Director of Government Affairs & Partnerships

Location: Anywhere within the United States (fully remote)

Reports to: COO and President

Compensation: $125,000-$150,000, 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.

In 2026, $74 million will flow to local newsrooms as a result of policies enacted in six states. 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 are seeking a strategic, mission-driven and politically savvy individual with a bias for action to help lead our efforts to pass laws.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Passing laws in state legislatures to strengthen community news
• Designing and executing the political strategy and tactics for winning at the state level
• Building persistent, broad state-level advocacy coalitions, including media stakeholders but also reaching more broadly to include other potential allies (community foundations, local activists, business groups)
• Identifying, recruiting and managing external lobbyists and other contractors deployed at the state level
• Identifying local grassroots leaders, or groups, that we can help strengthen into a permanent advocacy infrastructure
• Helping manage the Rebuild Local News Coalition at a national level

EXPERIENCE:

• At least 10 years leading campaign and advocacy efforts geared toward passing laws on the state level
• Experience leading or managing grasstop advocacy campaigns and coalitions
• Track record of forging relationships with elected officials from across the political spectrum
• Experience managing a team
• Deep knowledge of state legislatures
• Experience working with or managing lobbying or communication firms

QUALITIES:

• Outstanding at building relationships with diverse stakeholders
• Understanding of—and passion for—the importance of local news
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment, while maintaining agility to meet changing conditions.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills
• Collaborative team player who works well with others to achieve shared goals
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy, ability to meet deadlines
• Comfortable working remotely
• Willingness to travel as necessary
• Great sense of humor. Naturally curious. Tremendous integrity.

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 immediately and continue until the position is filled.

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 diversity, equity, and inclusion, recognizing that a variety of backgrounds and experiences strengthens our ability to create positive change. We are committed to fostering a supportive environment. 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.