Senior Writer (Government & Politics), Communications and External Affairs
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Job Location:
Brooklyn, NY - USA
Yearly Salary:
$ 92000 - 96000
Posted on:
30+ days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Who we are:
The Vera Institute of Justice is powered by hundreds of advocates researchers and policy experts working to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems until theyre fair for all. Founded in 1961 to advocate for alternatives to money bail in New York City Vera is now a national organization that partners with impacted communities and government leaders for change. We develop just antiracist solutions so that money doesnt determine freedom; fewer people are in jails prisons and immigration detention; and everyone is treated with dignity. For more information visit.
Vera has a staff of 216 people is headquartered in Brooklyn New York and has offices in Washington D.C. Los Angeles and New Orleans. We are an equal opportunity employer with a commitment to diversity in the workplace. We expect our staff to embody respect independence collaboration commitment anti-racism and equityboth in our outward-facing work and the internal culture of our workplace. We value a range of experiences in peoples educational backgrounds and encourage people who have been directly impacted by the criminal justice system to apply.
About the team:
What youll do:
- Conceive research and write a range of communications products including blog posts articles op-eds policy explainers and rapid-response piecesthat connect political and governmental developments to Veras mission.
- Write at least one short article or analysis each week contextualizing key events or policy actions within Veras issue areas.
- Identify opportunities to produce in-depth feature stories (spotlights) that explore the intersection of justice reform and government decision-making.
- Collaborate with editorial advocacy and program teams to refine ideas shape narratives and ensure accuracy tone and alignment with Veras broader communications strategy.
- Monitor the political and policy landscape daily tracking major legislative developments hearings elections and administrative actions that affect Veras issue areas.
- Synthesize complex political developments into accessible mission-driven content that highlights Veras perspective and expertise.
- Support rapid-response communications drafting timely statements talking points or analyses in collaboration with leadership and the communications team.
- Serve as a bridge between communications advocacy and program teams to ensure Veras positions are clearly and quickly articulated on emerging issues.
- Partner with internal experts to surface stories and insights that showcase Veras impact on local state and federal policy.
- Contribute to messaging strategy across platforms ensuring consistent and politically informed framing of Veras work.
- Identify major trends and themes shaping public discourse on criminal justice immigration and equity proposing opportunities for Vera to weigh in through written content.
- Contribute to developing communications aligned with Veras political and policy narrative clarifying how government decisions influence justice reform and public safety.
Compensation & Benefits:
The compensation range for this position is $92000 $96000 per year. In addition this position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the Association of Legal Aid Attorneys (ALAA) UAW 2325. Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to experience and performance. The salary range listed is just one component of Vera Institutes total compensation package for employees. As an employer of choice in our field supporting Vera staffboth personally and professionallyis a priority. To do this we invest in the well-being of our staff through other rewards including merit pay generous paid time off a comprehensive health insurance plan student loan repayment benefits professional development training opportunities and up to $2000 annual for education costs and fees relevant to Vera work employer-funded retirement plan and flexible time. Please note Vera employees adhere to a hybrid schedule: two days in office their first week and three days in office every alternating week. To learn more about Veras benefits offeringsclick here.
Application process:
Applications may also be faxed to:
ATTN: People Place and Culture / Senior Writer Communications and External Affairs
Vera Institute of Justice
34 35th St Suite 4-2A Brooklyn NY 11232
Fax:
Please use only one method (online mail or fax) of submission.
No phone calls please. Only applicants selected for interviews will be contacted.
Vera is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race color creed national origin sex age disability marital status sexual orientation military status prior record of arrest or conviction citizenship status current employment status or caregiver status.
Vera works to advance justice particularly racial justice in an increasingly multicultural country and globally connected world. We value diverse experiences includingwith regard toeducational background and justice system contact and depend on a diverse staff to carry out our mission.
For more information about Vera please .
Required Experience:
Senior IC
Key Skills
About Company
Vera works closely with government and civic leaders to urgently build and improve justice systems that ensure fairness, promote safety, and strengthen…
