Deputy Campaigns Director (Remote)

Location: Anywhere within the United States (fully remote)

Reports to: Director of Campaigns and Partnerships

Compensation: $90,000 - $110,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications

ABOUT US

The crisis in local news poses a severe threat to democracy and the health of communities. Rebuild Local News believes that in addition to improved business models and increased philanthropy, public policy plays a crucial role.

Rebuild Local News develops public policies to strengthen local news – and then works on the state and national level to pass effective legislation. Our pathbreaking set of policy initiatives, which we advocate for alongside partners, has helped advance effective, First Amendment-friendly legislation in California, Illinois, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York and Washington. Together, these states have established programs directing more than $316.2 million to local newsrooms. We are working in another dozen states. Rebuild Local News 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 over 3,000 newsrooms and thousands of journalists, working together to safeguard the future of local news.

We aim to dramatically increase public support for local news through laws on the federal and state level that help support civically important news while protecting editorial independence.

We are seeking a strategic, mission-driven and politically savvy individual with a bias for action to join our team as the Deputy Campaigns Director. This individual will partner with the Director of Campaigns and Partnerships to advance public policy that is nonpartisan, platform and content neutral and local to counter the collapse of local news and revitalize community journalism. This position will have the following core responsibilities:

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Partner with the Director of Campaigns and Partnerships in the strategic analysis of state opportunities on a short and long-term basis.
• Act as a strategic thought leader on the campaigns and partnership team.
• Represent Rebuild Local News at conferences, conventions and key meetings to strengthen awareness and build support.
• Oversee efforts on the state level to pass legislation.
• Manage external lobbyists or other contractors deployed at the state level.
• Build broad coalitions in specific states within the media ecosystem with a focus on building a permanent advocacy infrastructure.
• Understand the legislative process in specified states, identify key legislators, build relationships and develop outreach plans across the political spectrum.
• Work collaboratively with the policy team on legislative changes, bill amendments, etc.
• Communicate updates, progress or set-backs internally and with stakeholders.

QUALITIES:

• Outstanding at building relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment, while meeting deadlines, and adjusting strategy to frequently changing demands.
• Ability and a high comfort level in deftly navigating conflict towards the best outcome.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• An enthusiasm for collaboration and coalition building
• Collaborative team player who works well with others to achieve shared goals
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, ability to meet deadlines
• Comfortable working independently on a fully remote team
• Willingness to travel as necessary for conferences or events
• Great sense of humor. Naturally curious.

EXPERIENCE:

Required

• Minimum of five years leading campaign or advocacy efforts, preferably at the state level or experience as a Government Relations Director.
• Demonstrable experience working within the legislative system at any level of government.
• Experience working with or managing contract lobbying or communication firms
• Understanding and appreciation of the importance of local journalism.
• Proven track record mobilizing individuals to take action
• Knowledge of various journalism platforms and business models.
• Experience organizing a civic group or association that used its collective voice to impact laws or ordinances at any level of government.
• Bachelor's degree in political science, journalism, communication or related field.
• Professional writing experience and experience in public speaking.

Preferred

• Experience working in or with state legislatures
• Experience advocating with individual lawmakers and testifying before a legislative body or committee.
• Experience working in a fully remote or hybrid work environment
• Experience in management and leadership.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please submit a cover letter, resume, and professional references via our hiring portal. Please provide all requested information to be considered.

Review of candidates will begin in September and continue until the position is filled.

The compensation range for this position is $90,000 - $110,000.

Rebuild Local News’ benefits package includes generous time off, employer-paid medical, vision, and dental insurance plan options, and a 401(k) retirement plan with an employer contribution. 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.

Rebuild Local News 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.

Rebuild Local News 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.

Rebuild Local News 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.