Editorial Associate

Organization Overview 

The Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) envisions a nation where marginalized children flourish, leaders prioritize their well-being and communities wield the power to ensure they thrive. We build community so all young people grow up with dignity, hope, and joy. 

CDF serves and advocates for the largest, most diverse generation in America: the 74 million children and youth under the age of 18 and 30 million young adults under the age of 25, with particular attention to those living in poverty and communities of color. CDF—which includes six state offices and regional offices—partners with policymakers, aligned organizations and funders in this service. The Children’s Defense Fund is the only national, multi-issue advocacy organization working at the intersection of child well-being and racial justice by wielding the moral authority of programmatic proximity and community organizing to inform public policy. For more information visit https://www.childrensdefense.org. 

Position Summary 

The Editorial Associate will create impactful, strategy-driven content to amplify the voices of children and families, increase the visibility of the CDF and its impact, and showcase the organization’s thought leadership. Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, conducting policy research, generating ideas for new types of content for various media channels, writing original content in various voices, conducting substantive editing and copyediting, and proofreading copy before publication. The Editorial Associate will work with various CDF staff to support efforts to ensure the CDF brand and messaging are reaching targeted audiences. This position will report to the Content Manager and be a part of a growing team of high-performing communications professionals. 

Responsibilities 

• Write and edit engaging multimedia content to be used across various platforms 
• Liaise with policy, movement building and CDF Freedom Schools®, and Institutional Advancement teams to support the creation of engaging content for the variety of CDF’s external audiences 
• Develop talking points and text drafts for CDF thought leaders 
• Stay up to date on policy topics related to the work of CDF 
• Carry out storytelling and narrative creation that centers the voice of children 
• Provide communications support for CDF convenings and conferences 
• Liaise with outside vendors, including designers and printers 

To apply submit cover letter, resume, and two writing samples. Please upload writing samples with cover letter or resume in one document. 

Education and/or Experience 

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, or related field 
• At least 1 to 3 years of editorial experience, preferably with mission-driven organizations 
• Experience working in a collaborative, cross-functional capacity  
• Experience advocating for racial justice and other social justice causes. 

Preferred Qualifications 

• Bilingual in English and Spanish 
• Ability to manage multiple projects and adapt to dynamic deadlines  

Competencies 

• Advanced listening, writing, and editing skills 
• Fluency with Microsoft Office suite 
• Ability to ethically and effectively amplify the voices of people who experience poverty. 
• Clear understanding of economic and racial justice issues and the ability to incorporate analysis of these issues into your work 
• Ability to convey complex public policy issues to lay audiences. 

Personal Characteristics 

• Orientation to and background of servant leadership 
• Passion for CDF's mission and purpose and ability to communicate this passion to others 
• Ability to serve as an advocate and exemplar for the vision, values, and mission of the Children’s Defense Fund 
• Demonstrated strong relational skills 

Type of work environment associated with the job 

• indoor, office setting 

 
Additional Comments 

The Children’s Defense Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer. 

Note: This job description does not restrict management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of all activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee.   Consideration will be given to qualified candidates on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.  All inquiries will remain confidential until establishment of mutual, serious interest and provision of references for review.