Address real problems and get meaningful results.

If you want a job where you can work to solve problems each day, consider a job with U.S. PIRG. U.S. PIRG is the federation of state PIRGs, a national network of nonprofit organizations that advocate on behalf of the public interest. Starting with thorough research, we tackle problems that need to be solved.

The goal of a PIRG Fellowship is to help develop leaders for the public interest movement. You might see yourself becoming a field organizer, advocate-or even director of a public interest group someday. As a PIRG Fellow, you gain hands-on experience in organizing, advocating and leading public interest campaigns in your first year on staff. More importantly, you get real results, whether at the local, state or federal level. And your experience is complemented by intensive training and the direction and advice of a senior mentor.

As a PIRG Fellow, you'll build expertise on global warming, campaign reform or another social problem. You conduct research, make the case for solutions, act as a spokesperson to the media, build diverse coalitions, write grants, and develop the kind of politically powerful support you need to win. Your day-to-day work might include meeting with a state or national decision-maker, researching or writing a report, conducting a news conference, or directing a citizen outreach campaign. Upon successful completion of the two-year program, you'll be eligible for a leadership role within the organization.

The Fellowship Program positions include, but are not limited to:

Issue Associates: As an Issue Associate, you are expected to master your issue area, research and write reports, develop and coordinate campaigns, prepare legislative testimony, build statewide and national coalitions, organize media events, raise funds, and meet with elected officials in support of legislation.

Field Associates: As a Field Associate, you work to demonstrate support for PIRG proposals at the state or regional level. You must quickly master the basics of a variety of issues, and then reach out to individuals, media outlets and organizations to build visibility and gain their support. This year, Field Associates organized support for measures to help solve our dependence on oil, stop drilling in the Arctic, and protect open space from out-of-control development.

This year, issue associates and field associates may work on any of the following issues: sprawl, global warming, democracy, biotechnology, factory farming, clean air, toxic waste, energy, banking and financial services, consumer protection, health care, endangered species, wilderness preservation, higher education, clean water or transportation.

Salary & Training
Recent college graduates earn $23,750 in their first year on staff. In addition, full-time staff can opt into our state health care coverage, are eligible for paid sick and vacation days, and can apply for our college loan assistance program. Our staff accrue two weeks of vacation by the end of their first year and three weeks by the end of their second year. Staff are also eligible to join our 401(k) program in their second year.

Location(s)
GA, IA, TX, MO, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, IL, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NH, NJ, NM, OH, OR, PA, RI, WA, WI, DC

Application

To read more and apply online, click here. Or, e-mail your cover letter and resume to Sarah Bennett at . We'll carefully consider your application and if we think you're a good fit, we'll be in touch.