U.S. PIRG Fellowship Program
Through the U.S. PIRG Fellowship Program, you’ll get the experience it takes to win concrete public interest victories, from health care reform to toxic pollution cleanup and more. You will get the opportunity to stand up to the powerful interests— from local utility companies to health care lobbyists and Wall Street banks—who stand in the way of change on critical public interest issues.
The goal of the U.S. PIRG Fellowship Program is to develop recent college graduates into leaders in the movement for positive social change. As a U.S. PIRG fellow, you’ll work alongside a senior mentor to gain the hands-on experience it takes to organize public support. You’ll build expertise on important issues, such as transportation solutions, health care reform or toxic pollution cleanup. You’ll conduct research, craft policy solutions, act as a spokesperson to the media, build coalitions, write grants, recruit activists and members, and develop the kind of political support you need to win.
Upon successful completion of the two-year program, you’ll be eligible for a leadership role within the organization.
Training & Experience
A key part of the U.S. PIRG mission is to train leaders who are capable of organizing and winning results for the public interest. Immediately following an intensive training, fellows are trusted with significant responsibilities in their jobs.
The training lasts nine days, is fully paid, and starts in mid-August in Boston. Three additional trainings take place during the rest of the year. Training topics include skills and political strategy and topics are covered in a mix of lectures, classroom briefings and discussions, role-plays and in-the-field trainings.
Throughout the year, you gain valuable skills and experience in both making your voice heard on the issues and building an organization through grant-writing, canvassing, recruiting and managing staff, and directing campaigns.
Qualifications
We are looking for motivated individuals who are willing to work hard and commit themselves to getting results. We value experience with campus groups or student government, academic achievement, and outstanding verbal, written and leadership skills. But most of all, we look for people who find a way to make a difference.
Salary & Benefits
As a recent graduate, you will earn $23,750 over the course of your first year with U.S. PIRG. Salary for experienced candidates is commensurate with relevant professional experience and/or advanced degrees.
In addition, full-time staff can opt into our state health care coverage, are eligible for paid sick and vacation days, can apply for our college loan assistance program, and are also eligible to join our 401(k) program in their second year.
Our staff accrue two weeks of vacation by the end of their first year and three weeks by the end of their second year.
Locations & Placement
Fellowship candidates are hired nationwide and placed in U.S. PIRG offices across the country.
Specifically, U.S. PIRG is hiring for positions in: AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, IA, IL, IN, MA, MD, ME, MI, MO, NC, NH, NJ, NM, OH, OR, PA, RI, TX, WA, WI and Washington, D.C.
How To Apply
Apply online at www.uspirg.org/jobs.
Please contact Andrew Bailey in our St. Louis office with any questions. E-mail Andrew at info@mopirg.org or call (314)-454-9560.
