Staff Writer

Location: Candidates must be based in a state where The Bail Project currently operates which includes the following: AZ, CA, CO, DC, FL, GA, IN, IL, KY, MD, MO, MT, NY, NC, OH, OK, TX, PA, SC, WA

Job Summary:

The Bail Project seeks a creative and skilled storyteller passionate about reforming the U.S. criminal justice system. As a Staff Writer, you will play a pivotal role in advocating for the elimination of cash bail through compelling and impactful content. Working closely with the Communications team, you will craft narratives across multiple platforms and formats to amplify the voices of clients, advance policy campaigns, and support organizational goals. This includes, but is not limited to, op-eds, press statements, blog posts, and publications.

This position requires exceptional writing, research, and communication skills, as well as a collaborative and adaptable approach to working in a fast-paced environment. This position will report to the Director of Communications, and work in close collaboration with and in support of our Communications team, as well as our Policy, Operations, our Creative and Marketing teams, and our senior management.

Key Responsibilities

Media Relations

• Craft and edit high-quality op-eds, press releases, statements, and letters to the editor.
• Build relationships with media outlets to facilitate article placements and elevate The Bail Project's visibility.
• Collaborate with internal teams to streamline the opinion-writing process, maintaining alignment with the organization's style guide.

Publications

• Translate complex topics into accessible content, including fact sheets, explainers, reports, and web materials.
• Partner with Policy, Data, and Communications teams to highlight data-driven stories and key findings.
• Support the production of long-form reports, including research, editing, and cross-departmental coordination.

Client and Staff Storytelling

• Develop and compose compelling client stories for digital platforms, collaborating with Operations staff to identify and vet narratives.
• Conduct interviews with clients and staff, manage release forms, and coordinate supplementary materials (e.g., photos, videos).
• Maintain a structured archive of client stories, ensuring proper organization and accessibility.
• Serve as the primary contact for clients participating in external engagements such as panels, legislative testimony, or media interviews.

Campaign Support

• Develop written resources for policy campaigns, such as talking points, one-pagers, and fact sheets.
• Adapt messaging to resonate with diverse audiences, ensuring clarity and impact.

General Communications Support

• Assist with drafting and editing the weekly staff newsletter.
• Review and copy-edit external communications to ensure accuracy, professionalism, and consistency.

Qualifications

To excel in this role, you likely bring the following:

• 2+ years of experience in professional writing and communications, particularly in journalism, advocacy communications, or public sector roles a related role and a demonstrated ability to handle similar responsibilities (required)
  • 4+ years of professional writing and communications experience, particularly in journalism, advocacy, or public sector roles (preferred)
• Expertise in writing across multiple formats and platforms under tight deadlines.
• Strong copy-editing skills and familiarity with citation styles.
• Demonstrated ability to manage projects independently and collaborate across teams.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships in diverse and distributed work environments.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; Master’s degree is a plus.

Skills and Competencies

• Deep understanding of the criminal justice system and cash bail reform, or a strong willingness to learn.
• High emotional intelligence and the ability to navigate sensitive topics with empathy and professionalism.
• Flexibility to adapt in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Meticulous attention to detail with excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Proactive and self-motivated, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

Personal Attributes: Trustworthy, strategic, organized, results-driven, inclusive, transparent, and collaborative.