Legislative Advocate

Federal Legislative Advocate, U.S. PIRG

Washington, DC

U.S. PIRG is hiring a Federal Legislative Advocate to build support for and win policies that address problems that affect the quality of our health, our environment and our well-being. 

Ideal candidates are eager to work hard for a world where:

• More of our things are reusable, repairable and recyclable, instead of single-use and designed for obsolescence.
• Decision makers choose conservation and renewable energy over fossil fuels.
• Economic incentives support food that nurtures us as well as the land, with fewer pesticides, antibiotics and other quick fixes.
• Consumers are no longer threatened by unsafe toys, hidden bank fees and surprise medical bills.

Key responsibilities

This position requires exercising discretion and independent judgment in making decisions in matters of significance. Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Advocacy: Lobby key decision-makers in Congress and federal agencies. Develop collaborative relationships with legislators and congressional staff on both sides of the aisle to advance our policy goals.
• Outreach and coalition building: Recruit and work collaboratively with the many varied groups who support our campaigns. Call farmers in Wyoming, conservation enthusiasts in Georgia, repair shop owners in Michigan and more.
• Communications and media outreach: Organize press events. Write materials for lawmakers, the public, and the media including opinion editorials, press releases, campaign action emails, factsheets, bill summaries, regulatory comments and presentations.
• Campaign strategy: Assess opportunities to build political support for real solutions to real problems through coalition-building, grassroots organizing, media coverage and message development.
• Fundraise from foundations and individual donors to support our work.
• Recruit and train new staff, interns and volunteers.

Qualifications

Candidates must have at least two years of relevant experience in advocacy, grassroots organizing, coalition building, legislative work and/or political campaigns and be:

• Skilled in working with people with different views or backgrounds to accomplish shared goals.
• An effective communicator with excellent writing and public speaking skills.
• A creative and strategic thinker.
• A good people-person and listener.
• Well-organized, able to work independently to achieve goals while balancing urgent and important needs.
• Committed to our vision of building a new politics that faces today’s challenges head on.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting target annual compensation range for someone with 2-8 years of relevant experience is $36,540-$45,000. Candidates on the lower end of directly relevant experience should expect to be on the lower end of this range; candidates on the higher end of relevant experience are likely to be on the higher end of this range. PIRG offers an excellent benefits package. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, paid time off, a commuter benefit program, a 401(k) plan with employer match, parental leave, long term disability insurance, and may include needs-based student loan assistance. We also offer an excellent training program and opportunities for advancement. 

Location: Washington, DC

Why work with U.S. PIRG? Check out 10 reasons on our website.

About U.S. PIRG

PIRG is an advocate for the public interest. We speak out for the public and stand up to special interests on problems that affect the public’s health, safety and well-being.

How is it possible that, in the richest country the world has ever seen, dissatisfaction is rising and life expectancy is lower than in any other high-income country? Is it just inequality? Or could it be that, in the name of producing and consuming more “stuff,” we’ve lost sight, as a society, of what really matters — including health, well-being, community, and a clean environment? 

PIRG’s mission is to spotlight these problems and find new solutions. Let’s make more of the things we need reusable, repairable and recyclable, instead of single-use and designed for obsolescence. Let’s choose conservation and renewable energy over fossil fuels. Let’s value clean air and water over short-term profits and lower costs. Let’s grow food that nurtures us as well as the land, with fewer pesticides, antibiotics and other quick fixes. 

Getting governments and corporations to make these choices is hard, and steps in the right direction are almost always small. But we have a 50-year track record of training and putting even our newest staff in a position to overcome powerful interests and win real results for the public interest.

Our Mission and Values

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 social change. Visit our website for things you should know about our network when you apply.

U.S. PIRG is an equal opportunity employer.

COVID-19: We take COVID-19 safety very seriously. Employees must follow our COVID safety protocols and be fully vaccinated and boosted. Accommodations are provided to the extent required by law.