Assistant Editor

About the Brennan Center for Justice

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to enhancing US democracy and justice systems. Our work encompasses various areas including voting rights, campaign finance reform, reducing mass incarceration, and protecting constitutional safeguards in national security. As a blend of think tank, advocacy group, and communications hub, we emphasize rigorous research, policy innovation, and advocacy in legislative, judicial, and public arenas.

Position Overview

We are seeking a skilled Assistant Editor with strong writing and editorial capabilities to join our editorial team. This role supports the smooth production of high-quality publications that shape national discussions on critical democratic issues. The position involves collaborating across legal, scholarly, and communications teams to maintain high editorial standards across reports and other media formats. This is a two-year term limited role located at our New York City headquarters, reporting to the managing editor for publications.

Responsibilities

• Manage the editorial process from manuscript to publication, coordinating among authors, staff, freelance editors, and designers.
• Ensure adherence to production schedules, regularly updating stakeholders and managing project timelines.
• Verify clarity, accuracy, and consistency of text and graphics in accordance with house style guidelines.
• Gather and incorporate corrections from authors and proofreaders using InDesign or InCopy.
• Create or update web pages for publications.
• Compose clear and engaging display copy, promotional content, and collateral materials.
• Periodically revise the style guide.
• Copyedit and proofread various materials including newsletters, scripts, event announcements, podcasts, social media posts, websites, and staff biographies.
• Provide editorial guidance and advice on house style and best practices to staff members.
• Perform additional related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, journalism, English, or related field.
• Minimum of two years editorial experience at a publishing house, media outlet, think tank, or advocacy organization.
• Proficiency in Chicago style with good judgment on style deviations.
• Experience using InDesign or InCopy software.
• Basic HTML knowledge and familiarity with Drupal-based content management systems.
• Ability to translate complex legal and research content into accessible language.
• Exceptional copyediting, proofreading, and fact-checking abilities.
• Strong project management skills and diplomatic approach to facilitate timely publication.
• Bonus: familiarity with data visualization tools and current democracy reform debates.

Diversity and Inclusion

We value a broad spectrum of candidates, whether you are entering the nonprofit law and policy sector, returning after an employment gap, transitioning careers, or seeking advancement. Applicants unsure of meeting all qualifications are encouraged to apply with a cover letter expressing interest and intended contributions.

Application Process

Applicants must provide a cover letter, résumé, and contact info for three supervisor references. Incomplete applications will not be reviewed. Phone calls or faxes are discouraged. Those experiencing online application difficulties may email their application after registering online.

Compensation and Benefits

The position offers a salary range of $70,000 to $80,000, determined by qualifications and internal equity. Benefits include generous time off, 401(k) plan, comprehensive medical, dental and vision coverage, wellness programs, and other office perks. This role is part of a union represented by UAW local 2320.

Equal Opportunity Employer

We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. Employment decisions are free from discrimination based on race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation, national origin, prior incarceration, disability, veteran status, or any legally protected category.