Campaign Associate, Non-Profit & Social Impact

Overview

Illinois PIRG is hiring an Associate to work on campaigns for Climate Solutions. We aim to shift away from burning fossil fuels in how we light, heat, cool, and move around, recognizing that solutions are increasingly feasible, safer, and more affordable for consumers. We work to persuade decision makers and the public to adopt these solutions.

PIRG has a 50-year history of consumer advocacy, advancing policy solutions affecting health, safety, and well-being. The Climate Solutions Associate will work closely with the state director, coalition partners, and volunteers to run campaigns for climate solutions, such as shifting off of gas to heat homes, increasing energy conservation and energy efficiency, and promoting renewable energy.

• Build powerful coalitions: Reach out to a broad range of organizations and affected constituency groups across the political spectrum to demonstrate support for campaign goals.
• Earn traditional media and social media attention: Organize news conferences and write opinion pieces. Build a following on social media for the campaign.
• Organize events and work with volunteers: Organize webinars, community events and public meetings. Recruit organizations and members of the public to attend and participate.
• Lobby elected officials: Meet with decision makers from city council members to state legislators to make the case for campaign goals. When a critical vote is happening, work to demonstrate the grassroots support to help line up votes to win.
• Research and write persuasive campaign materials: Catalog and analyze data relevant to the issue and policy proposals to influence public debate and earn media attention for the cause.
• Recruit new people to the team: Help build the team by recruiting volunteers, interns, and full-time staff.
• Run a grassroots campaign office each summer: Run a campaign office for the summer, knocking on doors to raise money, build the organization and membership, and build grassroots support to win key campaigns. Responsibilities include meeting fundraising goals and managing a team of paid staff. A different office location may be assigned; flexibility to move is required.

This position requires exercising discretion and independent judgment in matters of significance.

Entry-level candidates are encouraged to apply. We provide training on advocacy and organizing skills, as well as oversight by an experienced advocate. Ideal candidates will have leadership experience, strong writing and public speaking skills, an eagerness to learn, and readiness for a challenge. We value organizing experience, including building campus or community groups.

The target annual compensation for this entry level position is $38,250-$39,500 in the first year. Illinois PIRG offers an excellent benefits package, including 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 potentially needs-based student loan assistance. An excellent training program and opportunities for advancement are provided.

Chicago, IL

Fill out our online application: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below).-48b7081c08df

This position will start in the summer of 2026. We are accepting applications on a rolling basis.

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Illinois PIRG is an advocate for consumers, advancing solutions to problems that affect our health, safety and well-being.

Being a consumer advocate means supporting a marketplace that is honest and transparent, wastes less by reducing, reusing, and recycling more; prevents toxic threats to health and safety; and considers the impact of new products and technologies on the next generation, not just the next quarterly earnings report.

The true North Star of a successful marketplace should be the quality of our lives, not the quantity of goods.

Illinois PIRG is part of The Public Interest Network, which operates and supports organizations with a shared vision of a better world and a strategic approach to social change. Visit  for things you should know about our network when you apply.

Please do not use AI to help draft your cover letter or responses to our application questions. We want to know how you think and write.

Illinois PIRG is an equal opportunity employer.