Consumer Program Director - US PIRG - Chicago, Boston, or Washington, DC.

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Consumer Program Director

U.S. PIRG is hiring a Program Director to lead our national Consumer Team Program. We’re looking for an experienced political advocate who will be responsible for organizing, media outreach, recruitment, developing staff, fundraising, and coalition-building to drive the program.

The Consumer Program Director will be taking on an issue of extreme importance to American households. We’re working to convince our leaders to stop unfair banking practices and to empower consumers in the marketplace. Whether it’s by defending the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the first federal agency tasked solely with the job of protecting consumers from unfair financial practices, or by documenting the challenges consumers face in the emerging digital marketplace, U.S. PIRG is working to protect consumers.

The Program Director will spearhead this program in coordination with Ed Mierzwinski, Senior Fellow for the Consumer Program. Mr. Mierzwinski is widely recognized as one of the nation’s leading consumer advocates, regularly quoted in major newspapers including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Washington Post, called to testify by Congress, and recognized by The Hill as a “Top Lobbyist.”

 

What The Program Director Does:

• Program development: Help develop programs and campaigns, including researching the issue, creating viable policy solutions, and proposing the right political strategy and messaging.
• Advocacy:  Build relationships with players in key regulatory agencies, the statehouse, in Congress or wherever important decisions are being made.
• Campaign Strategy: 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: Serve as the spokesperson for our campaigns through tactics like media events, press releases and op-eds.
• Fundraising: Write grant proposals, build relationships with foundation staff, and meet with major donors, all to bring more resources to our campaigns. Work with our citizen outreach staff to build and develop our membership base.
• Staff recruitment and development: Recruit new staff and volunteers. Oversee program staff to develop and implement work plans, provide training and leadership development opportunities.

Qualifications

Candidates must have at least 8 years of relevant professional experience. Advanced degrees like a JD, or a master’s degree may count toward experience. Qualified candidates will have a demonstrated commitment to public or consumer issues and to citizen-based social change, as well as a track record of leadership. We're looking for people who are goal-driven and results-oriented, who have excellent verbal, writing and analytical skills, the ability to speak persuasively in a charged atmosphere, and enthusiasm for the work.

Salary & Benefits

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

Location:

Chicago, Boston, or Washington, DC. 

 

Application:

Apply online: http://jobs.uspirg.org/apply.html  Direct your application to Ed Mierzwinksi.

US 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.