People Over Pentagon Advocate

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF POSITION: Public Citizen’s Congress Watch division seeks a People Over Pentagon Advocate to help lead federal lobbying and advocacy campaigns to block proposed increases in Pentagon funding and reallocate public money from endless war to addressing human needs. The United States spends more on the military than the next nine countries combined – and new White House proposals for 2026 and 2027 would increase Pentagon funding by $600 billion more.  This funding should instead be invested in priority human needs, including health care, climate action, education, poverty alleviation, and more.

The People Over Pentagon Advocate will play a central role in advancing Public Citizen's People Over Pentagon legislative agenda through strategic advocacy, lobbying, policy analysis, coalition building, and communications to drive congressional opposition to Pentagon budget increases – and ultimately, congressional support for cuts to the Pentagon budget.
The People Over Pentagon Advocate will report to the People Over Pentagon Campaign Director and work closely with the Congress Watch Director and Managing Director. The position will also work closely with the People Over Pentagon coalition, a broad network of civil society organizations, researchers, academics, and policymakers.
Specific Duties:
 
- Work closely with the People Over Pentagon Campaign Director and other Public Citizen staff to develop and execute federal advocacy and lobbying strategies to block Pentagon funding increases and reallocate funds from the Pentagon budget to social welfare and human needs programs.
- Maintain strong relationships with coalition partners, including civil society organizations, policy experts, and other stakeholders, and coordinate lobbying and advocacy strategies with partners and work to bring new organizations into the coalition.
- Meet, correspond with, and otherwise lobby legislative and executive branch officials and agency staff to move forward the People Over Pentagon agenda.
- Monitor and track congressional activity, federal agencies, industry, and emerging trends regarding Pentagon spending and the military industrial complex to identify advocacy opportunities and develop timely policy responses that advance our mission of cutting the Pentagon topline budget.
- Draft and submit congressional correspondence like testimony letters, oversight requests, sign-on letters, and other advocacy materials, and coordinate strategic follow-up efforts.
- Produce fact sheets, public campaign action resources, blog posts, op-eds, press statements, social media content, and other materials for policymakers, journalists, coalition partners, Public Citizen colleagues, and the public.
- Support the funding and growth of the People Over Pentagon campaign by tracking advocacy and coalition activities, and as needed, writing program grant reports and drafting proposals for funders.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS : 
 
- 5+  years of relevant experience in federal advocacy, public policy, government, or related fields , with a preference given to those with functional experience in federal lobbying and subject matter expertise related to U.S. militarism, Pentagon funding, foreign policy, or related matters.  
- Exceptional analytic, research, and written and oral communications skills. Demonstrated ability to translate complex federal budget and appropriations issues into clear, persuasive communications for diverse audiences.
- Proven interpersonal and coalition management skills, and political judgment. Demonstrated ability to work with diverse individuals and organizations in a broad advocacy coalition.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment, respond to short-term deadlines and balance multiple responsibilities; maintain strong attention to detail and accuracy; and be polite and persistent.  
- A commitment to collaboration, humility, professionalism, and hard work. We value colleagues who are mission-driven, enjoy working as part of a team, and can balance important, time-sensitive advocacy with a collegial and supportive workplace.

- Experience with media and communications, including social media and online communications, is a plus.

- We encourage candidates from a wide range of backgrounds to apply. If you believe your skills, experience, and passion align with this position, we encourage you to submit an application even if you do not meet every listed qualification.

SALARY AND BENEFITS:  Competitive salary between $88,719 and $122,228 plus a generous benefit package. Below is a list of some of our benefits (please note that some benefits have eligibility requirements).

Benefits include:
 
- Great medical, vision and dental coverage, including full coverage for children
- Three weeks paid vacation for new employees, plus five personal days
- 401K plan with a 5% contribution from PC after one year of employment
- 12 weeks of paid parental leave after one year of employment
- Sabbatical after 8 years of employment
- Student loan reimbursement program
TO APPLY:   Send cover letter, resume, references, and writing sample to [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) as a single PDF.  Please include your last name and “People Over Pentagon Advocate” in the subject line of your email and in the filename of the attached PDF. No phone calls, please.
Public Citizen is an equal opportunity employer. People of color, women, LGBTQ+ candidates are encouraged to apply.