Fellowship Program

Consider these recent U.S. PIRG fellows and the great work they have done:

• Maryland PIRG Fellow Jenny Levin worked to protect children’s health. Her advocacy, coalition building, and timely media work, helped pass a state-wide ban on the toxic chemical bisphenol-A from children’s products. Jenny organized citizens and health care professionals that supported the ban to put pressure on lawmakers. Thanks to Jenny’s efforts, every major news outlet in Maryland covered the issue—and it worked. Lawmakers made Maryland the fourth state in the country to ban the toxin from baby bottles and sippy cups.
• MASSPIRG Fellow Micaela Preskill has worked to secure funding for public transportation in Massachusetts. Micaela focused her efforts on Central and Western Massachusetts, where transportation infrastructure has been historically under-funded and service is especially lacking. For the first time, thanks to Micaela’s organizing, community members and elected officials have gotten together in cities across the state to work out solutions to the region’s transportation problems.
• U.S. PIRG Fellow Rich Williams’ efforts helped usher in major changes that have lowered the cost of higher education for millions of students. Running U.S. PIRG’s Higher Education Program, Rich is an important voice on behalf of students on Capitol Hill. As Congress debated student aid legislation last year, Rich pushed for a $36-billion increase in financial aid for students, paid for by ending government subsidies to private lenders. Rich helped student leaders on dozens of college campuses to organize press events in support of the idea, and worked to make sure members of Congress heard about the widespread demonstration of student support.

Training & Experience

A key part of the U.S. PIRG mission is to train leaders who are capable of organizing and winning results for the public interest.

Immediately following an intensive training, fellows are trusted with significant responsibilities. The training is fully paid and starts in mid-August. Additional trainings take place during the year. Training topics include organizing skills and political strategy, and are covered through a mix of lectures, classroom briefings and discussions, role-plays, and in-the-field trainings.

Throughout the year, you gain valuable skills and experience making your voice heard and building an organization through grant-writing, canvassing, recruiting and managing staff, and directing campaigns.

Qualifications

We are looking for motivated individuals who are willing to work hard and commit themselves to getting results. We value experience with campus groups or student government, academic achievement, and outstanding verbal, written and leadership skills. But most of all, we look for people who find a way to make a difference. The fellowship position is a two-year commitment.

Salary & Benefits

As a recent graduate, you will earn $24,000 over the course of your first year and $25,000 over the course of your second year with U.S. PIRG.

Salary for experienced candidates is commensurate with relevant professional experience.

In addition, full-time staff can opt into our state health care coverage, are eligible for paid sick days and vacation days, can apply for our college loan assistance program, and are also eligible to join our 401(k) program in their second year. Our staff accrue two weeks of vacation by the end of their first year and three weeks in their second year.

Locations & Placement

Fellowship candidates are hired nationwide and placed in U.S. PIRG offices across the country.

Specifically, U.S. PIRG is hiring for positions in:  CT, FL, IL, IN, MA, ME, MI, MO, MT, NC, NH, NM, OH, OR, RI, TX, WA, and Washington, D.C.

If you are interested only in particular locations, you will be asked to identify those locations during the interview process. If you are offered a U.S. PIRG fellowship, you are guaranteed placement in one of your specified locations.