Communications Associate/Senior Communications Associate, Editorial

RFCUNY Research Foundation of the City University of New York•New York, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The CUNY Institute for State and Local Governance (ISLG) is a good governance think-and-do tank 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. ISLG provides the knowledge and action needed to fuel those approaches through research, policies, partnerships, and infrastructures. The institute is committed to fostering an office environment that welcomes and respects different perspectives, backgrounds, and life experiences, and is working towards recruiting and retaining a diverse staff. This role is for an Editorial Associate to join the 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. 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.

Requirements

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.
Strong writing skills, including substantial experience drafting original content.
Substantial experience constructively and collaboratively editing the work of colleagues.
An understanding of communication design practices, such as layout and web design.
Excellent time management skills and experience working in deadline-driven environments.
Familiarity with the public policy landscape in New York and/or nationally.
Ability to prioritize and work on a number of tasks simultaneously.
Exceptional commitment to accuracy and attention to detail.
Familiarity with The Chicago Manual of Style.
Familiarity with content management systems, such as Squarespace and/or WordPress.
Familiarity with design tools (e.g., Adobe InDesign and Canva).
Familiarity with 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