Application Guide
How to Apply for Policy Director
at Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA)
๐ข About Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA)
Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA) is a national organization uniquely focused on ending childhood screen addiction through advocacy, education, and policy change. Working here means joining a mission-driven team that directly impacts families and children's well-being, with a growing influence on state and federal legislation.
About This Role
As Policy Director, you will own MAMA's legislative and coalition strategy, translating opportunities into actionable pressure points for the organizing team. This role is impactful because you'll shape policies that protect children from addictive technology, working with lawmakers and coalitions to drive real change.
๐ก A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with monitoring legislative updates and drafting a weekly briefing for senior leadership. You'd then join a coalition call to align on strategy, followed by meetings with Hill staff to advocate for MAMA's priorities. Afternoon could involve analyzing a new bill and preparing talking points for the organizing team.
๐ Application Tools
๐ฏ Who Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA) Is Looking For
- Has 8-10+ years of federal congressional advocacy or coalition strategy experience, with a proven track record of building relationships with Hill staff and lawmakers.
- Can analyze state and federal legislative landscapes to identify strategic opportunities and risks, and communicate them clearly to non-expert audiences.
- Is a strong written and verbal communicator, able to translate complex policy dynamics for parents, organizers, and senior leadership.
- Has experience working with advocacy coalitions and is adept at aligning diverse stakeholders around common goals.
๐ Tips for Applying to Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA)
Highlight specific federal legislative victories you've driven, especially those involving coalition building or bipartisan support.
Show your ability to track and analyze legislation by including examples of how you identified emerging trends and turned them into advocacy wins.
Demonstrate your relationship-building by naming key Hill staff or lawmakers you've worked with and the outcomes achieved.
Tailor your resume to emphasize experience with state-level policy trends, even if your primary focus has been federal.
In your cover letter, express a personal connection to MAMA's missionโmention if you're a parent or passionate about child advocacy.
โ๏ธ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your experience in federal advocacy and coalition strategy, with concrete examples of legislative wins.', 'Your ability to translate complex policy into clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences (parents, organizers, media).', 'Your familiarity with child safety or tech policy issues, or your eagerness to dive into this specific niche.', 'Your strategic thinking in identifying pressure points and opportunities in the legislative landscape.']
Generate Cover Letter โ๐ Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- โ Read MAMA's website and recent press releases to understand their current campaigns and policy priorities.
- โ Review the legislative landscape on kids' online safety, including bills like the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA) and state-level efforts.
- โ Look into MAMA's coalition partners (e.g., Common Sense Media, Fairplay) to understand the broader advocacy ecosystem.
- โ Familiarize yourself with key lawmakers championing child safety issues, such as Senators Blumenthal and Blackburn.
๐ฌ Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
โ ๏ธ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't focus solely on federal experience without showing awareness of state-level trendsโMAMA values both.
- Avoid vague statements like 'I have strong advocacy skills'; instead, provide specific examples with measurable outcomes.
- Don't overlook the importance of communication to non-expert audiences; prepare to show you can simplify complex policy.
๐ 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 Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA)!