PIRG Zero Waste Advocate 

Boston or Amherst, MA; Chicago, IL; Denver, CO; Portland, OR; or Philadelphia, PA

PIRG is hiring a Zero Waste Advocate to help drive our campaigns to reduce waste and move us towards a “circular” or “zero waste” economy in which less is consumed and all materials are reused, recycled and composted. 

Our country has a waste problem. Natural resources are continually extracted to produce goods that are used – often just once – before they are thrown into landfills, incinerators or the natural environment. To protect public health and the environment, conserve natural resources and landscapes, and address the mounting crisis of climate change, America needs to move toward an economic system characterized by zero waste. 

Key Responsibilities

The Zero Waste Advocate will run campaigns that call on decision makers to lead us toward a zero waste future by passing policies to reduce plastic pollution. This position requires exercising discretion and independent judgment in making decisions in matters of significance. Responsibilities may include but are not limited to:

• Coalition building: Build support for our campaign goals from key constituencies and non-traditional allies at the campus, local, state and national level.

• Advocacy: Take our policies directly to key decision-makers in campus leadership, state legislatures, Governors’ offices, Congress, corporate boardrooms, and other forums where we could advocate for moving beyond plastics. 

• Media Outreach: Serve as the spokesperson for our campaigns through media events, press releases and opinion writing. Keep abreast of important zero waste issues and raise the profile of zero waste issues and our campaign goals in the media.

• Campaign strategy: Assess opportunities for building political support for our agenda through coalition-building, grassroots organizing, media coverage and message development.

• Program development: Evaluate new research on the issue, create viable policy solutions and propose the right political strategy and messaging.

• Fundraising: Write grant proposals, build relationships with foundation staff and meet with major donors. Provide support for our grassroots fundraising work on toxics issues by writing appeals and providing updates.
• Staff recruitment and development: Build our team by recruiting and managing interns and participating in staff recruitment efforts. Potential to oversee staff. 

Qualifications 

Candidates must have at least 3 years of relevant professional experience. Qualified candidates will have a demonstrated commitment to citizen-based social change, as well as a track record of leadership. Experience working on waste, environmental or climate campaigns preferred. 

We're looking for people who are goal-driven and results-oriented; who have excellent public speaking, writing and analytical skills; the ability to speak persuasively in a charged atmosphere; and the passion and drive it takes to make positive policy changes.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting compensation range for someone with 3-8 years of relevant professional experience is $40,500-55,000. Candidates on the lower end of directly relevant experience should expect to be on the lower end of this range; candidates on the higher end of relevant experience are likely to be on the higher end of this range. PIRG offers an excellent benefits package. Our benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, time off, a commuter benefit program, a 401(k) plan with employer match, parental leave, long term disability insurance, and may include needs-based student loan assistance. We also offer an excellent training program and opportunities for advancement. 

Locations

This position could be based in Boston or Amherst, MA; Chicago, IL; Denver, CO; Portland, OR; or Philadelphia, PA.

Why work with PIRG? Check out 10 reasons on our website.

About PIRG

PIRG is an advocate for consumers, advancing solutions to problems that affect our health, our safety and our well-being.

Being a consumer advocate means being a champion for a marketplace that is not only honest and transparent, but also wastes less because it reduces, reuses and recycles more; prevents toxic threats to our health and safety; and considers the impact of new products and technologies on the next generation, not just the next quarterly earnings report.

The true North Star of a successful marketplace should not be the quantity of “stuff” we consume. It should be the quality of our lives.

Our Mission and Values

PIRG is part of The Public Interest Network, which operates and supports organizations committed to a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change. Visit our website for things you should know about our network when you apply.

Please do not use AI to help draft your cover letter or responses to our application questions. We want to know how you think and write.

PIRG is an equal opportunity employer.