Description
ABOUT REBUILD LOCAL NEWS
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.
THE ROLE
We are seeking an individual who is an excellent communicator with exceptional project management and planning skills to join our team as a State Advocacy Coordinator. This individual will work diligently to build a strong coalition and pass public policy that is nonpartisan, platform and content neutral to counter the collapse of local news and revitalize community journalism. This position’s primary focus will be in Pennsylvania and will have the following core responsibilities:
RESPONSIBILITIES:
Build broad coalitions at the state level within other industries related to the specific policy, for example small businesses or economic development leaders.
Build broad coalitions at state level within the media ecosystem with a focus on building a permanent advocacy infrastructure. Oversee and manage efforts on the state level to pass legislation, with a primary focus in Pennsylvania and additional focus in other states.
Understand the legislative process in specified states, identify key legislators, build relationships and develop outreach plans across the political spectrum.
Communicate updates, progress or set-backs internally and with stakeholders.
Requirements
QUALITIES:
Outstanding at building relationships with diverse stakeholders
Ability to to navigate conflict with professionalism
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
EXPERIENCE:
Experience mobilizing individuals to take action.
Minimum of two years legislative or coalition building experience, or campaign or advocacy efforts, preferably at the state level. Experience and knowledge in Pennsylvania is required.
Demonstrable experience working within the legislative system at any level of government. Experience and knowledge in Pennsylvania is preferred.
Understanding and appreciation of the importance of local journalism.
Experience working in or with civic groups 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.
Experience working in a fully remote or hybrid work environment
