SEO/GEO practices.

Nice To Haves

• CSS/HTML (not a requirement but a plus).

Responsibilities

• Work with Communications colleagues and project teams to develop key messaging on external-facing publications that reinforce project and organizational priorities, and ensure all products and copy adhere to it.
• Guide and manage the editorial development—including conceptualizing, outlining, editing, and proofing—of long-form products (i.e., reports, briefs) written by research and policy staff, ensuring they adhere to organizational standards and are cohesive, engaging, audience-focused, and on schedule.
• When appropriate, contribute to the drafting of aforementioned long-form products.
• Propose, draft, and/or edit supplementary products (i.e., blogs, fact sheets, e-blasts) that highlight the impact of projects.
• Propose and/or write Q&As, op-eds, features, and other forms of non-project content relevant to ISLG’s work and mission.
• Apply SEO best practices across digital publications—including keyword strategy, headline optimization, metadata, internal linking, and content structure—to improve search visibility, reach, and long-term discoverability.
• Contribute to the drafting of social media posts to promote content.
• Work with colleagues to determine the best presentation for publications, including PDFs, web reports, or blogs.
• Flow copy into branded templates (i.e., on InDesign) or manage vendors doing so.
• Input content into web design templates.
• Edit and update content for CUNY ISLG’s website or sites it manages, aligning the website with changing context, needs, and trends in the field.

Benefits

• Comprehensive medical/dental/vision insurance
• Paid vacation and personal days
• Paid sick leave
• CUNY tuition reimbursement program
• Pre-tax benefits for transit and healthcare costs
• Family/parental leave
• Life insurance
• A retirement plan with employer contribution.
• A positive work/life balance.
• Opportunities for advancement within the organization.
• Engagement with the broader CUNY network.
• Working with organizational leadership who have years of significant public sector and policymaking expertise.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level