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
About The Bail Project
The Problem
There is no place in the criminal justice system where money more clearly buys justice than bail. People who can’t afford bail remain in jail before trial, while those with money buy their liberty. Tying freedom to financial ability upends the presumption of innocence, tears lives apart, and perpetuates racial and economic disparities. It is also a key driver of mass incarceration. Each year, an estimated 2.5 million people sit in jail cells across America because they cannot afford bail.
The Response
The Bail Project is a national nonprofit that provides free bail assistance and pretrial support to thousands of low-income people every year. We are on a mission to combat mass incarceration and demonstrate that a more humane, equitable, and effective pretrial system is possible.
The Model
The Bail Project uses a national revolving bail fund to pay bail for individuals who are legally presumed innocent, and whom a judge has deemed eligible for release. We then provide court reminders, transportation, and work with local partner organizations to connect our clients with voluntary social services and community-based programs. We call this model Community Release with Support, and it has proven highly effective in helping people make their court dates. As our clients’ cases close, bail comes back into the fund where it is recycled to help additional people. The goal of The Bail Project is to work ourselves out of a job by gathering human stories and data from our ground work to advance legislative and policy change to end cash bail and invest in Community Release with Support (aftercashbail.org).
The Team
We are a community of advocates committed to ending mass incarceration and advancing racial and economic justice. Our organization consists of a central support hub and a growing network of client advocates or “Bail Disruptors” who work in their local communities to provide bail assistance and help advance advocacy efforts on the ground.
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.
Infrequent travel (2-3 trips per year) may be required to assist with site-specific projects.
Currently most roles perform some or all of their work from home. The Bail Project will provide equipment to support work from home but staff must provide their own reliable internet access.
This is a full-time, non-exempt, out-of-unit position. The Bail Project offers benefit programs including competitive Health Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Savings Account (HSA), Life Insurance, Supplemental Life Insurance, Disability Insurance, Employee Assistance Program, Paid Parental Leave, a generous Vacation and Sick Leave policy, and a 401(k) plan.
How To Apply
Interested applicants should submit a resume, cover letter and three writing samples. In the cover letter, please address the following:
- Why do you want to work for The Bail Project?
- Please share 2-3 experiences that highlight why you would be a strong candidate for the Staff Writer position.
No faxes, emails or phone calls please. Applicants will be notified regarding whether or not they have been selected for an interview.
Applications without cover letters or writing samples will not be processed.
The Bail Project is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks the candidacy of people of color, women, LGBTQIA+ people, and formerly incarcerated individuals. We are committed to inclusive hiring and dedicated to diversity in our work and staff.
Salary: $65,000 - $85,000
Closing Date: February 2, 2025
E-Verify Statement
The Bail Project utilizes E-Verify. To learn more about E-Verify you can call 1-800-255-7688 or visit their website. E-Verify® is a registered trademark of the United States Department of Homeland Security
