New Economy Campaign Associate

PIRG is looking for a campaign associate to join our New Economy team.

We live in a country where we grow more food than we can eat, produce more clothes than we can wear, and build more homes than we can live in. As we keep producing and consuming ever-increasing quantities of “stuff,” a growing number of people are asking: How can we do a better job of improving the quality of our lives?

Finding answers to this question is the purpose of our New Economy program. We run campaigns that tackle concrete problems while advancing new and better ideas for organizing our economy and our lives.

The campaigns in our New Economy program share a common approach. In each campaign, we aim to:

Put us on a path to a better future. We value ideas and policies that both improve the quality of our lives now and put us on a path to a better future.

Focus on concrete change. We share a bold vision, but understand that change comes one step at a time. Our focus is on making a difference for the public, not just making a statement.

Figure out what works. We’ve successfully advocated for changes that have resulted in more recycling and less waste, healthier and safer choices in the marketplace, and greater accountability in government. We have a more than 45-year track record of figuring out solutions that will work, and advocating for them until we get results.

Find common ground. Even in this deeply divided moment, all Americans want a healthier, safer, more secure future. Our advocates in Washington, D.C., seek out common ground and work with members of Congress from both parties. Our advocates in the states build coalitions that include people from all walks of life. Our organizers and canvassers engage literally hundreds of thousands of people. Our members and activists live in all 50 states.

Entry-level candidates are encouraged to apply; we provide training on advocacy and organizing skills, as well as oversight and on-the-ground training by an experienced advocate. Ideal candidates will have leadership experience, top-notch written and verbal skills, an eagerness to learn, and be ready for a challenge. We value organizing experience, including building campus or community groups.

TYPICAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Build powerful coalitions: Reach out to like-minded organizations and affected constituency groups to demonstrate support for our campaign goals.
• Earn traditional media and social media attention: Organize news conferences and write opinion pieces. Build a following on Facebook and Twitter for your campaign.
• Lobby elected officials: Coordinate strategy with champions in Congress. Make a convincing case to legislators who are undecided on a particular vote. When a critical vote is happening on your campaign, work to demonstrate the support you’ve been building on the ground to help line up the votes needed to win.
• Research and write reports: Catalogue and analyze data relevant to the issue and our policy proposals to help influence public debate and earn media attention for our cause.
• Identify and cultivate donors: Reach out to foundations and major donors and ask them to fund your campaign.
• Run a grassroots campaign office each summer: Run a campaign office for the summer to raise money to support our campaigns, build our organization and membership, and help build critical and timely grassroots support to win key campaigns while honing your organizing and management skills.