Plain Language Specialist

Autistic Self Advocacy Network–a national disability rights advocacy nonprofit run by autistic people–is seeking an enthusiastic team member who is experienced with, and passionate about, plain language and Easy Read writing. They will work with ASAN’s Director of Advocacy and Publications team. This is a full-time salaried position paying $64,000 annually with a comprehensive health insurance plan and other benefits including a retirement plan, dental insurance, commuter benefits for office-based employees, four day work week, and up to 5 weeks of paid time off. This position is remote, with an opportunity to work in ASAN’s DC office if local. This is a NewsGuild-Communication Workers of America represented position.

Job Responsibilities

• Comprehensively research topics of ASAN materials;
• Draft plain language and Easy Read materials, from long-form toolkits to short factsheets;
• Give presentations teaching plain language and Easy Read writing to nonprofit, government, and self-advocate audiences;
• Help plan and participate in focus groups and advisory committees of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities to review and edit ASAN’s materials;
• If able, create Easy Read icons and format plain language and Easy Read materials using Adobe Suite; and
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Experience Needed

• Excellent writing skills, especially plain language and Easy Read writing, and experience with both creating plain language and/or Easy Read products, and translating academic-level writing into plain language and/or Easy Read
• Strong research skills, including evaluating and summarizing academic, scientific, and legal/policy sources
• Ability to work respectfully alongside people with intellectual disabilities and provide accommodations as necessary to facilitate their participation
• Familiarity with the disability rights, self-advocacy, and neurodiversity movements
• Ability to work on multiple long-term projects simultaneously
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and Google Apps
• Ability to take direction, take initiative, and work in a team
• Track record of discretion and reliability in work and advocacy environments
• Willingness to learn about and respect the different access needs of self-advocates and work colleagues

Skills and Experience Preferred

• Proficiency with Adobe Suite graphic design programs including InDesign and either Illustrator or Photoshop; demonstrated skill in graphic design.
• Experience with public speaking (using AAC or other communication supports or accommodations if necessary)
• Experience working collaboratively with people with intellectual disabilities
• Experience coordinating or managing projects

How to apply

Please send your application to Zoe Gross at zgross@autisticadvocacy.org with “Plain Language Specialist” in the subject line. Your application should include:

• A resume detailing your work experience, volunteer experience and education, highlighting details relevant to this position
• A thoughtful cover letter outlining how your skills and experience meet the qualifications described above
• 1-3 writing samples in plain language or Easy Read writing
• OPTIONAL: a graphic design portfolio or samples of Easy Read materials you have formatted
• OPTIONAL: a recording or link to a presentation you have given

The application period will close on June 19th

Depending on how far you progress, the application process may include a live interview (via zoom, phone call or text chat), emailed questions, and contacting 2-3 professional references that you provide. There is no need to provide references in your application; we will ask you for them later in the process.

If you have any questions about the application process or need accommodations to apply, please contact Zoe at zgross@autisticadvocacy.org.

ASAN is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, veteran, age, disability, marital status, gender identity or sexual orientation. We strongly encourage autistic people of color, AAC users, members of the LGBTQ community and autistic people with personal experience in special education and other public service systems to apply.

About ASAN:

Autistic Self Advocacy Network is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization run by and for autistic people. ASAN is a national grassroots disability rights organization for the autistic community. We fight for disability rights. We work to make sure autistic people are included in policy-making, so that laws and policies meet our community’s needs. We work to support all forms of self-advocacy and to change the way people think about autism. Our members and supporters include autistic adults and youth, cross-disability advocates, and non-autistic family members, professionals, educators, and friends