Public Health Campaign Director

We live in the richest, most prosperous nation in the world, yet the indicators of our health are not the best in the world, and our life expectancy has been declining. How can this be?

A significant reason: the many ways that we subordinate health concerns for the sake of growing the economy. Ruining precious medicine, like antibiotics, with overuse in animal agriculture for the sake of slightly cheaper meat; treating nicotine-rich vapes as less of a threat to our health than tobacco; failing to invest in school water filters where we know that there is lead contamination; the list goes on, and millions suffer or even die as a result. We can, and must, do better.

Key Responsibilities

The Public Health Campaign Director will coordinate and work with our federal staff and state offices across the country to run campaigns that call on our decision makers to value our health and well-being over the demands of unlimited economic growth. Work to stop the overuse of antibiotics in animal agriculture, get the lead out of our water, especially our schools’ water, seize the opportunities to improve indoor air quality, and more.

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 at the campus, state, and national level, including medical professionals and public health experts.
• Advocacy: Take our policies directly to key decision-makers in campus leadership, state legislatures, Governors’ offices, Congress, corporate boardrooms, and other forums where we can advocate for public health values and policies. Run multiple lobby days for students and staff.
• Media Outreach: Serve as the spokesperson for our campaigns through media events, press releases, and opinion writing. Stay informed on important public health issues and raise awareness of 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.
• 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 health or environmental campaigns is preferred.

We are 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 target starting compensation for someone with 3-8 years of relevant professional experience is $37,000-45,000 in the first year. 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 include medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents, paid 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 Chicago, IL; Boston, MA; or Denver, CO.

Why work with PIRG? Check out 10 reasons to work with us.

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 core values to learn more about our network.

PIRG is an equal opportunity employer.

COVID-19 Safety

We take COVID-19 safety very seriously. Employees must follow our COVID safety protocols and be fully vaccinated and boosted. Accommodations are provided to the extent required by law.

About PIRG

PIRG is an advocate for the public interest. We speak out for the public and stand up to special interests on problems that affect the public’s health, safety, and well-being.

How is it possible that, in the richest country the world has ever seen, dissatisfaction is rising and life expectancy is lower than in any other high-income country? Is it just inequality? Or could it be that, in the name of producing and consuming more “stuff,” we’ve lost sight, as a society, of what really matters — including health, well-being, community, and a clean environment?

PIRG’s mission is to spotlight these problems and find new solutions. Let’s make more of the things we need reusable, repairable, and recyclable, instead of single-use and designed for obsolescence. Let’s choose conservation and renewable energy over fossil fuels. Let’s value clean air and water over short-term profits and lower costs. Let’s grow food that nurtures us as well as the land, with fewer pesticides, antibiotics, and other quick fixes.

Getting governments and corporations to make these choices is hard, and steps in the right direction are almost always small. But we have a 50-year track record of training and putting even our newest staff in a position to overcome powerful interests and win real results for the public interest.

Learn more here