VPIRG is looking for an exceptional advocate to join our team. Vermont, in significant part because of VPIRG’s work, is a national leader on toxics and environmental health. With the gutting of federal rules and protections for the health of people and environment, strong state-level action is more important than ever. The Environmental Advocate leads VPIRG’s work to ensure Vermont’s legislators prioritize action to curb the use of toxic chemicals and excessive plastic in our food, our agricultural systems, and in products on store shelves.

Job Summary:

Advocacy: Effectively champion VPIRG’s positions on environmental health issues with Vermont legislators, members of the Executive branch, environmental agency staff, local and federal officials and business leaders. Build relationships that enhance VPIRG’s reputation among decision makers.
Policy Development: Identify Vermont’s most pressing problems, and most effective potential solutions, in the arena of toxics, waste, and environmental health. Develop those solutions into fully formed policies VPIRG can press forward with through research, policy analysis, and clear, pragmatic thinking and writing.
Campaign Strategy and Planning: Develop strategies and campaign plans to gain political support for our agenda using research, coalition-building, grassroots organizing, media and message development.
Media Outreach: Serve as a public spokesperson, build relationships with media, conduct successful media events, use social media to promote our work and maximize earned media opportunities.
Public Outreach: Work withour communications and organizing staff to leverage VPIRG’s online presence and extensive grassroots membership base to generate public action on key issues.
Coalition Building: Create and sustain partnerships with allied organizations.
Fundraising: Participate in grant writing and in-person member meetings. All VPIRG staff fundraise.

Qualifications: Experience in advocacy or campaigning including campaign planning, message development and framing, coalition work, and direct advocacy with lawmakers. Strong people skills are a must, as you will work directly with legislators, regulators, community leaders, and VPIRG members. Must be politically strategic, media savvy and possess strong writing and public speaking skills. Environmental health policy experience is a plus, but we will consider applicants with proven advocacy skills in other areas. Must have a passion for public interest issues and an understanding of how to leverage grassroots activism into legislative change. Candidates with significant experience may be considered for a Program Director level position in this program area.

This is a full-time, exempt position based in Montpelier. Some remote or hybrid work is possible when the legislature is not in session. Candidates must be able to travel (mostly within state) and work evening/weekend hours as necessary. Commitment to VPIRG’s issues and a mission-driven approach are essential in this demanding and highly-professional work environment.

Compensation: Competitive salary range $55,000-$70,000 depending on experience. VPIRG offers an excellent benefits package including employer-paid health insurance, long-term disability insurance, employer-matching IRA contributions or student loan repayment of up to 3% of salary, and four weeks of annual leave.

Application Process: Submit your cover letter, resume and writing sample online only at: www.vpirg.org/apply. This position will remain open until filled. Seeking start date in September. VPIRG is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities and LGBTQ candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

About VPIRG: VPIRG’s mission is to promote the health and well-being of Vermont’s environment, people and locally-based economy by informing and mobilizing citizens across the state. You can find more information about VPIRG and our campaigns at www.vpirg.org.

Pay: $55,000.00 - $70,000.00 per year

Benefits:

401(k) matching
Health insurance
Health savings account
Mileage reimbursement
On-the-job training
Opportunities for advancement
Paid sick time
Paid time off
Paid training
Parental leave
Retirement plan
Tuition reimbursement
Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

Do you have experience with policy advocacy?

Work Location: In person

Vermont Public Interest Research Group

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