The Consumer Rights Coalition

The Consumer Rights Coalition (CRC) is a consumer-based organization dedicated to expanding access to short-term credit options. In CRC’s support of consumer choice and market-driven solutions it has engendered support from more than 200,000 consumers. The organization is now poised to expand its outreach to consumers, legislators and regulators in response to a tightening credit market and new financial regulations.

As the head of this newly created office, the Director, Public Affairs will strategically and tactically operationalize CRC’s outreach activities. In partnership with an external public relations team the Director will execute a political-style grassroots campaign to showcase CRC’s Executive Director as a credible consumer advocate at both state and federal levels. The primary goal will be to establish a streamlined public affairs effort including coalition-building, community relations, press outreach, new media tactics, strategic scheduling of the Executive Director’s public appearances and coordinating political activities. The Director will hire and manage a Public Affairs Coordinator and will report to the board on the progress of the campaign plan against its strategic goals and budget.

The success of the campaign will be determined in part by CRC’s increased public exposure in the pursuit of market-based and innovative solutions to consumer problems and complaints. As an advocate of this cause, the ED must be a visible spokesperson representing consumers on all manner of issues. Target partnerships may include local politicians, attorneys general, local community groups and other consumer advocates who, together with CRC, will chastise ‘bad actors’ and raise awareness of smart solutions that work for the consumer without harming business.

A potential challenge facing CRC is the recent criticism of the financial services industry, a segment of which funds CRC. As a champion of consumers, the ED may need to diffuse any misperceptions about the connection with this industry to show that CRC’s mission is clear: to positively impact the availability of credit for all Americans.

Requirements

• Bachelors degree in communications, political science or related field
• Minimum 5 years’ experience on the Hill, in a public affairs firm, campaign setting or small nonprofit
• Creative and tenacious work style, experienced in proactively gaining visibility for an underexposed issue and/or public figure
• Strategic thinker, able to design and execute an aggressive public affairs campaign
• Willing to work in fast-paced environment with unpredictable schedule
• Comfortable with small office setting.
• ‘Free-market’ orientation helpful

Office Location

This will be a newly created Washington, DC based office; the exact location to be determined in conjunction with the new Director, Public Affairs.

For Immediate Consideration

This is a retained search. Email cover letter describing past experience designing and executing an aggressive public affairs campaign and resume to Shira Harrington at shira@purposefulhire.com