Job: communications associate, W. Haywood Burns Institute
San Francisco
Non-profit’s mission is to “protect and improve the lives of youth of color, poor children and their communities by ensuring fairness and equity throughout all public and private youth serving systems.” The ideal candidate “will possess a combination of skills regarding writing, research and using the media to shape public policy.” This person will report directly to Senior Management (Executive Director and Deputy Director for Program).

Communications Associate
Job Description

The W. Haywood Burns Institute (BI), founded in 2002, is a non-profit whose core purpose is to protect and improve the lives of youth of color, poor children and their communities by ensuring fairness and equity throughout all public and private youth serving systems. Work at the BI focuses on working in specific jurisdictions to convene traditional and non-traditional stakeholders to change policies, procedures, and practices that impact youth of color and poor children in trouble with the law. Likewise, we work with 130 community-based organizations nationally toward similar goals.

The ideal candidate will possess a combination of skills regarding writing, research and using the media to shape public policy. This person will report directly to Senior Management (Executive Director and Deputy Director for Program).

Major Responsibilities:

• Overall responsibility for writing and editing clear, compelling publications that advance the BI’s agenda; Publications include articles, op-eds, brochures, special reports, and website content;
• Working closely with program staff on writing and editing publications. 
• Participate in developing communication strategies around juvenile justice reform priorities and in efforts to reach diverse populations;
• Conduct research on a range of juvenile justice issues;
• Draft and edit opinion pieces and speeches for staff;
• Write website content and participate in strategic decisions as to website content and marketing;
• Edit and proofread certain materials written by BI staff. Provide guidance on writing styles;
• Write materials for public education campaigns;
• Pitch media for op-ed placements and coordinate editorial board meetings;
• Collaborate in cultivating press relations;
• Assist with proposal writing.

Additional Qualifications:
The ideal candidate will be an excellent writer and communications professional with experience in public policy and persuasive writing to explain and promote the work of the BI to the public, key constituencies, and opinion leaders. They will have the ability to participate in the overall development of communication and media strategies.  Candidates must have at least five years of professional writing experience, some of which is related to public policy and advocacy, a B.A. degree is preferable. Excellent written and oral communications skills are essential, as are exceptional organizational skills.  Excellent computer/Internet skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office are required. An understanding of juvenile justice issues is desirable. Candidates must be able to conduct research in multiple environments including on the internet, in academia and in general media publications.

How to Apply:

APPLY IMMEDIATELY by sending a letter of interest, resume, references and three unedited writing samples (please limit each to 10 pages) to sbrooks [AT] burnsinstitute.org. The position will remain open until filled. Please use “Communications Associate” as the subject of your email. Only complete applications will be reviewed. It is preferred that all materials be submitted via email. If emailing is not possible, please send materials (do not split a submission between email and regular post) to W. Haywood Burns Institute, attn: Communications Associate, 180 Howard Street, Suite 320, San Francisco, CA 94105.

The W. Haywood Burns Institute is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply. Only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. No relocation funds are available. Please visit our website to learn more about the Burns Institute at www.burnsinstitute.org.

• Job location is San Francisco, CA.