Location: This position is remote, however it is preferred if the individual resides in Maine

Reports to: Deputy Director of Government Affairs and Partnerships

Compensation: $70,000 - $80,000 annually, commensurate with experience and qualifications

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 focus on policies that are nonpartisan, and platform and content neutral. 

THE ROLE

We seek an excellent communicator and exceptional project management and planning skills to lead our legislative and coalition-building campaigns in Maine..

This individual will work  to build a strong coalition and pass legislation 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 Maine and will have the following core responsibilities:

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Legislative Advocacy: Coordinate  state-level efforts to pass legislation by serving as a spokesperson for local stakeholders and Rebuild Local News, supporting stakeholders in the legislative process, managing lobbyists, and building bipartisan relationships.

• Coalition Building: Build broad, permanent state-level coalitions that unite the local media ecosystem with external industry stakeholders, such as small businesses and economic development leaders. 

• Facilitate local coalitions meetings  and ensure local stakeholders are engaged in the legislative process. 

• Establish project timelines, coordinate responsibilities across key stakeholders, and drive cross-functional accountability to ensure timely delivery.

• Other duties as assigned.

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:

• Minimum of four years of professional experience, with two years of legislative or coalition building experience, or campaign or advocacy efforts, preferably at the state level.  

• Experience and knowledge of  Maine’s political landscape. 

• Demonstrable experience working within the legislative system at any level of government. 

• 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.

• Experience working in a fully remote or hybrid work environment preferred

NOTE: This position is funded through a grant currently secured through the end of 2027. While the role is initially structured as a term-limited position aligned with grant funding, Rebuild Local News is committed to pursuing ongoing funding and organizational growth in an effort to sustain this role beyond the grant period.

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 June and continue until the position is filled. 

The compensation range for this position is $70,000 - $80,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.  

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.