Policy Manager for Technology - Rebuild Local News

Ask yourself ... 
Do you want to build stronger and better-informed communities across our nation? Do you have a keen interest in the impact of technology on contemporary journalism and civic participation? Are you a highly organized, strategic, detailed-oriented self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced environment, tackling big issues with other problem solvers and change agents? 

If so, keep reading because Rebuild Local News (RLN) is searching for a new Policy Manager for Technology. The position will report to RLN’s Policy Director and work to identify, engage and educate local newsrooms, civic advocates, and lawmakers on how to craft policies that implicate the tech sector in supporting local news, including efforts to compel some technology firms to financially support local newsrooms through voluntary contributions, taxes, or fees. 

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

RLN develops public policies–and then works on the state and national level to pass those bills. The organization was instrumental in helping pass laws in New York and Illinois–worth $135 million over five years–and has interest in another dozen states at least. RLN also runs the Rebuild Local News Coalition, which unites newsrooms, labor unions, and civic organizations committed to revitalizing local journalism. Collectively, the Coalition represents over 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 Policy Manager for Technology? 
The Policy Manager for Technology will: 

• Track public policies at the federal and state level including, but not limited to, policies that compel tech firms to support local news and policies related to artificial intelligence that intersect with local news 
• Coordinate with RLN’s Policy Director to identify jurisdictions where policies are likely to be introduced, advanced, or implemented 
• Identify, educate, and engage key stakeholders on public policies including local newsrooms, lawmakers, civic organizations, and more 
• Be the primary contact within the RLN policy team on policies that implicate tech firms in supporting local news 
• Develop subject matter expertise on relevant public policies including, but not limited to, the Journalism Competition and Preservation Act, digital service taxes and AI licensing frameworks  
• Track developments in federal antitrust lawsuits against tech firms and help RLN influence discussions about remedies 
• Contribute to RLN resources like model bills, policy guidance, and explainers as well as coalition communications, like newsletters and coalition meetings 
• Contribute to the RLN team in other areas of general and specific policy research and support as needed

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. They are an entirely remote, distributed team and strive 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 lived experiences, attributes, and skillsets sought in the Policy Manager for Technology 

QUALITIES & SKILLS 

• Adaptable, versatile, and well-organized 
• Strategic, with a good sense of humor 
• Tremendous integrity  
• Ability to execute high-impact projects in a virtual environment 
• Experience in or expertise relating to the tech industry and how it interacts with local journalism 
• Deep understanding of local news ecosystems across the United States  
• Must be willing and available for periodic travel when necessary 

WORK EXPERIENCE 

• Between five- and seven-years' experience in issue advocacy or public policy 
• Some journalism experience is certainly a plus 
• Facility for building or participating in broad coalitions  
• 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  
• Deep demonstrated familiarity with the tech sector, either working within the sector or on tech-related policy issues  
• Understanding of--and passion for--the importance of local news 

Think you are the next Policy Manager for Technology at Rebuild Local News? 
To apply, click on the link to the Policy Manager for Technology position profile at ArmstrongMcGuire.com/jobs. You will see instructions for uploading your compelling cover letter that addresses your interest in both the policy manager position and in supporting local news, professional resume, salary requirements, and professional references.  

Please provide all requested information to be considered. 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 $70,000-$85,000 range. Benefits include generous monthly insurance reimbursement and paid time off. The organization also offers initial equipment setup for remote working. 

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.