Executive Editor, State Court Report, Judiciary Program

The Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that seeks to improve our systems of democracy and justice. We work to hold our political institutions and laws accountable to the twin American ideals of democracy and equal justice for all. The Brennan Center’s work ranges from voting rights to court reform, from ending mass incarceration to preserving constitutional protections in the fight against terrorism. Part think tank, part advocacy group, part cutting-edge communications hub, we start with rigorous research. We craft innovative policies. And we fight for them—in the courts, in Congress and the states, and in the court of public opinion.

The Brennan Center’s Judiciary Program works to realize a fair and inclusive judicial system that protects fundamental rights and democratic values and advances the rule of law.  Recognizing that state constitutions are increasingly significant sources of rights protection, in 2023 the Brennan Center will launch State Court Report, a new digital platform, publication, and resource hub that seeks to foster dialog and commentary among judges, academics, practitioners, journalists, and the broader public about state constitutional development.

Position

The Brennan Center’s Judiciary Program seeks an executive editor to launch and manage a new digital platform, State Court Report. State Court Report will include regular coverage and commentary that analyzes and contextualizes significant state court decisions relating to state constitutional rights, as well as a searchable database of notable rulings across all 50 states. State Court Report, which has begun as a newsletter and page on the Brennan Center website and will become a standalone site in 2023, will feature news and analysis from experts both inside and outside the Brennan Center with an array of experiences and viewpoints, including academics, judges, and practitioners.

The executive editor will work collaboratively across the organization, reporting to the Judiciary Program Director and coordinating with the Communications Department. The executive editor will identify, assign, and edit stories, write and produce content, manage freelancers and oversee contributors, manage the State Court Report editorial calendar in collaboration with the Communications Department, and oversee case tracking. They will also participate in establishing branding and creative direction for the site, and help conceive of and implement a vision for this new initiative.

Responsibilities

• Work collaboratively across departments to launch and expand State Court Report
• Keep abreast of state constitutional developments in all 50 states and identify and assign stories and features
• Create and manage editorial calendar for State Court Report; plan, assign, and track deliverables from program staff, freelance writers, and contributors
• Edit legal and public policy columns for clarity and accuracy
• Develop and write website features and report on recent developments
• Contribute to a regularly scheduled newsletter
• Manage freelance writers
• Identify and reach out to state constitutional law experts
• Oversee news and case tracking
• Plan digital forums, symposia, online discussions, events, and other content.

Qualifications

• Either a law degree or a bachelor’s degree with legal journalism experience required
• Substantial writing and editing experience and ability to manage multiple complex projects
• Familiarity and ease in covering legal and public policy issues, with sound news judgment
• Strong organizational skills
• Adept at meeting deadlines
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently and thrive in a busy and dynamic work environment, juggling multiple projects
• Excellent interpersonal skills and proven ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships with staff in other departments
• A creative, problem-solving mindset with demonstrated ability to turn ideas into products or actions

The Brennan Center is committed to advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the workplace.  We continuously work with our staff to find new ways to increase diversity and to build and cultivate an inclusive and equitable work environment, where everyone can be their true-self and feel a strong sense of belonging.   As such, we seek to hire employees who have a commitment to and/or experience with diversity, equity, and inclusion.  In addition, we expect employees to participate/contribute with DEI initiatives or activities with recruitment, retention, and workplace culture.

To Apply: To apply, please visit https://brennancenter.applytojob.com/apply/SmEmLTIkAW/Executive-Editor-State-Court-Report-Judiciary-Program and upload, as a single document (where it says “attach resume”), a cover letter, resume, writing sample, and contact information for three references. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis, and decisions will be made as soon as an appropriate candidate is identified. We prefer applications to be submitted through our website. If you have difficulty uploading these items as one document, e-mail them to brennancenterjobs@nyu.edu with “Executive Editor, Judiciary Program” in the subject line.

Compensation and Benefits:

The salary range assigned for this position is $125,000-$140,000 We determine our salary ranges based on market competitiveness and internal equity for each job. The salary offered a selected candidate will be contingent upon the candidate’s qualifications and internal equity considerations. Additionally, we offer a very robust and competitive array of benefits such as a generous time off program, 401k plan, comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), and wellness and office perks.

Note: The Brennan Center is committed to public health and to the safety and wellbeing of our colleagues and visitors.  As such, we have adopted a policy requiring all employees working in the New York and Washington, DC offices to be vaccinated against COVID-19, including having a booster, or to meet the legal guidelines for an exemption.