Background
The Connecticut Public Interest Research Group (ConnPIRG) is a statewide public interest advocacy organization that works on behalf of Connecticut’s citizens to uncover and fight threats to the consumers, taxpayers, public health, 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.
ConnPIRG is seeking a Program Director to oversee the organization’s work on consumer and taxpayer policy in Connecticut. From fighting for affordable, quality public transportation, to promoting restrictions on corporate media ownership, to protecting consumers’ financial privacy and calling for sensible health care reform, we need someone who will bring creative ideas and gumption to the challenges that face our state.
Job Description
The Program Director of ConnPIRG will develop campaigns that make a difference on pressing public interest issues. Responsibilities include:
Advocacy: Bringing problems/solutions to the attention of decision-makers-including state legislators, people in the executive branch, governmental agency staff and local officials.
Campaign Strategy: Creating a plan to win on our public interest campaigns; strategizing how to gain political support for our agenda through coalition-building, grassroots organizing, media publicity, endorsements and message development.
Media Outreach: Serving as the public spokesperson for our campaigns through media events, press releases, editorial board meetings and other PR tactics.
Fundraising: Writing grant proposals, impressing foundations with a public interest mission to support our work, and meeting with large donors, all to bring more resources to efforts we're waging to protect the public interest.
Policy Development: Developing new policy areas for ConnPIRG to tackle. Analyzing and creating new issue areas based on current political situations and hot issues that arise in the state.
Staff & Volunteer Management: Recruiting, overseeing and training ConnPIRG staff and volunteers.
Qualifications
Passion. Persistence. We're looking for a goal-driven and results-oriented individual who is committed to the public interest, someone with leadership skills and initiative, and the verbal and written skills necessary to make the case that protecting the public interest must be a top priority. Candidates should have 3 to 8 years of relevant professional experience, including (but not limited to) work in political, policy, legal, journalistic or government settings. Advanced degrees, including a JD or master’s in related fields, may count toward a candidate’s professional experience.
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.