SENIOR WRITER/EDITOR [COMM-12/NYU]

Posted On: December 13, 2013

Media-Related Job

Media Organization: American Civil Liberties Union Foundation

Company Description

For more than 93 years, the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation (ACLUF) has been at the forefront of virtually every major battle for civil liberties and equal justice in this country. Principled and nonpartisan, the ACLU has offices in all 50 states, Washington, DC and Puerto Rico, and brings together the country’s largest team of public interest lawyers, lobbyists, communication strategists, members and activists in the advancement of equality, fairness, and freedom, especially for the most vulnerable in our society.

Job Description

CAREER OPPORTUNITY
SENIOR WRITER/EDITOR [COMM-12]
American Civil Liberties Union Foundation
Communications Department, NY

For more than 93 years, the American Civil Liberties Union Foundation (ACLUF) has been at the forefront of virtually every major battle for civil liberties and equal justice in this country. Principled and nonpartisan, the ACLU has offices in all 50 states, Washington, DC and Puerto Rico, and brings together the country’s largest team of public interest lawyers, lobbyists, communication strategists, members and activists in the advancement of equality, fairness, and freedom, especially for the most vulnerable in our society.

The Communications Department of the ACLU’s National office in New York City invites applications for the full-time position of Senior Writer/Editor.

OVERVIEW

The Communications Department is responsible for promoting the ACLU’s mission, its brand and its programs through the media, multi-faceted campaigns, web communications, publications and events. The Senior Writer/Editor reports directly to the Deputy Director of Communications and is primarily responsible for working collaboratively with a group of communications professionals to accurately, effectively and proactively communicate the initiatives of the ACLU.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage and maintain the highest editorial standards for the day-to-day writing and longer-term editorial product of the Communications Department. This could include writing or editing reports, web content, blog posts, media materials, op-eds, talking points, text for video and podcasts, speeches and presentations.
• Manage workflow of all editorial, setting realistic deadlines that take into account reviews from various stakeholders.
• Work with Communications and other staff as appropriate, to develop or revise messaging for consistency and maximum impact.
• Write and edit reports, in consultation with author(s) and the Communications staff.
• Provide writing assistance, editorial guidance and editing on other editorial products, as needed.
• Provide editorial expertise towards improving blog posts. Periodically perform ACLU website content review and provide recommendations for needed changes and updates.
• Write and edit op-eds and features to be placed in outlets that require long lead-time. This could include magazines, newspapers, and blogs. Work to maintain high editorial content and standards on projects with outside vendors and consultants.
• Work across departments and functions to ensure that all written material reflects the organization’s positions and branding.
• Lead strategic thinking and material development around the Communications Department’s editorial needs on issues, campaigns and projects to ensure strong, on-message, compelling writing.
• Other projects assigned by the Deputy Director of Communications.

EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree required. Advanced degree in a related field (e.g. journalism) preferred.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience writing and editing, some of which was for nonprofit/advocacy purposes.
• Outstanding writing and editing skills, including experience with media relations writing; proven record of published op-eds demonstrating writing and editing experience; familiarity and a command of AP Style Guide.
• Strong verbal communications skills; ability to communicate with staff at all levels within the organization as well as with external media contacts, vendors and other organizations.
• Collaborative work style and demonstrated ability to operate under pressure and within short deadlines.
• Familiarly with Congress and the Executive Branch preferred.
• Experience working with digital content and blogs.
• Familiarity with a wide variety of media outlets and journalists as well as rapid-response a plus
• Strong Microsoft Office Suite skills.
• Ability to successfully navigate and thrive in a complex organization.
• Experience in a non-profit organization of comparable complexity and scale is preferred.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects effectively and when needed, with urgency.
• A demonstrated interest in and commitment to civil rights and/or civil liberties advocacy.

COMPENSATION
The ACLU offers a generous and comprehensive compensation and benefits package, commensurate with experience and within parameters of the ACLU compensation scale.

To Apply

Please send a cover letter with salary requirements and resume to hrjobsCOMM@aclu.org - Reference [COMM-12/NYU] in the subject line. This email address is specific to Communications Department postings. In order to ensure your application is received, please make certain it is sent to the correct e-mail address. You can expect to receive an automatic response that acknowledges the submission of application materials.

Applications can also be mailed to:

Communications Department
RE: [COMM-12/NYU]
American Civil Liberties Union Foundation
125 Broad Street, 18th Floor
New York, NY 10004

Please indicate where you learned of this career opportunity.

Applications will be accepted until the position is filled.