Job description
CAMPAIGN DIRECTOR, U.S. PIRG CONSUMER WATCHDOG
Attention Job Seekers: In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic, we want to assure you that U.S. PIRG is actively hiring for this position, and we welcome your applications.
U.S. PIRG is currently looking for an experienced campaign director to warn the public about threats to their health, safety and financial security; empower consumers to protect themselves; and advance public policy.
Too often in the pursuit of economic growth, companies develop products, use technologies, and implement practices that put consumers’ health, safety, or security at risk. In just the last few years:
Equifax exposed the private personal and financial information of 147 million people
Volkswagen defrauded consumers by cheating on diesel air quality standards
The nuclear industry received multi-billion dollar ratepayer bailouts
Wells Fargo created millions of fake customer accounts
Loopholes have let unsafe drugs hit the market, killing some patients
Multiple outbreaks of E. coli have been linked to Romaine lettuce
Even well-informed consumers struggle to navigate problems such as these. That’s where the PIRG Consumer Watchdog comes in. We’re looking for an experienced campaigner to lead our investigations into threats to consumers’ safety and health; use multichannel communication to warn the public about these threats; develop new tools to empower consumers to protect themselves; and, advocate for strong public protections.
For more than 40 years, we’ve been educating consumers about how to protect themselves and their rights. Our annual Trouble in Toyland report has warned millions of parents about dangerous toys for sale, lead to the recall of more than 150 toys, and helped establish landmark product safety laws. Our recent investigation into deadly inclined sleepers still in use at daycares contributed to new product safety laws. And, our work on food recall trends has been featured on major media outlets across the country. Despite our progress, numerous threats still exist.
The PIRG Consumer Watchdog Campaign Director works hand in hand with our Senior Federal Consumer Program Director, Ed Mierzwinski, who has led efforts to establish the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, pass the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, and establish national credit protections. They will work with our network of state directors across the country, national communications department, and digital team to drive our consumer advocacy work. They will be responsible for fundraising, recruitment, and staff development. Representative responsibilities include:
Watchdog: Build a national movement of consumers who face hidden dangers in the marketplace every day. Identify new issues or tools to educate and mobilize the public, forge connections with diverse allies who are concerned about specific consumer issues, and develop messages that resonate across the country.
Media: Serve as a spokesperson for our campaigns through media events, press releases and opinion writing. Work with our Communications Department to engage opinion media, write columns, and create media materials to generate coverage of consumer issues. Develop strategies to build access with critical media outlets and reporters to help make us the go-to experts on a host of consumer issues.
Writing: Clear, concise, message-driven writing which articulates consumer threats and persuades audiences to engage in multiple mediums including news releases, opinion pieces, editorial board memos, email alerts, consumer guides, and blog posts.
Investigations: Able to conceive, develop, plan, and execute research projects on a variety of consumer issues including both long-term efforts and breaking threats. Able to do quantitative analysis on existing data sets.
Fundraising: Write grant proposals. Build relationships with foundations. Meet with major donors to bring more resources to our campaigns. Work with our citizen outreach staff to build and deepen our membership base.
Staff recruitment and development: Recruit new staff and volunteers. Oversee other staff working on our Consumer Program team. Coordinate with our state staff and provide training and leadership development.
Digital: Develop online strategies, including posting on social media and developing graphics or videos, to reach the public and key influencers through social media.
QUALIFICATIONS
Candidates must have at least 5 years of relevant professional experience. Advanced degrees such as a JD, or a master’s degree may count toward experience. Qualified candidates will have a demonstrated commitment to public interest or consumer issues and to citizen-based social change, as well as a track record of leadership, an ability to drive independent projects, excellent judgement and discretion. We’re looking for people who are goal-driven and results-oriented, who have excellent verbal, written and analytical skills, the ability to speak persuasively in a charged atmosphere, and who are driven to make positive policy change.
LOCATION
Boston, Chicago, Denver, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C.
COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Target annual compensation 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.
APPLICATION
Please apply using our online application by clicking here. Direct your application to Adam Garber, U.S. PIRG Consumer Watchdog Campaign Director.
U.S. PIRG is part of the Public Interest Network which operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to getting things done. Visit https://jobs.uspirg.org/core-values.html for things you should know about our network when you apply.
Right now, U.S PIRG is working to ensure that everyone who needs a COVID-19 test gets one. The pandemic has affected millions of Americans, and killed over 100,000 already, but doctors still can’t get tests for those that need it. Please take action by calling on the new testing chief to adopt a plan that will help ensure that everyone who needs a test gets a test: https://uspirg.webaction.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=37037.
U.S. PIRG is an equal opportunity employer.
Location
Details
Employer
US PIRG
Job category
Issue Organizing
Employment type
Full Time
Experience
3+ years
Compensation
Start date
August 2, 2020
Apply by July 7, 2020