Application Guide
How to Apply for Maine State Coordinator
at REBUILD LOCAL NEWS
🏢 About REBUILD LOCAL NEWS
Rebuild Local News is a unique nonprofit that brings together newsrooms, labor unions, and civic organizations to advocate for public policies that strengthen local journalism. Working here means being at the forefront of a movement to revitalize local news, with a small, mission-driven team that values impact over bureaucracy.
About This Role
As the Maine State Coordinator, you will lead legislative advocacy and coalition-building efforts to pass policies that support local news in Maine. This role is impactful because you will directly shape state-level legislation and unite diverse stakeholders to ensure the survival of local journalism.
💡 A Day in the Life
Your day might start with a virtual check-in with the national team, followed by calls with Maine legislators or coalition partners. Afternoons could involve drafting policy briefs, planning a coalition meeting, or traveling to a local newsroom for a listening session. You'll end the day updating project timelines and preparing for the next day's advocacy push.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who REBUILD LOCAL NEWS Is Looking For
- A seasoned advocate with 4+ years of experience, including at least 2 years in state-level legislative or coalition work, preferably in Maine.
- A relationship-builder who can unite local media, small businesses, and economic development leaders around a common policy agenda.
- A self-starter who thrives in a fully remote environment and is willing to travel across Maine for meetings and events.
- Someone with deep knowledge of Maine's political landscape, including key legislators, committees, and advocacy networks.
📝 Tips for Applying to REBUILD LOCAL NEWS
Tailor your resume to highlight specific Maine-based advocacy or coalition experience, even if it's volunteer work.
In your cover letter, name-drop a specific Maine legislator or bill you've worked with or studied.
Show evidence of project management skills by describing a time you coordinated multiple stakeholders toward a policy win.
Mention your familiarity with Maine's local news ecosystem (e.g., newspapers, digital outlets) and its challenges.
Demonstrate your ability to work independently by sharing examples of remote work success and self-driven initiatives.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your commitment to local news and understanding of its crisis in Maine.', 'Specific examples of legislative or coalition-building wins in Maine or similar states.', 'Your ability to build bridges between unlikely allies (e.g., media and small business groups).', 'Your readiness to hit the ground running with knowledge of current Maine policy landscape.']
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Read Rebuild Local News's policy proposals and recent blog posts to understand their current priorities.
- → Look up Maine's recent legislative sessions for bills related to journalism or media support.
- → Familiarize yourself with key players in Maine's local news ecosystem, such as the Maine Press Association.
- → Review the organization's coalition members and partners to see who you might work with.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic application—this role requires specific Maine knowledge and passion for local news.
- Avoid focusing solely on national politics; emphasize state-level experience and relationships.
- Don't underestimate the coalition-building aspect; highlight your ability to collaborate with diverse groups.
📅 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!