National Campaign Director, Tax & Budget Program

U.S. PIRG is currently looking for an experienced political advocate to direct our Tax & Budget program. 

About the Job

Tax and budget decisions are how communities declare priorities and use their values to direct resources. Unfortunately, the government often runs large deficits or uses accounting tricks to pay for programs with the hope that never-ending economic growth will eventually help cover these costs. This approach exacerbates societal problems and wastes resources on programs that fail to advance the public interest.

Americans support spending on programs that advance the common good efficiently. We can only do that if government spending decisions are transparent and properly evaluated. Companies should prosper based on their efficiency and innovation, not because their high-powered lobbyists and accountants enable them to use offshore tax havens and shell companies to dodge their taxes. Likewise, private companies that receive contracts and subsidies must be held to task for their actions. Spending and tax incentives should encourage actions that are good for society and the environment, while discouraging bad behaviors, like oil spills or bank scams.

The Tax & Budget National Campaign Director will be taking on one of the most important issues facing our society through research, media outreach, policy development, campaign organizing and coalition leadership. U.S. PIRG is a steering committee member of the FACT Coalition (Financial Accountability and Corporate Transparency), working to close offshore corporate loopholes at the state and federal level and working to expand combined reporting in states across the country. As the U.S. PIRG Tax and Budget Program Director you’ll exercise independent judgment and discretion to develop policy solutions and implement a variety of campaign strategies to mobilize the public and influence insiders. 

 

About U.S. PIRG

U.S. PIRG is an advocate for the public interest, working to win concrete results on real problems that affect millions of lives, and standing up for the public against powerful interests when they push the other way.

The problems we face don’t care if you’re a liberal or a conservative, or if you live in a red or blue state — they affect each and every one of us. That’s why, for decades, we’ve taken a non-partisan, fact-driven, results-oriented approach to our work.

 

Key Responsibilities Include

  • Program development: Evaluate the research on the issue, create viable policy solutions and propose the right political strategy and messaging.
  • Advocacy: Take our policies directly to key decision-makers in regulatory agencies, the statehouse, in Congress or wherever important decisions are being made.
  • Campaign strategy: Assess opportunities for building political support for our agenda through coalition-building, grassroots organizing, media coverage and message development.
  • Media outreach: Serve as a chief spokesperson for our campaigns through tactics like media events, press releases and editorial board meetings.
  • Fundraising: Write grant proposals, build relationships with foundation staff and meet with major donors. Work with our citizen outreach staff to build and develop our membership base.
  • Staff recruitment and development: Recruit new staff and volunteers. Oversee program staff to develop and implement work plans; provide training and leadership development opportunities.

 

Qualifications

Candidates must have at least 6 years of relevant professional experience. Advanced degrees like a JD or a master’s degree are preferred, but not required. Qualified candidates will have a demonstrated commitment to citizen-based social change, as well as a track record of leadership, excellent judgement and significant project oversight. We’re looking for people who are goal-driven and results-oriented, who have excellent verbal, writing and analytical skills, the ability to speak persuasively in a charged atmosphere, and enthusiasm for the work. Candidates must have excellent judgment and discretion and the ability to oversee significant projects. Experience with related policy issues and how Washington, D.C. or statehouses work preferred.

Location

Chicago, Washington, D.C., Boston 

Pay & Benefits

Target annual compensation for this position is commensurate with the relevant professional experience and/or advanced degrees that a candidate has. U.S. PIRG offers a competitive benefits package. 

Application: 

Please apply online at: https://jobs.uspirg.org/apply_48.html?utm_source=Chesapeake-Network&utm_medium=web-ad&utm_campaign=USPfall2019&utm_term=48&utm_content=Tax-&-Budget-Watchdog-Program-Director. 

Direct your application to Kate Canada, Hiring Director for U.S. PIRG

U.S. PIRG is part of The Public Interest Network, a group of organizations that share a vision of a better world, a set of core values, and a strategic approach to making positive change. Visit http://jobs.uspirg.org/core-values.html for things you should know about our network when you apply.

U.S. PIRG is an equal opportunity employer.