Background

U.S. Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG), the Federation of State PIRGs, is a state-based, nation-wide multi-issue public interest advocacy organization that for 30-plus years has worked on behalf of citizens to uncover and fight threats to the environment, public health, consumer well-being, and democratic government. 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.

U.S. PIRG is seeking an experienced Communications Director for its fast-paced Federal Advocacy Office in Washington, DC. The Communications Director is responsible for developing and implementing a communications and messaging strategy to maintain and further develop U.S. PIRG’s relationships with reporters, increase placement in earned and paid media, increase visibility in national and local media, and work with U.S. PIRG’s advocacy and campaign staff to win issue campaigns.

The U.S. PIRG Federal Advocacy Office represents U.S. PIRG in federal policy matters. Our organization’s roots at the state level give U.S. PIRG a unique “outside the beltway” perspective on the issues, while our state staff, members, campus chapters, and national field organizers provide the grassroots power necessary to enact change at the federal level.

Job Description

• Organize and execute DC press conferences and press briefings, including development of messages, press materials, visuals and press lists.
• Work with other program and field staff to develop messages and coordinate outreach to national media on issue campaigns.
• Work with other program and field staff to coordinate national release of reports and other media events.
• Pitch stories to daily television, newspapers, and radio reporters, network television and radio talk show producers, newsweekly reporters, editorial writers, TV newsmagazine producers, on-line journalists and others.
• Execute rapid response for breaking news stories including writing of press releases or statements, development of press lists, distribution of press releases or statements, and follow-up.
• Coordinate and conduct editorial board and columnist outreach.
• Assist program staff in the writing, editing, and placement of opinion pieces.
• Respond to reporter requests for information or interviews.
• Update and maintain press contact databases.

Qualifications

We’re looking for a goal-driven and results-oriented individual with a strong commitment to protecting the public’s interest. The ideal candidate will have 3 to 8 years of relevant professional campaign or journalism experience, post-college, including (but not limited to) work in political, policy, legal, journalistic, or government settings. The candidate should have a good working knowledge and understanding of Congress, the Executive Branch, and the regulatory process. Candidate must be well-organized, a self-starter, flexible, creative, able to work under pressure, and be able to work quickly and cooperatively on several projects at one time. Excellent writing and verbal skills are essential.

Salary and Benefits

Salary for this position is commensurate with a candidate’s relevant professional experience and/or advanced degrees. 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 compelling cover letter to Gary Kalman 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 our job advertised.

U.S. PIRG is an equal opportunity employer 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.