Jobs with VPIRG
VPIRG is always looking for energetic, smart mission-driven people to join the VPIRG team. We accept applications on an ongoing basis and keep resumes on file for when positions become available. Those interested in a career or internship with VPIRG are encouraged to email us a resume and cover letter telling us why you think VPIRG is a good match for your skills, values and experience.
Currently, we are accepting applications for the following positions:
Development Associate or Director | Environmental Change Paid Internship for UVM students | Policy Advocacy Internships | New Media Internship
NOTE: Because of the volume of applications, we are unable to reply to all applicants. You can expect to hear from VPIRG within 2-3 weeks of applying if we are interested in speaking with you regarding your candidacy.
Development Associate or Director
Fundraiser extraordinaire. Compelling writer and storyteller. Fascinated by marketing analytics. Cultivator of strong relationships. Detail-oriented project manager. Passionate defender of the public interest. If these describe you, then maybe you’re who we’re looking for!
VPIRG is looking for a mission-driven individual with strong project management, relationship-building and writing skills to serve on our Development Team at either the Associate or Director level. The right candidate understands the needs and activities of member-based advocacy organizations and enjoys strategizing how to garner support for our work. The Development Associate will manage and implement activities aimed at telling the story of our work in a compelling way to members, donors and the public. Strong communications skills, attention to detail and analytical fundraising sense will be critical to success in this role. The Development Associate will work under the guidance of the Associate Director and in partnership with the entire staff and board to conduct: major donor drives, donor prospecting and cultivation; direct mail, phone and online giving campaigns; and related member communications and cultivation activities.
Three or more years specific fundraising experience required, ideally with integrating multiple methods both on and offline. A background in grassroots activism, marketing and/or communications a plus. Must understand the metrics of large-scale fundraising as well as the art of building strong personal relationships to build our organization’s member base and financial strength. This position offers an opportunity for professional development and growth as you cultivate our base of nearly 20,000 members and supporters and grow the organization’s capacity to defend the public interest. This is a full-time, exempt position based in Montpelier.
Download full job announcement.
Environmental Change Paid Internship Program
This program combines student research/academic requirements with a high quality contribution to the environmental advocacy community. Students writing an environmental thesis that addresses issues related to environmental change of relevance to VPIRG, the state’s largest grassroots environmental group are encouraged to apply. Selected students receive $550.00, supervision from an academic advisor and VPIRG.
Any UVM undergraduate student that is writing an academic thesis that will be completed by May 15, 2011 and meets program guidelines. Students are expected to choose an area of research interest that aligns with one of VPIRG priority areas: clean energy and global warming; the campaign to close Vermont Yankee; environmental health. Over the first six + months students will conduct background research in that area. Six months prior to completion, selected students will work with their advisor and VPIRG to choose a specific research project within the selected area. The majority of the work will start in the fall of 2010 and the added research focus in the spring of 2011.
Download full program guidelines here.
Policy Advocacy Internships
VPIRG provides a number of unpaid internship opportunities for students throughout the year. Internships vary in content and focus based on the projects and programs they support. Interns work directly with VPIRG advocates and organizers and collaborate with partner organizations and staff in the completion of their projects. Interns generally work out of our Montpelier office for a minimum of 10 hours per week. Some travel may be required depending on the project. These are unpaid positions, however stipends and/or credit options may be available through your school or other sponsorship.
Download details on the specific 2010 projects and how to apply.
New Media and Social Networking Internship
VPIRG utilizes a dynamic online action center that leverages technology to increase citizen participation in public policy and decision-making at the state level. We’re expanding how we utilize new media and social networking tools to grow our network and deepen member engagement. We are looking for a creative, tech-savvy intern to help design innovative campaign media and to help build a dynamic, effective online presence.
