Status: Full-Time Employee. All employees work remotely. Occasional travel may be required to participate in the organization’s two annual conferences and to support its lobbying efforts in Washington DC. This travel typically involves 5 to 10 overnight stays each year.

Position Overview:
America's Newspapers is seeking a dedicated and knowledgeable State Policy Director to support our members and key stakeholders by providing critical information about state and federal legislative activities affecting newspapers. This role will play a vital part in our advocacy efforts, working closely with member newspapers, state press associations, state lawmakers, and other stakeholders to promote policies that support the newspaper industry and uphold press freedom.

Key Responsibilities:

• State Legislative Monitoring: Track and analyze state legislation impacting newspapers and local journalism organizations, focusing on public notice legislation and tax credits for journalism support. We currently use Fiscal Note® as our advocacy platform.
• Federal Legislation Tracking: Monitor federal legislative activities relevant to newspapers and local journalism, with a specific emphasis on public notice legislation and tax credits for journalism support.
• Legislative Response: When new (state or federal) legislation is proposed that would impact a newspaper and has been identified as an area of interest to America’s Newspapers, contact the appropriate state press association director, and if appropriate, the relevant publishers and market leaders, to enlist their support in advocating with their legislators about the issue.
• Newsletter Compilation: Gather and compile relevant legislative information for inclusion in a monthly newsletter distributed to members and to the state coalition participants.
• Member Support: Respond to inquiries from members and key stakeholders regarding pending legislation and its implications.
• Guidance Provision: Offer legislative guidance to key stakeholders upon request to assist in their understanding and navigation of relevant issues.
• Advocacy Support: Provide essential support to America’s Newspapers advocacy efforts, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
• Coalition Building: Collaborate with other press associations, relevant trade associations, advocacy groups, and coalitions to advance mutual policy objectives and initiatives.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• Basic understanding of the legislative process and its implications for the newspaper industry.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly.
• Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple projects effectively within deadlines.
• Deep commitment to supporting local journalism and recognizing its critical role in the community.

Reports
This position reports directly to the CEO

Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit their resume and a cover letter detailing their qualifications and interest in the position to dridings@newspapers.org

Join America’s Newspapers in advocating for the vital role of journalism in our society!