Program Director
We're hiring Program Directors to lead our national campaigns — whether it’s advocating against spending so many public dollars on unnecessary highway expansion, or protecting consumers in the financial marketplace. Our challenge is to convince our public leaders to listen to the public and follow solutions that make sense for the long term. The special interests have their lobbyists. We're looking to hire people like you to become advocates for the public interest.
What Program Directors Do:
Program Directors at U.S. PIRG take on some of the biggest problems facing our country, and run campaigns that will get concrete results, while building our organization for the long term.
As a Program Director with U.S. PIRG you’ll help develop policy solutions and implement a variety of campaign strategies to mobilize the public and influence insiders. You’ll make use of our research, work to shine a spotlight on the issue in the media, make our case directly to decision-makers, and organize the grassroots support it will take to win. And as you’re working to implement concrete solutions, you’re raising the funds, making the connections and developing the member support that will build our organization for the long term.
On a day-to-day basis, Program Directors are responsible for:
- Program development: Help develop programs and campaigns, including researching the issue, creating viable policy solutions, and proposing the right political strategy and messaging.
- 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: 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 editorial board meetings, with a goal of building awareness for the organization, educating the public and building and demonstrating support for our positions.
- 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 to increase our impact and build our power. Oversee program staff to develop and implement work plans, provide training and leadership development opportunities.
Qualifications
Candidates must have at least 5 years of relevant professional experience. Advanced degrees like a JD, or a masters are preferred, but not required. 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.
Ideal candidates will have experience in political advocacy and organizing, the ability to work on complex policy issues, a proven ability to recruit, train and develop staff, the ability to raise money, and demonstrated success in building 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. 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.