Distribution Policy Lead

Patreon

5d • Hybrid

About The Position

As Patreon works to refine its network strategy, the Distribution Policy Lead, will work closely with key stakeholders across the company to define algorithmic safety and determine which eligible creators and content should be recommended. This role combines policy expertise, operational understanding, and cross-functional collaboration to address the nuanced challenges of modern algorithm-driven recommendations including: existing and emerging regulations, developments in state-of-the-art AI systems, and the complexities of a wide range of content types.

Requirements

• Experienced Policy Professional: 5+ years of experience in distribution, ranking, recommendation, or content policy, trust & safety, or legal roles at a tech or social media company.
• Strategic Thinker: Able to balance long-term vision with pragmatic solutions to address immediate challenges.
• Excellent Communicator: Skilled at articulating complex policy decisions to diverse audiences, from creators to executives to regulators.
• Cross-Functional Leader: Comfortable navigating the complexities of cross-team collaboration, especially in highly matrixed environments.
• Data-Informed: Proficient in leveraging metrics and insights to guide decision-making and policy refinement.
• Mission-Aligned: Passionate about supporting creators and fostering safe, inclusive online spaces.
• Adaptable: Thrives in fast-paced environments and can manage competing priorities effectively.

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with algorithmic-driven content distribution systems, content moderation tools and operational processes.
• Experience managing sensitive or high-profile escalations in a content moderation or risk management context.
• Knowledge of global regulatory frameworks, particularly those affecting user-generated content and recommendation systems.
• Background in the creator economy or deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by creators online.

Responsibilities

• Develop distribution policies that complement our editorial strategy and support creativity and expression while addressing content policy risks associated with user-generated content (both fan and creator). Beyond setting our distribution policies, this individual will also own several related content policy verticals which could include minor safety, harassment, hate speech, and inauthentic behavior.
• Look over the horizon for emerging trends, legal frameworks, and industry best practices to ensure our policies remain state-of-the-art.
• Partner with Product, Marketing, Partnerships, Operations, Engineering, and Design teams to ensure distribution policies are operationally feasible, user-friendly, and scalable.
• Get under the hood to understand how our algorithms function and their expected outcomes.
• Embody the core value to Win Together by fostering strong partnerships across teams and departments.
• Own the policy perspective in escalations involving sensitive content.
• Work with partners to evaluate and refine appeal mechanisms, ensuring a fair and transparent process for creators impacted by distribution and recommendation policies.
• Develop educational resources to help creators and fans understand our distribution policies and how they’re applied.
• Represent Patreon externally, collaborating with industry groups, regulators, and partners to share our unique approach to algorithmic-distribution.
• Act as a thought leader internally, building awareness of content safety challenges and opportunities across the company.
• Uphold the value of Be Curious by seeking innovative solutions and continuously learning from industry peers.
• Use insights from genre labeling, enforcement metrics, user feedback, and external benchmarks to continuously improve distribution effectiveness.
• Drive A/B testing and other experiments to measure the impact of policy updates on both safety outcomes and user experience.
• Reflect Patreon’s value to Build with Craft by leveraging data to create thoughtful, high-quality policies.

Benefits

• Patreon offers a competitive benefits package including and not limited to salary, equity plans, healthcare, flexible time off, company holidays and recharge days, commuter benefits, lifestyle stipends, learning and development stipends, patronage, parental leave, and 401k plan with matching.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees