Tax and Budget Campaign Advocate, US PIRG, Washington DC

[John Hyatt]

U.S. PIRG seeks a Campaign Advocate for our national Tax & Budget Team Program. Work with our staff across the country, setting field staff up for campaign tactics, reach out to the media, and build relationships with public leaders and civic organizations. The Advocate will be recruiting new groups to join a coalition, speaking in town halls to win endorsements, organizing news events, meeting with editorial boards, and doing whatever else it takes to urge our public officials to do the right thing.

 

The Tax & Budget National Campaign Director will be taking on one of the most important issues facing our democracy.  Tax and budget decisions are the most concrete way that communities declare priorities and balance competing values.  Unfortunately, government decisions about how to raise revenue and support public functions often fail to best advance the public interest.

 

The National Campaign Director will be confronting these issues head-on. We want to take on good government issues, where the general public will agree with our positions, and we can make real social change. It is not possible to ensure that government decisions serve the public interest unless information is publicly accessible.  Transparency is key to reform.  Companies should proper based on their efficiency and innovation, not because their high-powered lobbyists and accountants enable them to use offshore tax havens and shell companies to dodge their taxes. Likewise, private companies that receive contracts and subsidies must be held to task for their actions. Spending and tax incentives should encourage actions that are good for society and the environment, while discouraging bad behaviors, like oil spills or bank scams.

 

Responsibilities:

As a campaign advocate with U.S. PIRG you’ll help develop policy solutions and implement a variety of campaign strategies to mobilize the public and influence insiders.

The Campaign Advocate is responsible for:

• Advocacy: Make the best case for our policies directly to key decision-makers. Build relationships with players in key regulatory agencies, the statehouse, in Congress or wherever important decisions are being made.
• Campaign Strategy: Help develop plans to win on our campaigns; assess opportunities for building political support for our agenda through coalition-building, grassroots organizing, media coverage, endorsements and message development.
• Media Outreach: Use tactics like media events, press releases and editorial board meetings to educate the public.
• Program development: Help develop programs and campaigns, including researching the issue, creating viable policy solutions, and proposing the right political strategy and messaging.
• Fundraising: Write grant proposals, build relationships with foundation staff, and meet with major donors.
• Staff recruitment and development: Recruit new staff and volunteers to increase our impact and build our power. Oversee staff to develop and implement work plans, provide training and leadership development opportunities.

Qualifications

Candidates must have 3-5 years of relevant professional experience. Advanced degrees like a JD, or a master’s degree are preferred, but not required. Qualified candidates will have a demonstrated commitment to citizen-based social change, as well as a track record of leadership. The ideal candidate will have experience in political advocacy and organizing, and a proven ability to build relationships with the full spectrum of political stakeholders.

 

Salary & Benefits

Salary for this position is commensurate with the relevant professional experience and/or advanced degrees that a candidate has. US PIRG offers a competitive benefits package. Eligible staff receive health insurance, paid holidays, sick days, vacation days, and the opportunity to enroll in our college loan assistance and 401(k) programs. We also offer an excellent training program and opportunities for advancement.

Location:

Washington, DC, Chicago or Boston.

 

Application:

Please apply using our online application @ http://jobs.uspirg.org/apply.html.  Direct your application to Andre Delattre, Executive Director of U.S. PIRG.

U.S. PIRG is an equal opportunity employer and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, age, sex, handicap, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or veteran status.