ABOUT THE POSITION
The Innocence Project recognizes the immense power of strategic communications to advance legal and policy reform and, specifically, the importance of exoneration stories to the work of preventing wrongful convictions and achieving criminal legal reform. The Writer and Editor will contribute to the development of editorial content with particular emphasis on print publications such as the annual report, facts sheets, brochures and event materials/invitations, along with content for the website and longform feature pieces for digital platforms.
The Writer and Editor will work closely with staff across the organization and particularly communications, policy, legal, and development departments, to promote the Innocence Project’s mission, brand and advocacy efforts. They will work to support and complement the digital content strategist to tell the stories of IP clients who have been wrongfully convicted of crimes they did not commit.
The Writer and Editor will proof and edit all major products including press releases, blogs, web and multimedia copy. They work closely with colleagues on the digital team to ensure a consistency of tone, voice and style across all institutional platforms. The Writer and Editor will also assist with internal communications. They may also assist with the editing of letters and essays from leadership to the IP community.
They will organize and manage the IP photo library and will work closely with the Deputy Chief Communications Officer on identifying and building relationships with photographers and overseeing photoshoots. The Writer and Editor will also have responsibility for keeping a photographic archive and assisting staff with photo sourcing and use.
The ideal candidate will be a superb writer and storyteller with an eye for detail, a knowledge of all aspects of print and digital editorial production and understanding of the legal system. This position reports to the Deputy Chief Communications Officer who oversees brand and marketing.
ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
- Manage all publications including developing ideas, conducting research and interviews, and drafting content.
- Liaise with designers, photographers, printers and mailing companies to oversee the production of publications.
- Consolidate a style guide to guide voice and content across print and digital platforms.
- Maintain the organization’s photo archive.
- Draft compelling copy and stories for the website and publications.
- Collaborate with communications and program staff to identify high-impact opportunities to increase the visibility of our advocacy, programmatic, and legislative work.
- Work as part of a multi-departmental team that includes communications, development, policy, legal, and network support.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Proven experience as an editorial manager or similar role.
- A portfolio of written work that includes analysis and opinion pieces, reports and brochures along with powerful human-centered stories.
- Strong project management skills.
- Superior attention to detail and ability to manage multiple projects at once.
- A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience and a minimum of 5 years related experience in editorial production and management
- Excellent verbal, writing, and interpersonal communication skills; ability to write and deliver work product under deadlines, and commitment to high quality standards.
KEY COMPETENCIES
- Superb writing skills along with strong proofreading and grammatical skills, and commitment to high-quality standards.
- Knowledge of Chicago style.
- Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously, often under tight deadlines. • A committed team player who is willing to go above and beyond to reach goals that benefit the lives of the wrongly convicted.
- A self-motivated contributor who demonstrates grace under pressure and possesses the ability to work independently and within a team.
- Commitment to collaborative work and respectfully resolving obstacles and/or conflicts. • Demonstrated commitment to diversity in and out of the office; values all individuals and respects differences in regard to race, ethnicity, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, ability and socio-economic circumstance.
- Demonstrated commitment to the mission of the Innocence Project.
COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS
The salary for this position is highly competitive and the Innocence Project offers an excellent benefits package, including health, dental and vision insurance, Flexible Spending Account, 401k plan with company match. While the office is currently remote in consideration of the ongoing pandemic, once commuting into the office (located in downtown Manhattan, New York) becomes again viable we will also offer company-paid transportation benefits.
The salary range is $72,250 – $85,000.
WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
The Innocence Project considers the diversity of its workforce to be vital to our organization’s success in meeting its mission. We strongly encourage applicants from all cultures, races, educational backgrounds, life experiences, socio-economic classes, sexual orientations, age, gender, and physical abilities to apply. Individuals with personal connections to the criminal legal system are strongly encouraged to apply.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, it is our policy not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, familial status, marital status, predisposing genetic characteristics, actual or perceived domestic violence victim status, unemployment status, caregiver status, or any other category protected by law.
APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS
To apply, please visit Paycom. Upload a cover letter expressing your interest in the role and the organization’s work, and a resume titled with your name (last name. first name. cover letter/resume). Only applications with cover letters will be considered complete applications. Information submitted through this secure site is kept confidential. Due to the large volume of applications, we are unable to give applicant updates by phone or direct email.
**Applications for the Writer & Editor position will be considered on a rolling basis until the post is filled.**