Communications and Design Specialist

Job Title: Communications and Design Specialist

The National Criminal Justice Association (NCJA) is a not-for-profit membership association representing state, tribal and local criminal and juvenile justice agencies and practitioners. The NCJA works to promote a balanced approach to communities' complex public safety, criminal and juvenile justice system problems. Its members represent all facets of the criminal and juvenile justice community, from law enforcement, corrections, prosecution, defense, courts, victim-witness services and educational institutions to state and local criminal justice planning agencies.

The Communications and Design Specialist brings a complementary skillset to a small communications team that supports the association’s membership department and NCJA’s four training and technical assistance centers: The NCJA Center for Justice Planning, the OVC Center for VOCA Administrators, the NCJA Center for Grants Management and the NCJA Data Center.

Reporting to the Director of Communications, this position will be responsible for editing and designing documents and publications and providing overall communications support across the organization.

The Communications and Design Specialist will work remotely from a home office location as a collaborative member of a high-functioning professional staff.

Responsibilities include:

• Collaborating with NCJA Centers and team members across all departments to create engaging publications and materials that further our mission and work.


• Editing, proofreading and formatting documents and publications from across NCJA’s Centers to ensure tone and consistency.


• Ensuring written materials are accurate, high quality, professional and in accordance with the publication's style and editorial policy.


• Confirming NCJA publications are error free including spelling, punctuation and grammar.


• Creating print and digital one pagers, flyers, brochures and other materials.


• Designing long form publications including annual reports.


• Developing logos, templates and other branding materials.


• Ensuring use of NCJA’s brand and style guidelines.


• Taking concepts and ideas and creating visual representations.


• Creating compelling, concise and visually appealing copy.


• Supporting the communications team in creating, editing, and formatting content for email campaigns, newsletters, press releases, etc.


• Other duties as assigned.

 Requirements:

• A minimum of two (2) years of experience writing and copyediting long and short form content and designing multimedia content.


• Mastery of both AP and Chicago Manual style and ability to switch seamlessly between the two.


• Creativity and innovative design skills.


• Understanding of graphic design principles.


• Exceptional writing, editing, and interpersonal communication skills


• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite including Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop and other design and editing software.


• Experience using Canva or other similar design programs.


• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office software (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook, etc.) and other related software programs.


• Ability to refine content to convey clear, concise and engaging messages.


• Understanding of data visualization techniques and how to engage audiences visually.


• Understanding of 508 compliance and accessibility.


• Excellent time management and customer service skills.


• Ability to work virtually, manage and prioritize multiple projects and meet strict deadlines with minimum supervision.


• Strict attention to detail.


• Ability to participate in a high functioning professional setting requiring flexibility, collaboration and the ability to work across multiple teams.


• Bachelor's degree in communications, graphic design or related field; an equivalent combination of education and work experience, as determined by NCJA’s Human Resources, may also be acceptable.


• Desire to continue building skill set through education and training.


• Interest in criminal justice, public safety and/or victims issues preferred.

Starting Salary Range: $63,000 - $68,000, commensurate with experience

How to Apply: Interested candidates must submit a resume and cover letter that includes links to design work. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Applicants may be asked to submit a writing sample and complete an editing test as they move through the interview process.

NCJA Commitments

 Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

NCJA is an equal opportunity employer. Even if you don’t meet every requirement listed above, we encourage you to apply anyway! Studies show that marginalized communities are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single qualification. NCJA is dedicated to building an inclusive, diverse, equitable and accessible workplace that fosters a sense of belonging – so if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t perfectly align with every qualification, we still encourage you to consider applying. You may be just the right candidate for this role or another opening.

Work-life Balance and Benefits

NCJA is dedicated to providing comprehensive benefits that help employees regenerate energy, at work and at home. NCJA is a completely remote organization offering flexibility and opportunities for travel to meetings and conferences. NCJA benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; long term disability coverage; generous paid leave and federal holidays; professional development opportunities; 401(k) match, basic life insurance and paid sabbatical leave.  

About NCJA

The National Criminal Justice Association (NCJA) strengthens criminal justice communities and improves lives by empowering stakeholders through training, collaboration and advocacy. NCJA, as an organization, seeks to achieve these four broad goals:

• Convener & Facilitator | Facilitate peer-to-peer exchanges and stakeholder engagement to be the leading non-partisan convener of State Administering Agencies (SAAs) and other criminal justice system partners.


• Advocate & Liaison | Advocate for and communicate with local, state, and federal partners to ensure ongoing funding in Byrne JAG and other federal public safety programs, sharing information on federal policy and funding with SAAs and an expanded NCJA membership.


• Thought Leader | Publish and disseminate thought pieces each year on critical policy areas facing states and the various successful approaches being taken by different states and entities.


• Technical Assistance Provider | Increase the number of states who receive training and technical assistance to increase the ability of SAAs and other stakeholders to maximize the impact of their federal funding dollars.