Consumer Advocate

PIRG’s Consumer Watchdog team is hiring an Associate to make sure consumers are informed and empowered to protect themselves in today’s rapidly changing marketplace. Scammers are using technology – calls, texts, emails and AI – to swindle unsuspecting consumers, often the elderly. Victims of these scams have planned and saved their whole lives, only to have it taken away in a flash. The Consumer Watchdog Associate will join our long-standing and award-winning team to expose scams and protect consumers from unsafe products and unfair business practices. Key responsibilities Research and analysis: Research scam trends nationwide and communications technology, such as “ringless voicemails,” spoofed calls, imposter websites and hijacked call forwarding. Build coalitions: Meet with regulators and other consumer-focused non-profit organizations to brainstorm, develop strategy, and advocate for solutions together. Research and write persuasive campaign materials: Write articles and short updates on breaking news and trends dealing with consumer scams. Develop and write guides to offer tips to consumers on how to protect themselves and their assets. Develop social media posts to market our reports, articles and consumer guides. Organize consumers and constituents: Work with the Consumer Watchdog Director on ways to reach consumers and their circle of loved ones, both to educate them and destigmatize getting scammed. Develop relationships with professionals whose clients include vulnerable consumers, to work with them on education and outreach strategies. Watchdog Government Agencies: Monitor developments and proposed rules at the Federal Communications Commission, Federal Trade Commission and Consumer Financial Protection Bureau that deal with scams and protecting personal and financial information. Run a grassroots campaign office each summer: Run a campaign office for the summer, knocking on doors to raise money to support our campaigns, build our organization and membership, and help build critical and timely grassroots support to win key campaigns. Your responsibilities will include meeting your own fundraising goals and managing a team of paid staff. You may be assigned to a different office location for the summer and should be flexible to move. This position requires exercising discretion, independent judgment and ability to oversee significant projects. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in journalism, social work, education, public policy, political science or similar field. Strong writing skills, and good interpersonal and public speaking abilities. A calling to help people and make a difference. A creative drive to come up with new solutions to consumer problems. A self-starter who is results-oriented. Bonus: Ability to design materials and graphics using Adobe, Canva or other software. Ability to create short videos for social media or blog posts. Compensation and Benefits The target annual compensation for this entry-level position is $38,250-$39,500. 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. Location This position could be based in Chicago, IL; Washington, DC; or Boston, MA. #J-18808-Ljbffr PIRG