Job description
New State Office Director
The Public Interest Network is seeking state directors to launch new state offices for Environment America and PIRG, expanding our organizing in “red” states across the country — from West Virginia to Arkansas to Idaho. Despite the political polarization in Washington and many state capitals, the Public Interest Network works on issues which are supported at the grassroots across America — among progressives, conservatives and moderates alike. In our politically divided country, we need to expand outside of progressive strongholds and advocate for, speak to and organize Americans everywhere.
The Public Interest Network operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change. Two of those organizations, Environment America and PIRG, have a long legacy of working in dozens of states to build public support and win victories for our environment and a healthier, safer world. Our state offices in places like Texas, Arizona and Georgia have shown how we can work on issues that enjoy broad public support, build coalitions across the political spectrum and win change while building long-term support. Our organizing has ranged from securing critical funding for parks statewide in Texas to expanding solar in Georgia. We are building on that experience as we expand into new states. These victories come from long-term organizing efforts by our state office, backed up by a team of issue experts, campaign strategists and communication specialists.
Representative Responsibilities:
Program strategy: Develop and run a state program that draws from our work across the country to develop our local campaigns and priorities. The State Director will be involved in deciding priorities and messaging, researching local impacts and policies, and determining local strategy. Assess opportunities for building political support for our agenda through coalition-building, grassroots organizing, media coverage, endorsements and message development.
Building grassroots, grasstops and coalition support: Build broad and deep support for problems and solutions — activating individuals and coalitions from across the state and a variety of constituencies. Identify, reach out and work with partners who can help us win our campaigns. Build and expand our list of digital and offline activists.
Communications: Serve as the public spokesperson for our campaigns through media events, press releases, editorial board meetings and other outreach with a goal of building name recognition for the organization, educating the public about our issues, and building and demonstrating support for our positions. Tell our message and story to diverse audiences across the state, working closely with our national communications team.
Advocacy: Bring problems and solutions to the attention of decision-makers—including state legislators, people on the governor’s staff, state regulators and local officials. Develop appropriate messages and materials for making the case to decision-makers. Build relationships with key players in the state, the region and at the federal level.
Fundraising: Raise money from individuals and foundations to support and expand the state office. Write grant proposals, build relationships with foundation staff and meet with large donors, all to bring more resources to campaigns we’re waging to protect our environment and build a healthier, safer world.
Build citizen members and activists: Identify small, in-state donors including working with our citizen outreach staff to build and develop our membership base, and with our digital team to expand our online activists and engagement.
Staff recruitment and development: Recruit new staff and volunteers to increase our impact and build our power.
Qualifications
Candidates must have at least three to ten years of relevant professional experience, show excellent judgment and discretion, and have the ability to oversee significant projects. Qualified candidates will have a demonstrated commitment to environmental and public interest issues, to citizen-based social change, as well as a track record of leadership. We’re looking for goal-driven and results-oriented individuals who have excellent verbal, writing and analytical skills, the ability to speak persuasively in a charged atmosphere, and enthusiasm for the work.
The ideal candidate will be from, live in or have other deep ties to the state, experience in state-level political advocacy and organizing, 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.
Compensation & Benefits
Target annual compensation for this position is commensurate with the relevant professional experience and/or advanced degrees that a candidate has. The Public Interest Network offers a competitive benefits package. Our benefits package may include medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, needs-based student loan assistance, 401(k) plan with employer match, commuter benefit program, paid time off, parental leave and long-term disability insurance. We also offer an excellent training program and opportunities for advancement.
COVID-19: We take COVID-19 safety very seriously. Employees must follow our COVID safety protocols and be fully vaccinated and boostered. Accommodations are provided to the extent required by law.
Locations
Locations are available in a number of states. Priorities include West Virginia, Arkansas, Louisiana, Iowa, Indiana, Idaho, Kentucky, Montana and Tennessee
To Apply
Please identify the position and location you are applying to in your cover letter. Please apply online at: https://publicinterestnetwork.org/jobs/expansion-state-directors/. Direct your cover letter to Allison Cairo, Vice President & National Field Director, The Public Interest Network.
Things To Know When You Apply
The Public Interest Network operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change. Click https://publicinterestnetwork.org/core-values for things you should know about our network when you apply.
Environment America and PIRG are equal opportunity employers
Location
Details
Employer
The Public Interest Network
Job category
Advocacy
Employment type
Full Time
Experience
0+ years
Compensation
Target annual compensation for this position is commensurate with the relevant professional experience and/or advanced degrees that a candidate has. The Public Interest Network offers a competitive benefits package. Our benefits package may include medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, needs-based student loan assistance, 401(k) plan with employer match, commuter benefit program, paid time off, parental leave and long-term disability insurance. We also offer an excellent training program and opportunities for advancement.
Start date
Apply by March 1, 2023