Director of Policy
PLEASE NOTE: To receive full consideration for this position, please submit the requested information at https://jobs.armstrongmcguire.com/jobs/director-of-policy-rebuild-local-news-job-1411/.
Why?
The crisis in local news poses a severe threat to democracy and the health of our communities. Rebuild Local News (RLN) believes that in addition to improved business models and increased philanthropy, public policy also plays a crucial role.
RLN develops public policies to strengthen local news—and then works on the state and national level to pass effective legislation. Its pathbreaking “policy menu” helped lead to laws and programs passing in New York, Illinois, and California, worth $225 million over five years. The organization is now working in another dozen states. RLN also runs the Rebuild Local News Coalition, which unites newsrooms, labor unions, and civic organizations committed to revitalizing local journalism. Collectively, the groups in the Coalition represent more than 3,000 newsrooms and thousands of journalists, working together to safeguard the future of local news.
RLN aims to dramatically increase the public support for local news through laws on the federal and state level that help support civically important news while protecting editorial independence.
What will you do as Rebuild Local News’ new Director of Policy?
The Director of Policy will:
- Deeply understand the policy ideas that will best strengthen local news (including the ones already in the “policy menu” and others RLN might develop)
- Work with lawmakers, staff, and other stakeholders to translate these public policy ideas into concrete legislative proposals and language
- Oversee the creation of model bills and policy kits on the key priorities
- Lead and manage a team of policy managers working to advance the goals of the department
- Work with stakeholders to determine which policy ideas best fit local conditions
- Collaborate with the RLN campaigns director to help create potent political coalitions to pass legislation
- Represent RLN in media interviews, conferences, and panels
Why Rebuild Local News?
RLN is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization working to advance public policies to counter the collapse of local news, revitalize community journalism, and strengthen democracy.
The RLN team is deeply connected to its mission and supportive of each other’s goals and overall well-being. It is an entirely remote, distributed team and strives to maintain a healthy, fun, and productive workplace, working alongside smart, energetic colleagues who enjoy one another and the work.
Want to know more? Visit Rebuild Local News’ website at https://www.rebuildlocalnews.org/.
Key experiences, attributes, and skillsets sought in the Director of Policy
QUALITIES & SKILLS
- Deep understanding of local news ecosystems and the public policies under consideration to address the crisis
- Intellectually honest and analytical
- Excellent writer
- Ability to execute high-impact projects in a virtual environment
- Must be willing and available for periodic travel when necessary
- Adaptable to ever-changing circumstances
- Great sense of humor
WORK EXPERIENCE
- At least 10 years working in public policy development or analysis
- Deep understanding of the local news crisis, and the existing policy ideas that are attempting to address the challenge
- Understanding the various levels of public policy including tax rules, legal constraints, cost-benefit analysis, and budget scoring
- Experience developing policy that appeals to viewpoints across the political spectrum
- Public speaking experience, including panel presentations and public testimony
- Professional writing experience, either in a journalistic or advocacy capacity
- Demonstrated experience explaining complex policy issues to a variety of audiences, including the public, local newsrooms, and lawmakers
- Understanding of—and passion for—the importance of local news (some journalism experience is a plus)
- Experience working in a fully remote or hybrid work environment is preferred but not required
- Experience managing a team
Think you are the next Director of Policy at Rebuild Local News?
To apply, click on the link to the Director of Policy position profile at https://jobs.armstrongmcguire.com/jobs/director-of-policy-rebuild-local-news-job-1411/. You will see instructions for uploading your compelling cover letter that addresses your interest in both the Director of Policy position and in supporting local news, professional resume, salary requirements, and professional references.
In case of any technical problems, contact [email protected]. No phone calls, please, and no applications will be accepted by email or directly from third-party posting sites.
Review of candidates will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Salary is commensurate with the requirements of the position and is in the $110,000 – $135,000 range. RLN offers generous time off and pays employee premiums for medical, vision, and dental insurance plans, and covers most of the cost for eligible dependents for medical insurance. Employees are also offered voluntary enrollment in a full suite of other health coverage options, including disability insurance, life insurance, Health FSA / Dependent Care FSA and more.
RLN values equity and inclusion, recognizing that a variety of backgrounds and experiences strengthens our ability to create positive change. We are committed to fostering an inclusive environment that embraces equity and ensures everyone feels valued and heard.
RLN is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, national origin, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor.
RLN believes in fair, transparent, and equitable compensation. Please note that actual salaries may vary within the range, or be above or below the range, based on factors including, but not limited to, education, training, experience, professional achievement, business need, and location.
