Assistant Editor

About the Organization

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute focused on strengthening democracy and justice in the United States. Its work spans voting rights, campaign finance reform, ending mass incarceration, and safeguarding constitutional protections in national security policy. The organization combines research, policy development, advocacy, and communications to advance reform in Congress, state legislatures, the courts, and public discourse.

Role Summary

The Brennan Center is looking for an experienced editor with strong writing, editing, and judgment skills to join its editorial team in New York City. Publications are central to the organization’s mission because they help develop and share original research and policy ideas that shape national discussions on major democratic issues.

The assistant editor will partner with attorneys, scholars, and communications colleagues to maintain efficient editorial processes and high standards across reports and a range of digital and multimedia materials. This is a two-year term-limited position based at the organization’s New York City headquarters.

Editorial and Production Duties

• Guide reports through the full production cycle, from draft manuscript to typesetting and final release, while coordinating with authors, internal teams, freelance editors, and designers.
• Keep production timelines on track, provide regular progress updates to stakeholders, and maintain project tracking systems.
• Review text and graphics for clarity, accuracy, and consistency with house style.
• Gather corrections from authors and proofreaders and apply them in InDesign or InCopy.
• Create or update publication web pages.
• Write short, persuasive display copy, promotional text, and supporting collateral content.
• Revise the style guide as needed.
• Copyedit or proofread newsletters, video scripts and subtitles, event blurbs, podcast copy, social media content, institutional web pages, staff bios, and related materials.
• Offer guidance to colleagues on house style and editorial best practices.
• Take on additional duties as needed.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in political science, journalism, English, or a related discipline.
• At least 2 years of editorial experience in a publishing house, media outlet, think tank, or advocacy organization.
• Strong command of Chicago style, along with the judgment to know when deviations are appropriate.
• Comfort using InDesign or InCopy.
• Working knowledge of basic HTML and familiarity with Drupal-based content management systems.
• Ability to turn complex research and legal concepts into clear, accessible language.
• Excellent copyediting, proofreading, fact-checking, and editorial judgment.
• Project management ability and tact to move work efficiently toward publication.
• Experience with data visualization tools and concepts is an advantage.
• Interest in current democracy reform debates is also preferred.

Application Process

Applicants should provide a cover letter, résumé, and contact details for three supervisor references. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Candidates are encouraged to explain their interest in the role and what they hope to contribute. No phone calls or faxes are accepted. If needed, applicants may submit materials by email after registering in the online system.

Compensation, Benefits, and Employment Details

The role offers a salary range of $70,000 to $80,000. Compensation is determined based on market competitiveness, internal equity, and the selected candidate’s qualifications. Benefits include a generous time-off program, a 401(k) plan, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, and wellness and office perks.

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW Local 2320.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Brennan Center is committed to equal opportunity and values a diverse workforce. Hiring decisions are made without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic identity, sexual orientation, national origin, previous incarceration, disability, military veteran status, or any other protected basis under applicable law.