Job Title: Justice Media Specialist
Location: Chicago Job Type: Full-Time/Part-Time
Reports to: Director of Marketing Direct Reports: none
About Us:
God Restoring Order (GRO) Community is a mental healthcare provider that specializes in trauma recovery services for males of color ages 5 and up. GRO services are grounded in an understanding of the neurological biological and psychological effects of trauma. GRO services include mental health and wellness stress management and community outreach.
Position Summary:
GRO Community is launching a transformative publication created by and for incarcerated and formerly incarcerated men amplifying their voices through real stories resources and creative expression. As the Justice Media Specialist you will play a key role in developing designing and managing this magazine from concept to distribution. This position blends editorial strategy content creation visual design and project coordination to support GROs mission of reentry empowerment and systemic healing. The ideal candidate is a skilled communicator and visual storyteller with a passion for justice reform and a deep respect for lived experience. You will collaborate with contributors reentry partners and internal teams to produce high-impact culturally sensitive media that informs inspires and supports reintegration.
Key Responsibilities:
Editorial Development & Content Management
- Research relevant publications to inform tone style and content direction
- Co-develop thematic outlines and article categories with editorial leadership
- Interview justice-impacted individuals to inspire and inform content ideas
- Draft revise and edit feature articles captions headlines and callouts
- Coordinate and manage the article submission and review process
- Fact-check all editorial content to ensure accuracy and compliance
- Maintain an up-to-date editorial style guide for consistent voice and formatting
- Analyze audience feedback and contribute to post-publication debriefs
Design & Layout Support
- Develop visual concepts and layout templates for the magazine
- Design individual article layouts and overall magazine pages using tools like Adobe InDesign or Canva
- Ensure typography spacing and formatting align with accessibility and storytelling goals.
- Prepare print-ready files and digital assets for distribution
- Collaborate cross-functionally with marketing reentry and clinical programs teams to integrate text and visuals
Project Coordination & Community Engagement
- Assist with production schedules editorial timelines and workflow management
- Liaise with reentry programs contributors and external partners
- Contribute to community outreach efforts to expand contributor and reader engagement
- Support fundraising or grant-related efforts tied to magazine sustainability
Competencies:
- Cultural Sensitivity: Demonstrates empathy respect and cultural awareness when working with incarcerated and formerly incarcerated individuals. Recognizes and honors diverse lived experiences and backgrounds
- Storytelling & Messaging: Ability to craft compelling narratives that align with the magazines mission. Effectively communicates stories that inspire inform and engage a broad audience
- Editorial Judgment: Applies sound decision-making regarding content accuracy tone ethics and alignment with editorial goals. Maintains high standards for clarity consistency and integrity in all written work
- Design Proficiency: Demonstrates strong visual communication skills including layout design typography and use of color. Proficient in industry-standard tools such as Adobe InDesign Canva or similar platforms
- Project Coordination: Efficiently manages multiple tasks deadlines and priorities. Keeps editorial workflows organized and supports production schedules to ensure timely delivery
- Collaboration & Teamwork: Works effectively with cross-functional teams including writers designers editors and external partners. Communicates clearly and respectfully contributing to a positive team dynamic
- Adaptability: Responds flexibly to feedback shifting deadlines and evolving project needs. Maintains professionalism and focus in a dynamic mission-driven environment
Work Setting:
- This role requires a combination of remote and in-office work
- Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to meet publishing deadlines or attend community events
Qualifications:
- Bachelors degree in Journalism English Graphic Design Communications or a related field. Equivalent work experience may be considered
- Minimum of 12 years of experience in publishing editorial writing design communications or justice-related media work
- Proficiency in Adobe InDesign Canva or equivalent design tools
- Excellent writing editing and visual communication skills
- Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
- Familiarity with criminal justice reform reentry issues or storytelling for marginalized communities
Preferred Qualifications:
- Lived experience with incarceration or reentry
- Bilingual proficiency (English/Spanish or other languages).
- Experience working in nonprofit or community-driven media initiatives
- Understanding of trauma-informed communication principles
What We Offer:
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- A supportive and dynamic work environment committed to social impact
- Opportunities for professional development and growth
How to Apply:
At GRO Community we believe in healing through empowerment and innovation. Our work centers on serving individuals and families with compassion and integrity. Join our team to make a meaningful impact while building your professional skills in a supportive and mission-driven environment.
Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing their relevant experience to