Staff Writer

Washington, DC
Full Time
Communications
Mid Level
The Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law is one of the nation’s leading national racial justice legal organizations. Formed in 1963 at the request of President John F. Kennedy, the Lawyers’ Committee uses legal advocacy to achieve racial justice, fighting inside and outside the courts to ensure that Black people and other people of color have the voice, opportunity, and power to make the promises of our democracy real.

Job Title: Staff Writer
Location: Washington, DC
Job Type: Full-Time
Union Affiliation: Union
Accountable to: Vice President of Communications


About the Role:
The Lawyers’ Committee seeks a talented, creative and detail-oriented Communications Assistant & Staff Writer. The ideal candidate for this position is a dynamic individual who follows the news regularly and possesses the capacity to use traditional and digital tools to effectively communicate the work of the Lawyers’ Committee. The Staff Writer is someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment with the ability to support multiple initiatives across the organization and is comfortable communicating with a variety of audiences including donors and creatives. This position reports to the Vice President of Communications and will work closely with the President/Executive Director.


This is a full-time, junior level position based in Washington, DC.  Some travel will be expected.

What You’ll be Doing:
Responsibilities of the Staff Writer include but are not limited to:
  • Draft written content for publications, blog posts and other website content, op-eds, emails, talking points, executive speeches and other material as needed.
  • Serve as primary proofreader and copyeditor for the communications department.
  • Oversee writing and production of the organization’s annual report.
  • Work with Director of Digital Marketing to manage email program calendar.
  • Partner with Director of Digital Media to maintain and update organization’s web site content.
  • Maintain communications project messaging calendar to include relevant anniversaries and observances relevant to the Lawyers’ Committee work.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Requirements and Competencies:
  • Bachelor’s Degree in English, writing, communications or journalism or equivalent relevant experience.
  • Three to five years of full-time professional writing experience in an advocacy or non-profit setting in a fast-paced work environment.
  • Strong working knowledge and experience working with Chicago Manual of Style, and person-first writing and style.
  • Demonstrated knowledge of AP style.
  • Email writing experience strongly desired.
  • Excellent research, writing, editing, verbal skills.
  • Experience working and managing writing and design projects with outside consultants and contractors.
  • Ability to work quickly and handle multiple projects.
  • Ability to meet tight deadlines.
  • Availability and willingness to work outside of conventional 9-5 schedule evenings and weekends will be required.
  • Ability to work independently as well as within a team.
  • Excellent computer skills including working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite and Google applications.
  • Strong commitment to the mission and values of the Lawyers’ Committee.
  • Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop and Premier.
  • Interest in civil rights and experience with advocacy campaigns.
  • Familiarity with WordPress is a plus but not required.

Ready to Make an Impact? If you are passionate about civil rights, racial justice, and promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, we want to hear from you. Join our mission to drive positive change and contribute to our dynamic team!

Apply Today: Be part of the force for civil rights and make a lasting impact. Submit your application to help us create a more equitable and inclusive world.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: The Lawyers’ Committee embraces diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We strongly encourage candidates of color and candidates from underrepresented communities to apply. The Lawyers’ Committee does not discriminate on the basis of actual or perceived race, religion, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, medical condition, marital status, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, family responsibility, personal appearance, genetic information, matriculation, political affiliation, or any other status protected under law.


Benefits: The Lawyers' Committee offers a comprehensive benefits package which includes healthcare coverage (medical, dental & vision), parental leave, 403(b) contribution with employer match contributions, voluntary short- and long-term disability and an employer paid monthly cell phone stipend. 

This position is part of a bargaining unit represented by the Nonprofit Professional Employees Union. Employment terms, including wages and benefits, are subject to collective bargaining agreements.


The expected range for this role will be: $60,000 - $85,000

 
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