Description

LOCATION:  Remote, but based in California

REPORTS TO:  Director of Government Affairs and Partnerships

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

The crisis in local news poses a severe threat to democracy and the civic 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. Some $74 million will flow to newsrooms in 2026 from laws passed in six states. We also run the Rebuild Local News Coalition, which unites newsrooms, labor unions, publishers, and philanthropic and civic organizations that are committed to revitalizing local journalism. Together, these 55 organizations represent over 3,000 newsrooms and 15,000 journalists, including hundreds in California.

When it comes to community news, California is facing major challenges. Looking at the number of journalists per 100,000, California is one of the ten worst states in the country, according to the study by Muck Rack and Rebuild Local News. In 2002, there were 40 journalists per 100,000 residents in the United States; this year, in California there are 6.1. Most California communities are not being adequately covered. This makes it harder for residents to address their problems and makes it more likely they’ll have increased corruption, polarization, misinformation, and taxes.

On the other hand, California has taken a number of steps to try to deal with this crisis – from a fund created through a partnership with Google to a “fellowship” program that places journalists in local newsrooms. 

Rebuild has already been actively involved in California. Our Senior Advisor, former Senator Steven Glazer, set up the fellowship program and is leading outside efforts to get funding for that program and the Google Civic Media Program. Two years ago, Rebuild Local News built the coalition that helped get a 27-7 vote in the California Senate for SB 1327, which would have provided $500 million to California local media. Most recently, we worked with Assemblymember Christopher Ward to introduce AB 2222, the Community NEWS Act, a new ambitious plan to revive California local news through a refundable tax credit supporting the retention and hiring of local reporters. We will be pushing that this year and most likely, even more aggressively, in 2027.

We seek a skilled and savvy leader to help lead these efforts and especially help get AB 2222 passed. California already has many great organizations working to strengthen community news. This coordinator will develop and advance legislative proposals aligned with Rebuild Local News’ priorities over multiple years.

This position is funded through a grant currently secured through 2028. 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 to sustain this role beyond the grant period.

The individual in this role will play a key part in advancing our mission and helping demonstrate the impact and value of this work, which will directly support efforts to secure long-term continuation of the position.

Requirements

Responsibilities

Oversee and manage efforts to advance state level legislative proposals in California aligned with Rebuild Local News priorities.
Coordinate external lobbyists or other contractors deployed at the state level.
Build, coordinate, and sustain broad coalitions at state level within the media ecosystem with a focus on building a permanent advocacy infrastructure.
Identify, build, coordinate, and sustain broad coalitions at the state level within other industries related to the specific policy, for example, small businesses, education, or economic development leaders.
Monitor and respond to existing and developing legislative and regulatory policies to ensure benefits are distributed equitably and in a First-Amendment-friendly way.
Communicate updates, progress, or setbacks internally and with stakeholders.
Own understanding of the California legislative process for the organization. 
Build and maintain relationships with state legislators, staff, and administrative leadership across the political spectrum.

Experience

Minimum of 7 years working in advocacy or legislative affairs operations, including leadership roles and some in California.
Experience working within the California legislative system. 
Experience mobilizing individuals and groups to take action in support of important issues, bills, referendums, or causes in California.
Experience working in a fully remote or hybrid work environment.
 

Qualities 

Outstanding at building relationships with diverse stakeholders.
Understanding of California’s media ecosystem.
Understanding of California politics.
Ability to grasp the complexities of policy in this local news sector.
Ability to navigate conflict with professionalism.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy and the ability to meet deadlines.
Comfortable working independently on a fully remote team.
Willingness to travel as necessary for conferences or events.
Passion for the cause of reviving community news.