Background
The Public Interest Research Group in Michigan (PIRGIM) is a statewide, multi-issue public interest advocacy organization that works on behalf of Michigan’s citizens to uncover and fight threats to public health, consumer well-being and democratic government. We were founded in 1972 and have thousands of members. We employ the time-tested tools of investigative research, media attention, grassroots organizing, advocacy and litigation to deliver consistent, results-oriented public interest activism and to achieve concrete and lasting political change on the state level.

PIRGIM is seeking a Public Interest Advocate. The mission of our program is to protect consumers from unsafe products and unfair marketplace practices. The issues we take on range from financial rip-offs, energy deregulation and energy efficiency, identity theft and other invasions of consumer privacy to unsafe children’s toys and consumer legal rights. We also seek to protect consumers from unfair broadcast and telecommunications practices and to limit the trend toward fewer media choices and consolidated media ownership. Consumers comprise the largest interest group in the economy, affecting and affected by almost every public and private economic decision. If consumers are offered inferior products, if prices are exorbitant, if drugs are unsafe or worthless, if consumers are unable to make informed choices, then their dollars are wasted, and their health and safety may be threatened.

Job Description
PIRGIM's Public Interest Advocate will play the following roles:

• Political Strategist: Frame the various problems and identify public interest solutions. Develop the strategies and tactics needed to build political support for those solutions and turn practical ideas into the law of the land.
• Researcher: Investigate and write reports and studies documenting consumer problems and the benefits from implementing solutions to these problems.
• Legislative Drafter: Craft policy options that turn the solution into law.
• Advocate: Testify at legislative and administrative hearings and lobby members of the Legislature and the state Administration.
• Media Liaison: Organize media events, release reports and publicize problems. Write media releases, provide source material to reporters, meet with editorial boards and reporters.
• Political Organizer: Coordinate meetings and keep in touch with coalition partners, and work with field staff to generate grassroots support for our agenda.
• Grantseeking: Solicit grants from private foundations to help build PIRGIM's consumer program.

Qualifications
Qualified applicants have a strong commitment to public interest issues, excellent verbal, writing and analytical skills, the ability to debate and speak persuasively, and enthusiasm for the work. Candidates for this position should have three to eight years of relevant professional experience, post college. Relevant experience includes (but is not limited to) working in political, policy, legal, journalistic, or government settings. Advanced degrees, including a JD or masters in related fields, may count toward a candidate's professional experience.

Salary & Benefits
Salary for this position is commensurate with the amount of relevant professional experience that a candidate has. A competitive benefits package includes health care coverage, educational loan assistance, a retirement plan, paid vacation and sick days, parental leave. Opportunities for advancement, travel, and additional training are available.

Location(s)
Ann Arbor, MI

Application

To apply, please e-mail your resume and cover letter to

PIRGIM and all PIRG-affiliated organizations are equal opportunity employers and will not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, sex, age, handicap, pregnancy, sexual orientation, or veteran status.