Assistant Editor

brennancenter; New York (NY); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous time-off program

401(k) plan

Comprehensive health insurance

Job summary

The Brennan Center for Justice is looking for an Assistant Editor to join its editorial team in New York. This two-year term position requires excellent writing and editing skills, and you will collaborate with staff to ensure editorial quality across various media.

Responsibilities include managing manuscript through publication, enforcing schedules, and drafting promotional content. A Bachelor's degree and at least two years of relevant experience are required. Salary ranges from $70,000 to $80,000, with a full benefits package.

Qualifications

• At least two years of editorial experience at a relevant organization.
• Fluency in Chicago style and the ability to adapt as necessary.
• Outstanding copyediting, proofreading, and fact-checking skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage reports from manuscript to publication.
• Ensure clarity, accuracy, and style consistency.
• Draft promotional and display copy.

Skills

Writing and editing skills

Project management

Copyediting and proofreading

Basic HTML proficiency

Familiarity with InDesign/InCopy

Knowledge of Chicago style

Education

Bachelor’s degree in political science, journalism, English or related field

Tools

InDesign

InCopy

Drupal CMS

Job description

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. It works to hold political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. From voting rights and campaign finance reform to ending mass incarceration and preserving constitutional protections in national security, the Brennan Center's work spans a broad range of policy areas, using rigorous research to craft innovative policies and advocate for them in Congress, courts, and public opinion.

Position Overview

The Brennan Center is seeking an individual with excellent writing and editing skills to join its editorial team. As an Assistant Editor, you will work with attorneys and scholars to ensure smooth editorial workflows and exacting editorial standards for reports. You will also collaborate with the Communications Department to maintain similar standards across social media, podcasts, video, and other media. This is a two‑year term limited position reporting to the managing editor for publications.

Responsibilities

• Shepherd reports from manuscript through typesetting to publication, coordinating among authors, staff, and freelance editors and designers.
• Enforce production schedules, regularly update project stakeholders about progress, and maintain project management systems.
• Ensure that text and graphics are clear, accurate, and consistent with house style.
• Collate corrections from authors and proofreaders and implement them in InDesign or InCopy.
• Build or edit publication web pages.
• Draft concise and compelling display copy, promotional copy, and collateral content.
• Update the style guide periodically.
• Copyedit or proofread newsletters, video scripts and subtitles, event blurbs, podcast copy, social media posts, institutional web pages, staff bios, and other materials.
• Advise staff on house style and editorial best practices.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in political science, journalism, English, or a related field.
• At least two years of editorial experience at a publishing house, media organization, think tank, or advocacy organization.
• Fluency in Chicago style and a good sense of when to deviate from it.
• Comfort working in InDesign or InCopy.
• Proficiency with basic HTML and familiarity with Drupal‑based content management systems.
• A knack for translating sophisticated research and legal complexities into plain language.
• Outstanding copyediting, proofreading, and fact‑checking skills and judgment.
• Project management and diplomatic savvy to expedite the movement of projects to publication.
• Familiarity with data visualization concepts and tools is a plus.
• Knowledge of current debates in democracy reform is a plus.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range: $70,000–$80,000.
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package assessed regularly.
• Generous time‑off program, 401(k) plan, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), and wellness and office perks.
• Position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, UAW local 2320.

Equal Employment Opportunity

The Brennan Center for Justice is committed to a workplace based on equal opportunity and a strong belief in the increased effectiveness that comes from a diverse workforce. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, ethnicity, gender identity, socioeconomic identity, sexual orientation, national origin, prior incarceration, disability, military veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. We welcome all qualified applicants to apply.