Zero Waste Advocate

Zero Waste Advocate at PIRG

PIRG is seeking a passionate Zero Waste Advocate to spearhead campaigns aimed at significantly reducing waste and fostering a "circular" or "zero waste" economy. This critical role involves moving beyond a linear consumption model to one where materials are continually reused, recycled, and composted, protecting public health, conserving natural resources, and combating climate change.

Key Responsibilities

The Zero Waste Advocate will lead impactful campaigns, advocating for policies to curb plastic pollution and transition towards a zero-waste future. This position requires independent judgment in making significant decisions, with responsibilities including, but not limited to:

• Coalition building: Strategically gather support for campaign objectives from diverse constituencies and allies across campus, local, state, and national levels.
• Advocacy: Directly engage key decision-makers in campus leadership, state legislatures, Governors’ offices, Congress, and corporate boardrooms to champion policies for moving beyond plastics.
• Media Outreach: Act as the primary spokesperson for campaigns, managing media events, crafting press releases, and writing opinion pieces to elevate zero waste issues and campaign goals.
• Campaign strategy: Analyze political landscapes to identify opportunities for building support through coalition-building, grassroots organizing, media engagement, and message development.
• Program development: Research emerging issues, formulate viable policy solutions, and devise effective political strategies and messaging frameworks.
• Fundraising: Prepare grant proposals, cultivate relationships with foundation staff, meet with major donors, and support grassroots fundraising efforts related to toxics issues through appeals and updates.
• Staff recruitment and development: Contribute to team growth by recruiting and managing interns, and participating in broader staff recruitment initiatives, with potential for future staff oversight.

Qualifications

Candidates should possess a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience, a proven dedication to citizen-based social change, and a history of leadership. Prior experience in waste, environmental, or climate campaigns is highly preferred.

We are looking for goal-driven, results-oriented individuals with exceptional public speaking, writing, and analytical abilities. The ideal candidate will be capable of persuasive communication in challenging environments and demonstrate the passion required to drive positive policy change.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting salary for candidates with 3-8 years of relevant professional experience ranges from $40,500 to $55,000, commensurate with experience level. PIRG offers a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, generous time off, a commuter benefit program, a 401(k) plan with employer match, parental leave, long-term disability insurance, and potential needs-based student loan assistance. We also provide excellent training and advancement opportunities.

Locations

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

About PIRG

PIRG champions consumers, developing solutions for issues impacting health, safety, and well-being. As a consumer advocate, PIRG promotes a marketplace that is honest, transparent, and sustainable, emphasizing reduction, reuse, and recycling to prevent toxic threats and consider future generations over short-term profits. Our mission is centered on enhancing the quality of life, not merely the quantity of consumption.

Key skills/competency

• Zero Waste Initiatives
• Policy Advocacy
• Campaign Management
• Coalition Building
• Media Relations
• Fundraising & Grant Writing
• Environmental Policy
• Public Speaking
• Grassroots Organizing
• Strategic Planning