Organization
The United States Public Interest Research Group (U.S. PIRG) is the national lobbying arm of the State PIRGs. With approximately 500 staff nationwide, one million members, and over 100 chapters based on college campuses across the country, 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 litigation.
Job Description
In a country with a world-renowned medical reputation, we expect drug companies to rigorously test and truthfully market their drugs. We expect that Americans have the means to treat illnesses, and hospitals will put our health and safety over all other concerns.
But prescription drug prices are soaring, the Vioxx tragedy demonstrates that drugs are not always safe, and infections at hospitals kill too many patients. Health insurance plans too often fail to provide the coverage or treatments we need.
Too often, it is powerful special interests that are keeping our country from fulfilling our expectations of health and safety. U.S. PIRG’s Healthcare Advocate works to counter their influence and protect the health of all Americans.
U.S. PIRG's Healthcare Advocate will play the following roles:
- Policy development: Develop our approach to healthcare problems within a broader political context, and develop a comprehensive platform for solving them. Write comprehensive reports, fact sheets and white papers for release to decision-makers, the media and the public.
- Advocacy: Bring problems and solutions to the attention of decision-makers and build support for campaigns in Congress and administrative agencies.
- Campaign Strategy: Create the plans to win on our healthcare campaigns; strategize how to gain political support for our agenda through coalition-building, grassroots organizing, media publicity, endorsements and message development.
- Media Outreach: Serve as the public spokesperson for our healthcare campaigns through media events, press releases, editorial board meetings and other media tactics.
- Organization Building: Write grant proposals, work with foundations with an healthcare mission to support our work, and meet with large donors, all to bring more resources to our efforts to protect consumers and improve healthcare in this country. Recruit new staff and volunteers to increase our impact on all our issues.
Qualifications
Qualified candidates will have a demonstrated commitment to public interest issues and a track-record of leadership and academic excellence. We're looking for a goal-driven and results-oriented individual who has excellent verbal, writing and analytical skills, the ability to debate and speak persuasively in a charged atmosphere, and enthusiasm for the work. Candidates should have at least 3 to 8 years of relevant professional experience, post-college. Experience in political, legal, journalistic, activist or nonprofit settings preferred.
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
E-mail a cover letter and resume to Gary Kalman at . Please specify the position you're applying for in the subject line of your e-mail, and be sure to mention where you saw our job announcement.
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.