Application Guide
How to Apply for AI & Tech Policy Manager
at REBUILD LOCAL NEWS
🏢 About REBUILD LOCAL NEWS
Rebuild Local News is a unique nonprofit that has successfully directed over $350 million to local news organizations and leads a coalition of over 3,000 newsrooms. Working here means being at the forefront of shaping public policy to ensure the survival and vitality of local journalism, with a direct impact on communities across the country.
About This Role
As the AI & Tech Policy Manager, you will be the go-to expert on how AI and tech platforms affect local news, from uncompensated content usage to competitive imbalances. You'll translate complex issues into actionable policy proposals and model legislation, working closely with state and federal policymakers to protect the future of local news.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve analyzing a new state bill on AI transparency, drafting a policy brief on how it affects local news, and meeting virtually with coalition partners to strategize advocacy. You might also spend time researching tech companies' practices, writing model legislative language, and preparing educational materials for legislators, all while managing your own schedule in a remote setting.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who REBUILD LOCAL NEWS Is Looking For
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📝 Tips for Applying to REBUILD LOCAL NEWS
Highlight any direct experience with AI policy, copyright, antitrust, or tech taxation, and connect it to the impact on local news.
Showcase your legislative acumen by providing specific examples of bills you've analyzed or helped pass, especially at the state level.
Tailor your resume and cover letter to emphasize your ability to translate complex tech issues into accessible policy language, as the role requires creating model bills and explainers.
Mention any familiarity with the local news landscape or advocacy work, as this shows alignment with the company's mission.
Since the role is remote, demonstrate your ability to work independently with examples of past remote work or self-directed projects.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
- Your passion for preserving local news and your understanding of the existential threats posed by AI and tech platforms. - Your specific experience in policy analysis and legislative advocacy, with concrete examples of state-level work. - Your ability to research and synthesize complex topics into actionable policy proposals and model legislation. - Your self-motivation and fit for a remote role, including your communication and project management skills.
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Visit Rebuild Local News' website to understand their mission, key policy priorities, and recent initiatives.
- → Read their recent reports or policy briefs on AI's impact on local news to understand their current stance and language.
- → Research the state-level policies they've advocated for, such as the Local Journalism Sustainability Act or similar bills, to see how they operate.
- → Familiarize yourself with the broader AI policy landscape, including recent federal actions like the Executive Order on AI and state-level data privacy laws.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic application that doesn't reference local news or the specific challenges AI poses to journalism.
- Avoid overemphasizing federal policy if you lack state-level experience; the role emphasizes state-level work.
- Don't ignore the remote aspect: clearly demonstrate your ability to work independently and communicate effectively in a virtual environment.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to REBUILD LOCAL NEWS!