Journalists and media workers in the United States have formed unions at a record pace, while news organizations continue to cut jobs. This trend has raised concerns about the impact on local journalism and democracy.
The NewsGuild-CWA, which is part of the Communications Workers of America (CWA), announced it is seeking a campaign lead. The new hire will focus on organizing legislative efforts that support several key demands aimed at strengthening newsrooms.
Among these demands are increased hiring to address staff shortages, fostering diversity within newsrooms, and ensuring sustainable jobs with fair compensation for media workers. According to the announcement, “Existing newsroom staff have been cut to the bone and current workers are doing too much with too little – at Gannett outlets media workers are producing top-tier journalism in lowest-tier conditions. Gannett must immediately increase hiring into newsrooms across the country and make real a commitment to local journalism and local journalists.”
The statement also emphasizes the importance of diverse perspectives: “In-depth, committed local news coverage requires newsrooms that have a diversity of views, cultures, and perspectives. As Gannett hires across the chain it must seek to create newsrooms diverse in perspective and skilled in navigating the communities being covered.”
Sustainable employment practices are also highlighted: “Gannett must commit to sufficient compensation to enable media workers to live and thrive in the communities they cover. The sustained deep and vital connections required to produce in-depth local news, the experience and training that feeds that growth, can exist only if media workers have secure jobs and fair compensation. Additionally, media workers must be afforded the benefits and paid-time off that support healthy work-life balance.”
The position is based in Washington, D.C., initially set for one year with possible extension. Candidates should have experience managing organizing campaigns among professional workers as well as strong communication skills. The role involves coordinating with NewsGuild-CWA leadership at both international and local levels.
Responsibilities include implementing campaign strategies, training activists, managing budgets, representing CWA in coalitions, reviewing policy impacts on CWA’s agenda, drafting materials related to legislation or electoral programs, tracking progress metrics, conducting evaluations after six months, among other duties.
The annual salary ranges from $79,664.26 to $101,086.38 effective October 1, 2025. The position reports directly to the CWA Organizing Director or relevant administrative staff.
This campaign lead role will not replace regular full-time CWA staff representatives or organizing coordinators but is instead focused on specific campaign needs under defined terms.
Applications are currently being accepted for this position.
