Democracy Advocate at U.S. PIRG

U.S. PIRG Democracy Advocate

U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG), the Federation of State PIRGs, is a state-based, nation-wide multi-issue public interest advocacy organization that for 30-plus years has worked to protect public health, encourage a fair, sustainable economy, and foster responsive, democratic government. We employ the time-tested tools of investigative research, media attention, grassroots organizing, advocacy, and litigation to deliver consistent, results-oriented public interest activism and to achieve concrete and lasting political change on the state and federal level.

The U.S. PIRG Federal Advocacy Office represents U.S. PIRG in federal policy matters. Our organization’s roots at the state level give U.S. PIRG a unique “outside the beltway” perspective on the issues, while our state staff, members, campus chapters, and national field organizers provide the grassroots power necessary to enact change at the federal level.

Job Description

The American system of representative democracy relies on an engaged citizenry and accurate representation, yet voter turnout is lower than it should be; mishaps, confusion and partisan administration raise serious questions about fairness; and in many states, districts are drawn by elected officials to benefit themselves or their party.

Money plays far too great a role in American elections, from the municipal level all the way up to the U.S. Presidency. Large contributions from a few groups, corporations and individuals unduly influence who wins elections and reduces the role of ordinary voters.

Even if we had the voting procedures and campaign finance rules in place to ensure truly representative government, officials will occasionally make decisions that benefit narrow special interests (sometimes their own personal interests) instead of the public interest at large. These decisions are often made behind closed doors, with no way for the public or news media to monitor them. Open, transparent and accountable government with high ethical standards is necessary to a functioning democracy.

U.S. PIRG's Democracy Advocate will play the following roles:

• Policy development: Develop our approach to election and campaign finance reform within a broader political context, and develop a comprehensive platform to ensure a fair, open and accountable democracy. Write comprehensive reports, fact sheets and white papers for release to decision-makers, the media and the public.
• Advocacy: Bring problems and solutions to the attention of decision-makers and build support for campaigns in Congress and administrative agencies.
• Campaign Strategy: Create the plans to win on our democracy campaigns; strategize how to gain political support for our agenda through coalition-building, grassroots organizing, media publicity, endorsements and message development.
• Media Outreach: Serve as the public spokesperson for our democracy campaigns through media events, press releases, editorial board meetings and other media tactics.
• Organization Building: Write grant proposals, work with foundations to support our work, and meet with large donors, all to bring more resources to our efforts to. Recruit new staff and volunteers to increase our impact on all our issues.

Qualifications

Qualified candidates will have a demonstrated commitment to public interest issues and a track-record of leadership and academic excellence. We're looking for a goal-driven and results-oriented individual who has excellent verbal, writing and analytical skills, the ability to debate and speak persuasively in a charged atmosphere, and enthusiasm for the work. Candidates should have at least 3 to 8 years of relevant professional experience, post-college. Experience in political, legal, journalistic, activist or nonprofit settings preferred.

Salary and Benefits

Salary for this position is commensurate with a candidate’s relevant professional experience and/or advanced degrees. A competitive benefits package includes health care coverage, educational loan assistance, a retirement plan, and paid vacation and sick days. Opportunities for advancement, travel, and additional training are available.

Location

Washington, DC

E-mail a cover letter and resume to careers@pirg.org. Please specify the position you're applying for in the subject line of your e-mail, and be sure to mention where you saw our job announcement.

U.S. PIRG and all PIRG-affiliated organizations are equal opportunity employers and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, handicap, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or veteran status.