Job description
MARYLAND PIRG ADVOCATE
Maryland PIRG is hiring an advocate to mobilize and expand support for our campaigns to safeguard public health, protect consumers, improve our democracy, and transform our energy systems.
About Maryland PIRG
Maryland Public Interest Research Group is a nonpartisan policy and action group with thousands of supporters across the state. Our mission is to deliver persistent, result-oriented public interest activism that protects consumers; encourages a fair, sustainable economy; and fosters responsive, democratic government. In the last decade we’ve run successful campaigns to protect public health from antibiotic resistance, update and improve our voting systems, protect our families from toxic chemicals in consumer products and drinking water, and reduce the influence of big money in our elections.
Current Priorities
Stop Toxic PFAS: PFAS are a class of chemicals that the Environmental Protection Agency says can cause harmful health effects in humans. These “forever chemicals” have been found in 75% of the water treatment centers tested by the Maryland Department of Environment. To protect our health and water, we’re calling on the Governor to set strong limits for PFAS in our water and clean up contamination.
Democracy: We believe in a democracy in which everyone participates and everyone’s voice is heard, from choosing who represents us in office, to how our government makes decisions on our behalf. In particular, we are running campaigns to get big money out of politics and establish special elections to fill vacancies in the state legislature.
Smart Energy Solutions: It’s time for Maryland to conserve more energy, use the energy we do have more efficiently, and produce energy in ways that are safe, renewable and better for our health and future. We’re working to update and improve Maryland’s energy efficiency programs, protect ratepayers from utility schemes and ripoffs, and encourage more investment in clean, renewable energy.
You can see a full list of the campaigns we support on our website.
Representative Responsibilities
Program: Help implement our priority campaigns, participating in policy development, research and messaging.
Coalition Building: Identify, reach out to, and work with partners who can help us win our campaigns both through formal coalitions and informal alliances.
Communications and Media Outreach: Generate strong earned media, opinion media, social media and online media for our campaigns. You may serve as a 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.
Advocacy: Bring problems and solutions to the attention of decision-makers—including federal district office staff, state legislators, 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.
Research and write reports: If needed, you may help analyze data relevant to the issue and our policy proposals to help influence public debate and earn media attention for our cause.
Fundraising: Write grant proposals, build relationships with foundation staff and meet with large donors, all to bring more resources to our campaigns. Work with our citizen outreach staff to build and develop our grassroots membership base.
Staff Recruitment & Development: Recruit and manage staff and volunteers to increase our impact and build our power.
Qualifications
The ideal candidates would have at least 2 years of relevant professional experience, have excellent judgment and discretion, and the ability to oversee significant projects. Qualified candidates will have a demonstrated commitment to advancing the public interest and to transpartisan, 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 our work.
Experience in state level political advocacy, grassroots organizing, fundraising is a bonus.
Pay & Benefits
The starting annual compensation range for this position is $32,000-$42,000 and depends on relevant experience and education. Maryland PIRG offers an excellent 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.
Location
Baltimore, MD
How to Apply
Please apply online at: https://pirg.org/jobs/maryland-pirg-advocate/. Please state the position you are applying to in your cover letter.
Maryland 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 social change. Click here for things you should know about our network when you apply.
Maryland PIRG is an equal opportunity employer.