Patreon is hiring a Distribution Policy Lead who will be responsible for defining algorithmic safety and determining which eligible creators and content should be recommended on our platform. This role combines policy expertise, operational understanding, and cross-functional collaboration to address the challenges of modern algorithm-driven recommendations.

What You'll Do

Develop distribution policies that complement editorial strategy and support creativity while addressing content policy risks associated with user-generated content.
Own 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 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.
Understand how our algorithms function and their expected outcomes.
Own the policy perspective in escalations involving sensitive content.
Work with partners to evaluate and refine appeal mechanisms for creators impacted by distribution 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.
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 safety outcomes and user experience.

What We're Looking For

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.
Excellent communicator skilled at articulating complex policy decisions to diverse audiences.
Cross-functional leader comfortable navigating complexities of cross-team collaboration in matrixed environments.
Data-informed and proficient in leveraging metrics and insights to guide decision-making.
Passionate about supporting creators and fostering safe, inclusive online spaces.
Adaptable and thrives in fast-paced environments managing competing priorities.

Nice to Have

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 affecting user-generated content and recommendation systems.
Background in the creator economy or deep understanding of the unique challenges faced by creators online.

Team & Environment

Sits on Patreon’s Platform Policy team, a group of subject matter experts who develop and launch the rules that govern how creators and fans use Patreon.

Benefits & Compensation

Competitive benefits package including salary, equity plans, healthcare, flexible time off, company holidays and recharge days.
Commuter benefits, lifestyle stipends, learning and development stipends, patronage.
Parental leave.
401k plan with matching.

Work Mode

This role offers a hybrid work mode and is open to candidates based remote-friendly, or in San Francisco or New York.

Patreon is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We provide employment opportunities without regard to age, race, color, ancestry, national origin, religion, disability, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other protected class.