Budget and tax policies are often the driving force behind other policy initiatives and the incentives behind changing private behavior. Issues such as corporate accountability, renewable energy, public transit, and the use of public lands often hinge on behind-the-scenes fiscal decisions. Federal funding rules also indirectly determine much of what takes place in state and local government. Too often policies reflect the lobbying efforts of special interests. The U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG) is looking for a Policy Advocate to promote accountability, sustainability, fairness, and transparency in federal tax and budget policy.

U.S. PIRG is the federation of state PIRGs, a nationwide network of state-based public interest advocacy organizations. With 500 staff nationwide, 300,000 members, and 70 chapters on college campuses, the state PIRGs have been advocating and organizing for public interest issues for 30 years. We research problems, write reports, work with the media, build coalitions, lobby decision-makers, and stand up for the public interest through grassroots organizing and advocacy.

The U.S. PIRG Policy Advocate will be responsible for the following:

• Research: Investigate and write reports documenting problems and available solutions.

• Policy Development: Craft policy options that turn solutions into law.

• Campaign strategy: Develop the strategies and tactics needed to build political support for those solutions and turn practical ideas into the law of the land, such as through coalition building, grassroots organizing, and media visibility.

• Lobbying: Testify at legislative and administrative hearings and lobby members of Congress and the administration.

• Media Outreach: Organize media events to release reports and publicize problems. Write media releases. Provide source material to reporters. Meet with editorial boards and reporters.

• Grant seeking: Write grant proposals, network with donors, and present our case to foundations. Seek creative approaches for bringing more resources to our efforts.

Further, as part of a network of hundreds of PIRG advocates, organizers, attorneys and non-profit professionals across the country, the Policy Advocate will share resources and expertise with a large network of organizations, helping to build a stronger public interest movement nationwide.

Qualifications
Qualified applicants have a strong commitment to public interest issues; excellent verbal, writing and analytical skills; the ability to debate and speak persuasively in a charged atmosphere; and enthusiasm for the work. Candidates for this position should have three to eight years of relevant professional, post-college experience. Relevant experience includes (but is not limited to) working in political, policy, legal, journalistic, financial, or government settings. Advanced degrees, including a JD or masters in related fields, may count toward a candidate’s professional experience. An ideal candidate will know Capitol Hill, have experience on the issues, knows the budget process, is comfortable with crunching numbers, and is skilled at translating issues for non-policy wonks.

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

Location(s)
Washington, DC

Application

Send a resume and cover letter to Phineas Baxandall at . Please specify which position you are applying for in the subject line of the e-mail, and be sure to mention where you saw the position advertised.

U.S. PIRG 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.