2026:Public Interest Research Group PIRG is hiring a State Director – Seattle, WA(Hybrid)

The Public Interest Research Group (PIRG) is a national network with over 50 years of experience advocating for consumer rights, environmental protection, and public health. PIRG’s mission focuses on addressing systemic challenges that affect Americans’ health, safety, and overall quality of life. From reducing waste and promoting sustainable practices to advocating for fair healthcare and clean water, PIRG campaigns tackle some of the most pressing issues of our time. The Seattle-based State Director position is a mid-level, full-time role with a target annual compensation range of $40,500–$55,000, depending on relevant experience. The role offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, paid sick leave, vacation time, parental leave, 401(k) with employer match, commuter benefits, long-term disability insurance, and potential student loan assistance.

Position Overview

PIRG State Directors serve as the face and voice of PIRG campaigns within their state. This role requires independent judgment and strategic decision-making to shape programs and implement campaigns that advance PIRG’s mission. The State Director is responsible for designing and leading advocacy efforts, building coalitions, mobilizing grassroots support, and securing funding to sustain and expand PIRG initiatives. This position also entails managing staff and volunteers, ensuring campaigns are executed effectively, and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders at the local, state, and federal levels.

Key Responsibilities

The State Director’s responsibilities span advocacy, organizing, media engagement, and team development. They include:

1. Shaping Program Priorities: Participate in research, policy development, and messaging to define the state’s campaign priorities. Ensure that campaigns align with PIRG’s mission to protect consumers, public health, and the environment.
2. Building Coalitions: Reach out to a wide range of organizations and constituency groups across the political spectrum. This includes engaging unlikely allies on shared priorities while navigating differences on other issues.
3. Organizing Events and Volunteers: Coordinate webinars, community meetings, and public events. Recruit and engage organizations and individual participants to strengthen campaign impact and public support.
4. Media and Public Outreach: Generate traditional and digital media attention through press events, opinion pieces, and social media campaigns. Build a following and communicate PIRG’s message effectively.
5. Advocacy: Present persuasive arguments for legislative and regulatory action. Lobby policymakers, testify at hearings, and produce compelling written materials to influence state, regional, and federal decision-makers.
6. Fundraising: Develop and maintain relationships with foundations and individual donors. Write grant proposals and secure funding to support campaign initiatives.
7. Team Growth and Management: Recruit, train, and oversee staff and interns to maximize the effectiveness of campaigns. Mentor emerging leaders to ensure sustainability and succession planning.

Qualifications

PIRG seeks candidates with a strong commitment to public interest advocacy and grassroots organizing. Required and desirable qualifications include:

• Passion for Public Interest Work: Deep commitment to advancing consumer rights, environmental protection, and public health through strategic advocacy.
• Experience: Minimum of two years in campaign advocacy or grassroots organizing, including leadership in complex projects. Advanced degrees may substitute for experience.
• Communication Skills: Strong written, verbal, and public speaking abilities. Experience with media outreach, both traditional and digital, is a plus.
• Strategic Thinking and Problem-Solving: Ability to design and implement effective campaigns, adapt to new opportunities, and solve complex challenges creatively.
• Interpersonal Skills: Skilled in building relationships and collaborating with diverse groups, including those with differing viewpoints.
• Organizational Abilities: Capable of managing multiple campaigns, legislative proposals, and administrative responsibilities simultaneously.

Additional advantageous experience includes familiarity with state government, environmental or public health advocacy, and fundraising, particularly grant writing for charitable foundations.

Compensation and Benefits

The State Director role offers a competitive salary, with the target range reflecting three to eight years of relevant experience. The benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance, paid sick leave and vacation time, parental leave, long-term disability coverage, a 401(k) with employer match, commuter benefits, and access to training and professional development opportunities.

Locations

While this position is based in Seattle, WA, PIRG has offices nationwide, including Madison, WI; Baltimore, MD; Austin, TX; Raleigh, NC; Philadelphia or Harrisburg, PA; and Ann Arbor, MI. New states include Chattanooga or Nashville, TN; Cheyenne, WY; and Boise, ID.

About PIRG

PIRG advocates for a marketplace that is honest, transparent, and environmentally sustainable. The organization addresses systemic issues such as waste, toxic exposure, and inequities in public services. PIRG’s mission emphasizes long-term solutions over short-term profit, aiming to improve quality of life while reducing environmental and health risks. The organization is part of The Public Interest Network, a coalition of organizations committed to social change through research, education, advocacy, and litigation.

Application Details

Interested candidates can apply online through PIRG’s job portal: Apply Here. The organization encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds who are passionate about grassroots advocacy and public interest work. PIRG is an equal opportunity employer.

Join Our WhatsApp Community

Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the hiring organization. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.