About Vera
The Vera Institute of Justice is powered by hundreds of advocates, researchers, and community organizers working to transform the criminal legal and immigration systems until they’re fair for all. Founded in 1961 to advocate for alternatives to money bail in New York City, Vera is now a national organization that partners with impacted communities and government leaders for change. We develop just, antiracist solutions so that money doesn’t determine freedom; fewer people are in jails, prisons, and immigration detention; and everyone in the system is treated with dignity. Vera’s headquarters is in Brooklyn, New York, with offices in Washington, DC, New Orleans, and Los Angeles.
Purpose of Request for Qualifications
Vera is seeking the services of qualified freelance writers to work on Vera publications, including but not limited to articles, op-eds, research reports, policy briefs, fact sheets, talking points, and blog posts.
Anticipated Scope of Work
Services may include, but are not limited to:
- working with communications and program staff to write content that advances Vera’s strategic goals, including blog posts, short- and long-form journalism, op-eds, talking points, multimedia scripts, fact sheets, infographics, policy memos, reports, landing pages, and other publications for a variety of audiences, including advocates, policymakers, practitioners, and the general public;
- providing appropriate citations for factual assertions and, if applicable, ensuring that citations appear in correct format per Vera’s Style Guide and accurately support the assertions made;
- delivering clean and error-free manuscripts using Microsoft Word in accordance with Vera’s Style Guide and the Chicago Manual of Style;
- meeting deadlines;
- corresponding with Vera as needed to answer substantive and process questions;
- working with editors through multiple rounds of review and revising drafts according to editor requests;
- attending meetings relating to projects, as requested.
These services may be provided on an as-needed basis to Vera by agreement described in specific task orders and based on the terms set forth in a master agreement with Vera. Please note that execution of a master agreement would not guarantee any minimum amount of work.
Minimum Qualifications
Interested and qualified vendors that meet the following minimum qualifications are invited to submit a response to this RFQ:
- five years’ experience writing, particularly on topics concerning criminal legal system reform, social justice, immigration, bail, prison and jail conditions, and mass incarceration;
- a portfolio of at least three examples of published work;
- excellent written and oral communication skills;
- speed and accuracy;
- deep commitment to racial equity—in a system built on racism and inequity, Vera works to ensure equity both in our workplace and in the world, and aims to work with others who incorporate this value and share it with others;
- familiarity with the Chicago Manual of Style; and
- deep knowledge of and demonstrated commitment to working on editorial projects relevant to transforming the criminal legal and immigration systems a plus.
Selection Criteria
During the review process, we will focus primarily on the following criteria to evaluate responses from Vendors that meet the Minimum Qualifications:
- vendor’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion;
- qualifications and experience, including successful completion of a writing test;
- review of portfolio;
- familiarity with Vera's issues and initiatives;
- adequacy, clarity, and completeness of response;
- references; and
- availability.
Fees
Vera compensates freelance writers at a rate of $75 an hour with an hourly estimate to be determined in consultation with the writer before each task is executed.
Submission Process and Timeline
To apply, please fill out the questionnaire below and provide the following materials:
- resume or CV;
- at least three examples of written work; and
- link to an online portfolio, if available.
Applicants will be notified on a rolling basis.
Terms of RFQ
Vera has the right to amend or cancel this RFQ at any time. Vera reserves the right, at the time of evaluation of any Response, to request any additional information that it deems necessary. Vera further reserves the right to reject any or all Responses after evaluation, and to be the sole judge of the merits of those received. Vera will not be responsible for late or incomplete responses. Any Response which does not comply with this RFQ may not be considered. Vera will not return any materials it receives and will not reimburse applicants for any costs incurred in developing a Response. Master agreements will have a term of five years or less, as determined by Vera.
Contact Information
Documents submitted via email will not be considered.
Questions regarding this RFQ should be directed to:
Erica Bryant
ebryant@vera.org
Associate Director of Writing
Vera Institute of Justice, Inc.
34 35th Street, Suite 4-2-A
Brooklyn, NY 11232