Health Care Advocate/Organizer
Full-time based in Montpelier starting immediately

VPIRG is looking for a mission-driven, politically savvy advocate/organizer with strong communications and strategic campaign skills to join our team as we fight to advance public interest health care policies. The advocate/organizer will help implement VPIRG’s Health Care for All campaign, while providing backup for other public interest campaigns that VPIRG is leading. This position offers a unique opportunity for professional development and growth as you work on cutting edge issues affecting Vermont and the nation.

The Advocate/Organizer position includes elements of both State House public interest lobbying and grassroots field organizing to advance the cause of quality, affordable health care for all in Vermont. Major elements of the position include: campaign Strategy and planning; state and national level lobbying; media and public outreach; field and online organizing; and fundraising and administrative support.

Qualifications: At least 2 years of experience in advocacy and/or organizing. Must be politically strategic, media savvy and possess strong writing and public speaking skills. Experience with issue-based political campaigns including recruitment, training, messaging and direct negotiation with leaders. We’re looking for a solid project manager with keen attention to detail. Background/knowledge of health care policy issues is a plus. Candidates must be able to travel (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 depending on experience, ranging from $27-35k. VPIRG offers an excellent benefits package including employer-paid health, vision, dental and disability insurance, employer-matching IRA contributions of up to 3% of salary, four weeks paid vacation plus personal days.

Application Process: Send resume and cover letter (preferably via email) to Colleen Thomas, colleen@vpirg.org or VPIRG, 141 Main Street, Suite 6, Montpelier, VT 05602. VPIRG is an equal opportunity employer. Seeking a September start date; this position will remain open until filled.

Download the full job announcement here

Policy Research and Advocacy Internships
Fall/Winter 2008-2009

VPIRG is seeking several interns to conduct policy research that will inform solutions-oriented campaigning to advance legislative and policy strategies to reduce Vermont’s contributions to global warming, advance health care reform and reduce toxics in our environment, and reduce the influence of special interests in our democratic systems. Research topics may include but are not limited to:

Energy/Global Warming
Join Vermont’s leading clean energy advocacy organization to help research, craft and build public support for Vermont’s next global warming legislation. Interns will research and produce draft legislation related to:

• Low-carbon fuel standards
• Statewide clean energy purchase programs
• Clean energy incentive programs

Campaign to close Vermont Yankee
Whether or not to allow the Vermont Yankee nuclear plant to continue its operation 20 years past its scheduled closure in 2012 will be one of the largest and most contentious public policy debates in Vermont’s recent history.  You can be part of this campaign to ensure that Vermont Yankee closes as scheduled and Vermont starts to build its clean energy future in 2009.

• Research and develop campaign materials
• Monitor two separate proceedings in front to the Public Service Board
• Identify and plan to take advantage of key media opportunities
• Develop and lead an effort to reach out to business community around sustainable energy solutions

Environmental Health
Work with VPIRG to advance policy solutions that reduce the exposure of Vermonters to toxic chemicals in consumer products and our environment. Interns will research and develop policy and educational strategies around the following:

• Regional fish advisories in Vermont and other New England states – language, deployment and efficacy
• Pesticide use at school facilities across Vermont, including development and analysis of a survey to be sent to public schools across the state that gauges their use of pesticides

Health Care

Health care reform in Vermont is far from done. Help VPIRG to press for increased access to coverage and care by researching and developing policy recommendations in the following areas:

• Vermont business community’s perspective on the costs of health insurance and the role of the employer in our current system
• Universal health care systems in foreign countries, the practicality of phasing out health insurance companies in Vermont, and the feasibility of decoupling health insurance from employment

Democracy

Vermont’s last VPIRG-backed campaign finance law went all the way up to the US Supreme Court before being struck down.  Our challenge now it to develop, enact and possibly begin defense of a new law that guards against big money influence without infringing on constitutionally protected free speech.

• Investigate and evaluate the efficacy and constitutionality of potential campaign finance legislation including contribution limits and public financing
• Opposition research to determine who is opposing progressive reforms and why

Internships provide a unique opportunity to get hands on experience working to defend the public interest by conducting policy research, developing advocacy strategies and crafting materials to educate and engage the public on critical public interest issues. Interns work directly with VPIRG advocates and organizers and collaborate with partner organizations and staff in the completion of their projects.

Those interested should submit a cover letter, resume and portfolio samples/references to: Colleen Thomas, Associate Director of VPIRG at <colleen(at)vpirg.org> (please refer to “Advocacy Internship” in the subject of your message).

Download the full job announcement

Online Communications and Social Networking Internship
Fall/Winter 2008-2009

VPIRG relies on its dynamic online action center to leverage technology to increase citizen participation in public policy and decision-making at the state level. We’re looking to expand our use of new media tools to grow our network of online activists and reach more Vermonters with our campaigns. To help us get out our message and engage new activists, we are looking for a creative, tech-savvy intern to help develop campaign media and build our online presence. This may include online social networking presence development, on-demand video, flash animated campaign tools and more.

Those interested should submit a cover letter, resume and portfolio samples/references to: Colleen Thomas, Associate Director of VPIRG at <colleen(at)vpirg.org> (please refer to “Media Internship” in the subject of your message).

Download the full job announcement