Vice President, Government Affairs at The New York Times

Job description

The mission of The New York Times is to seek the truth and help people understand the world. That means independent journalism is at the heart of all we do as a company. It’s why we have a world-renowned newsroom that sends journalists to report on the ground from nearly 160 countries. It’s why we focus deeply on how our readers will experience our journalism, from print to audio to a world-class digital and app destination. And it’s why our business strategy centers on making journalism so good that it’s worth paying for. The New York Times is seeking an experienced leader to direct its government relations and public policy strategy. This role serves as the primary lead for policy and legislative matters, heading engagement with U.S. policymakers and regulators, as well as state and international officials as needed, on issues affecting the company. In this position, you will drive the design and execution of the public policy agenda, managing external resources to protect and advance the company’s interests. The position reports to the Chief Legal Officer and the Chief Communications and Brand Officer. This is a hybrid role based in our New York City headquarters or Washington, D.C. office, with some travel required. You can typically expect to come into the office three days per week. Responsibilities: Shape and oversee the company’s government affairs and public policy strategy in coordination with leadership, legal, communications, and commercial teams to support long-term priorities. Represent the company on U.S. legislative, regulatory, and other policy matters and champion issues facing a global news organization. Track and analyze relevant legislative, policy, and regulatory developments, providing timely briefings and recommendations to leadership and internal stakeholders. Formulate clear policy positions and propose, draft, and advocate for legislation, regulatory guidance, and policy frameworks. Build and maintain relationships with lawmakers, congressional staff, federal, state, local, and international officials, interest groups, and other key contacts. Manage and direct the activities of external lobbying firms and public affairs consultants to maximize performance and accountability and achieve agreed-upon objectives. Lead the company's participation in industry coalitions, trade associations, and external groups, including providing support to senior executives representing the company on those bodies, while driving coalition-building and stakeholder engagement to champion key issues. Partner with internal legal, communications, and commercial teams, securing alignment between policy responses and legal positions, communications strategies and commercial efforts; lead timely cross-functional responses to specific matters where necessary. Advise on international policy strategies to navigate evolving regulatory environments in non-U.S. markets. Oversee compliance with local, state, federal, and international lobbying disclosure rules, registrations, and reporting requirements. Demonstrate support for and understanding of our value of journalistic independence and a strong commitment to our mission to seek the truth and help people understand the world. Basic Qualifications: 15+ years of experience in government relations or legislative advocacy. Experience working with federal and state legislative and regulatory processes. Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Communications, Economics, or a related field. Strong written and oral communication skills, including the ability to concisely summarize complex issues and policies to create effective advocacy points and strategies. Preferred Qualifications: Knowledge of policy issues relevant to a global news organization, including press freedom, intellectual property, data privacy laws, and market competition. Experience selecting and managing external lobbying firms, public affairs consultants, and outside counsel. A network of relationships with