Application Guide
How to Apply for California State Manager
at REBUILD LOCAL NEWS
🏢 About REBUILD LOCAL NEWS
Rebuild Local News is a mission-driven nonprofit uniting newsrooms, unions, and civic groups to pass legislation that strengthens local journalism. If you want to directly shape policy to save local news in California, this is the place.
About This Role
As California State Manager, you'll lead advocacy and coalition-building to advance state-level legislation supporting local news. This role is impactful because you'll drive policy changes that can sustain journalism and democracy in California.
💡 A Day in the Life
You might start by monitoring legislative hearings, then meet with coalition partners to align on messaging. Afternoon could involve briefing a legislator's staff on a bill, followed by drafting a press release or action alert for supporters.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who REBUILD LOCAL NEWS Is Looking For
- 7+ years in advocacy or legislative affairs, with leadership experience and a track record in California.
- Deep understanding of the California legislative system and experience working with the State Capitol.
- Proven ability to mobilize diverse coalitions (newsrooms, unions, publishers) for policy action.
- Excellent relationship-building skills across political spectrums and strong written/oral communication.
📝 Tips for Applying to REBUILD LOCAL NEWS
Tailor your resume to highlight specific California legislative wins and coalition leadership.
In your cover letter, name a specific California bill you've worked on or would prioritize.
Show your understanding of the local news crisis by referencing recent California journalism closures or policy debates.
Demonstrate bipartisan outreach experience—mention relationships with both Democratic and Republican legislators.
Include concrete metrics: number of bills passed, coalition members recruited, or meetings held with lawmakers.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Passion for local news and democracy, linking your personal motivation to the company's mission.", 'Specific examples of California legislative advocacy and coalition-building successes.', 'Your ability to navigate the California Capitol and build cross-party relationships.', "Understanding of the media ecosystem's challenges and how policy can address them."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Review Rebuild Local News's current policy priorities and recent California bills they've supported.
- → Study the California legislature's current session calendar and key committees related to media/telecom.
- → Understand the landscape of local news nonprofits in California (e.g., CalMatters, LA Times Guild).
- → Read about the California Journalism Preservation Act or similar recent legislation.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overemphasizing federal advocacy experience without California-specific knowledge.
- Framing the role as purely political without acknowledging the nonprofit, coalition-building nature.
- Being vague about policy details—avoid generic statements about 'supporting local news' without specifics.
📅 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!