Consumer Advocate

About the Role

PIRG's Consumer Watchdog team is hiring an Associate to ensure consumers are informed and empowered in today's rapidly changing marketplace. The Associate will join an award-winning team to expose scams and protect consumers from unsafe products and unfair business practices. This role also supports projects related to food safety, product safety, and airline passenger protections.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and analysis: Research scam trends nationwide and communications technology, such as “ringless voicemails,” spoofed calls, imposter websites, and hijacked call forwarding.
• Research and write persuasive campaign materials: Write articles and short updates on breaking news and trends dealing with consumer scams. Develop and write guides with tips for consumers on how to protect themselves and their assets. Develop social media posts to market reports, articles, and consumer guides.
• Organize consumers and constituents: Work with the Consumer Watchdog Director on strategies to reach consumers and their loved ones for education and to destigmatize getting scammed. Develop relationships with professionals whose clients include vulnerable consumers to work on education and outreach strategies.
• Build coalitions: Meet with regulators and other consumer-focused non-profit organizations to brainstorm, develop strategy, and advocate for solutions.
• 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: Manage a campaign office for the summer, including door-to-door fundraising to support campaigns, build the organization and membership, and generate grassroots support. Responsibilities include meeting fundraising goals and managing a team of paid staff. Flexibility to relocate to a different office location for the summer is required.
• Take part in organizational projects and trainings: Assist other teams on priority campaigns and tactics, which may range from clean energy to clean water to right to repair. Travel for regional and national trainings and other in-person or virtual projects may be required.

This is not a standard “9-5” or “clock in, clock out” position.

Qualifications

• Entry-level candidates are encouraged to apply.
• Ability to travel regularly and be motivated to work when needed, which may include evenings and weekends.
• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, social work, education, public policy, political science, or a similar field.
• Strong, conversational writing skills, good interpersonal skills, and public speaking abilities.
• A calling to help people and make a difference.
• A creative drive to develop new solutions to consumer problems.
• A self-starter and results-oriented attitude.
• 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

• Target annual compensation: $40,000 in the first year.
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and dependents.
• Time off.
• Commuter benefit program.
• 401(k) plan with employer match.
• Parental leave.
• Long term disability insurance.
• May include needs-based student loan assistance.
• Excellent training program and opportunities for advancement.

Location

This position could be based in Chicago, IL; Washington, D.C.; or Boston, MA.

Hiring Timeline

Candidates are being hired for a summer 2027 start.