Senior Writer & Editor - Better Life Lab

Company: New America
Location: Washington
Posted on: January 26, 2023

Job Description:

The Better Life Lab at New America is a small team of researchers and storytellers working in solidarity with the movement for work-family justice. We focus on intersectional gender equity, elevating the value of care, and rewiring social policy and workplace culture to work for todays families. Core to the Better Life Labs mission is human-centered research, policy analysis, and journalism. The Labs approach to research is creative and narrative-driven. We emphasize translating research and analysis into public-facing materials to change culture and influence the national conversation on family-supportive social policy, workplace practices, and cultural norms PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: The senior writer and editor will assist the director in leading the Better Life Lab s storytelling and narrative change efforts, including planning events, investigating, researching, reporting, authoring and editing original pieces, papers, projects, reports, newsletter and mul ti-media products written or produced by program staff , fellows and outside contributors.

• Report and w rite a regular stream of compelling and persuasive content on the research and policy questions of the Better Life Lab s work-family justice & intersectional gender equity mission, including fair work, family-supportive public policy, the value of paid and unpaid care work, and cultural narratives and expectations around gender and poverty.
• Review and edit policy reports, use creativity to assist in developing , investigating, researching , writing and editing projects, briefs, blogs, op-eds, newsletter and other pieces or multi-media products written or produced by program staff, fellows or outside contributors.
• Help develop and grow a diverse community of contributing writers on BLL issues, helping to manage reporting grant projects, organize convenings and workshops, and compile resources, potentially in partnership with allied organizations and media partners.
• Help develop and maintain connections and partnerships with a wide variety of writers, editors, producers and media outlets to both place BLL-produced content and drive earned outside media coverage.
• Help organize strategy and plan events for convenings, report and policy paper releases, Advisory Council workshops and other gatherings.
• Liaise between the Better Life Lab team and New America s EPEC communications staff as well as with external contractors, including graphic designers, for reports and events .
• Work with authors to improve content, structure, and style where needed; mentor young writers.
• Ensure all final copy is ready for publication, appropriate for target audiences, and consistent with New America editorial standards and style guidelines
• Manage the Communications Associate and oversee the Better Life Labs social media presence
• Assist in assessing and strategizing to ensure that what Better Life Lab produces and how its disseminated is having the greatest impact OTHER DUTIES:
• The senior writer/editor may be asked to perform additional duties and take on other responsibilities as dictated by team leadership, events, and circumstances.
• Assist in outreach and building relationships with funders and allied organizations.
• Read widely and contribute mission-related media articles and academic studies to the teams social media Slack channel on a weekly basis.
• Speak to reporters and potentially attend and present at conferences and relevant events to raise the Better Life Labs profile and amplify its work. QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS:
• At least 5-7 years of experience, as either a journalist and/or public policy or academic researcher or editor.
• Ability to report, write and edit documents for accuracy, clarity, content, accessibility, formatting, and style .
• Ability to use data and translate academic research and complex public policy into compelling products aimed at educating and influencing wide, mainstream audiences.
• Creative approaches, k nowledge of family-supportive policies and gender equity issues a plus.
• Excellent organizational skillscandidates should have the ability to prioritize work and manage time on multiple projects and tasks to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Keen attention to detail.
• Moderate travel potentially required.
• Demonstrated interest or dedication to fostering equitable outcomes across society and especially for lower income communities, communities of color, and other historically marginalized constituencies. This can be in either their personal or professional life. COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS: This position is a full-time role with benefits. Annual salary will be between $80,000 - $100,000, depending on experience. The position is open to candidates regardless of location. Flexible, hybrid work arrangements are available for candidates in the Washington DC area. Remote/digital candidates outside the DC area are also encouraged to apply. APPLICATION PROCESS: Please submit a resume and cover letter describing your qualifications to apply. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please no phone calls New America is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce at all levels of the organization thereby creating a culture that allows us to better serve our clientele, our employees and our communities. We value and encourage the contributions of our employees and strive to create an environment where everyone can reach their full potential and drive outstanding results. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, age, sex, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, gender identity or expression, or any other basis protected by local, state, or federal law. This policy applies with regard to all aspects of ones employment, including hiring, transfer, promotion, compensation, eligibility for benefits, and termination. Powered by JazzHR

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