State Public Interest Advocate for U.S. PIRG

MARYLAND PIRG ADVOCATE

Maryland PIRG is hiring an experienced advocate to mobilize and expand support for our campaigns to safeguard public health, protect consumers, improve our democracy, and transform our energy system. 

About Maryland PIRG

Maryland Public Interest Research Group is a nonpartisan policy and action group with thousands of supporters across the state. Our mission is to deliver persistent, result-oriented public interest activism that protects consumers; encourages a fair, sustainable economy; and fosters responsive, democratic government. In the last decade we’ve run successful campaigns to protect public health from antibiotic resistance, update and improve our voting systems, protect our families from toxic chemicals in consumer products and drinking water, and reduce the influence of big money in our elections.

Current Priorities

Stop Toxic PFAS: PFAS are a class of chemicals that the Environmental Protection Agency says can cause harmful health effects in humans. These "forever chemicals" have been found in 75% of the drinking water tested by the Maryland Department of Environment. 

Democracy: We know the problems facing our democracy are large and deeply rooted. But we also know that there are changes we can make immediately that will pave the way for restoring our democracy. In particular, we are running campaigns to get big money out of politics and modernize voting.

Smart Energy Solutions:  It’s time to shift our energy away from dangerous and dirty fossil fuels and nuclear power and towards clean, renewable electricity. Maryland needs a smart plan to ensure this transition protects public health, our planet, and consumers.

You can see a full list of the campaigns we support on our website.

Representative Responsibilities

• Program: Help implement our priority campaigns, participating in policy development, research and messaging.
• Coalition Building: Identify, reach out to and work with partners who can help us win our campaigns both through formal coalitions and informal alliances.
• Communications and Media Outreach: Generate strong earned media, opinion media, and owned media for our campaigns. You may serve as a public spokesperson for our campaigns through media events, press releases, editorial board meetings and other outreach, with a goal of building name recognition for the organization, educating the public about our issues and building and demonstrating support for our positions.
• Advocacy: Bring problems and solutions to the attention of decision-makers—including federal district office staff, state legislators, the Governor’s staff, state regulators and local officials. Develop appropriate messages and materials for making the case to decision makers; build relationships with key players.
• Research and write reports: If needed, you may help analyze data relevant to the issue and our policy proposals to help influence public debate and earn media attention for our cause.
• Fundraising: Write grant proposals, build relationships with foundation staff and meet with large donors, all to bring more resources to our campaigns. Work with our citizen outreach staff to build and develop our grassroots membership base.
• Staff Recruitment & Development: Recruit and manage staff and volunteers to increase our impact and build our power. 

Qualifications

Candidates should have at least 2 years of relevant professional experience, have excellent judgment and discretion, and the ability to oversee significant projects.  Qualified candidates will have a demonstrated commitment to advancing the public interest and to transpartisan, citizen-based social change, as well as a track-record of leadership. We're looking for goal-driven and results-oriented individuals who have excellent verbal, writing and analytical skills, the ability to speak persuasively in a charged atmosphere, and enthusiasm for our work. 

Experience in state level political advocacy, grassroots organizing, fundraising is a bonus.

Pay & Benefits

The starting annual compensation range for this position is $32,000-$42,000 and depends on relevant experience and education. Maryland PIRG offers an excellent benefits package. Our benefits package may include medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, needs-based student loan assistance, 401(k) plan with employer match, commuter benefit program, paid time off, parental leave and long-term disability insurance. We also offer an excellent training program and opportunities for advancement.

Location

Baltimore, MD

How to Apply

Please apply online at: https://jobs.pirg.org/apply_185.html. Please state the position you are applying to in your cover letter. 

Visit https://jobs.pirg.org/core-values.html to learn what you should know about us before you apply.

Maryland PIRG  is an equal opportunity employer.