Union of Concerned Scientists

WASHINGTON, DC

ASSISTANT PRESS SECRETARY

DIRECTOR, NUCLEAR SAFETY PROJECT

CAMBRIDGE, MA

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE

ENERGY-WATER PROJECT ASSISTANT

VOLUNTEER

The Union of Concerned Scientists is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff.
We offer competitive salaries, excellent benefits,
and a rewarding work environment.  

ASSISTANT PRESS SECRETARY         
Communications
Washington, DC Office 

SUMMARY OF RESPONSIBILITIES: Under direction of the media director and guidance of the press secretaries, provide operational support to the media team and assist in the implementation of strategies to publicize UCS programs, positions, experts and research products.

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position are included in, but not limited to the information listed below.

Answer calls to the UCS media phone line. Respond promptly to requests for information; refer media representatives to colleagues as necessary.

Maintain clipping files of press information. Manage news clip distribution system and vendor.

Maintain media database and email lists.  Manage vendor. Update entries, generate press lists, and send emails.

Upload press releases to web.

Assemble tri-annual board reports.

Provide support to press secretaries and media director.

Pitch reporters with suggestions for stories or articles; provide necessary information to ensure accurate coverage.

Help draft and distribute press releases, pitch letters, staff bios, backgrounders, LTEs, op-eds, and other press materials. Implement national and state media campaigns, schedule road shows, and book radio/TV appearances. Organize press conferences. Collaborate with program staff members as necessary. Coordinate travel arrangements, media contacts, and facility logistics; staff events as required. May craft and recommend proactive and reactive media strategies.

Monitor press coverage to suggest appropriate media tactics.

Research media outlets to devise effective pitches.

Become thoroughly knowledgeable about UCS issues, positions, experts and products and keep abreast of any new developments.

Maintain awareness of role as representative of UCS; consider impact of activities and statements on organization reputation and credentials in press, public and private sectors; direct energies whenever possible to promote UCS, advance organization objectives, and enhance funding opportunities.

Perform other related duties as assigned.

BASIC KNOWLEDGE: Work requires knowledge of media and/or public relations. Also required are related technical skills, including ability to write clearly; ability to utilize computer information services; word processing and database proficiency.

EXPERIENCE: Position requires 1-2 years previous journalism or media relations experience. Strong writing and copy editing skills necessary. Must have good attention to detail, exceptional follow through, and thrive in a fast paced environment. On the job training of up to six months is required to learn UCS personnel, philosophy, positions and programs.

HOW TO APPLY:  Please submit cover letter referencing where you learned of this position opening and resume to jobs@ucsusa.org, and include “Asst Press Sec” in the subject line. No phone calls, please.

DIRECTOR, NUCLEAR SAFETY PROJECT
Global Security Program
Washington, DC Office 

Summary of Responsibilities:  Under direction of the Co-directors of the Global Security Program (GSP), direct and coordinate UCS' nuclear power safety project; monitor developments in nuclear industry to assess and respond to impact; serve as technical authority and spokesperson on nuclear power safety and related issues; initiate legal or regulatory actions to correct safety problems.

General Duties and Responsibilities:
The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position are included in but not limited to the information listed below.

Establish, maintain and update comprehensive knowledge base of nuclear industry issues, both domestic and international.  Conduct literature reviews and searches to monitor and assess current and ongoing activities, events, initiatives, research, practices and trends in field.  Evaluate and synthesize articles, books, abstracts, regulatory agency reports, news releases and other publications.

Monitor the Nuclear Regulatory Commission and nuclear industry initiatives, news releases, briefings, reports and other communications to identify changes proposed or implemented to safety requirements, safety problems developing or ongoing in operating nuclear plants and proposed legislation affecting the nuclear industry.  Assess actual and potential impact; develop plan to respond to or challenge change.  Implement plan; revise as needed until desired results are achieved.

When appropriate, initiate and coordinate legal action to correct identified safety problems, either generic or plant-specific.  Contact attorneys to represent UCS in legal proceedings.  Communicate relevant information and priorities to attorneys; monitor process; provide direction as needed.  Coordinate efforts of other interested organizations as appropriate.

When appropriate, file petitions for rulemaking and enforcement action with the NRC, and submit formal allegations to the commission. Serve as organization's primary technical authority and public representative on nuclear power safety and related issues.  Respond to press and public inquiries about specific events; provide general information as well.  Review and audit all information disseminated to ensure accuracy and credibility.  Provide information to legislative representatives and members of other non-governmental organizations.  Testify in legal and legislative proceedings; develop testimony content.

Work with the rest of UCS' nuclear power team, including the Nuclear Power and Climate Change Program Manager, Washington Representatives, and GSP Senior Scientists to develop and carry out a media, legislative and outreach strategy. Participate in meetings with and provide briefings for members of Congress and their staff, and administration officials. Participate in meetings with NRC staff and commissioners.

Compile, assemble, write and edit reports, briefing papers, articles, letters, op-ed pieces, etc., on nuclear power and safety issues for internal review and external publication.  Tailor scope, breadth, depth and style of materials as appropriate for target audience. Audit all data and calculations for accuracy.

Establish and maintain contact with other engineers and scientists to exchange information and ideas, share resources, and update activities. Prepare presentations and speak at conferences.

Maintain awareness of role as representative of UCS; consider impact of activities on organization reputation and credentials in public and private sectors; direct energies whenever possible to promote UCS, advance organization objectives, enhance funding opportunities and substantiate credibility.

Perform other related functions as directed.

Basic Knowledge:
Position requires broad comprehensive and detailed understanding of nuclear power and safety, including nuclear engineering, design and operation of various nuclear power plants, and detailed and current knowledge of NRC regulations and practices.  Knowledge is generally acquired through completion of a bachelor's or advanced degree in nuclear engineering. 

Experience:
Work requires at least fifteen years combined experience in an engineering position in the nuclear power industry, in a technical capacity in an organization that monitors the industry, or in a nuclear engineering department in an academic institution. At least one year of on-the-job training is needed to become familiar with UCS organization, philosophy, programs, and constituencies.
 

Position Details:
This position will be based in our Washington, DC office. UCS offers salary commensurate with experience and training, excellent benefits, and a flexible and friendly work environment.  UCS is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff.
 
To Apply:
Send a cover letter referencing where you learned of this job opening, résumé, writing sample (2-4 pages), and salary requirements via email to jobs@ucsusa.org; please include “Nuclear Safety Project Director” in the subject line. Electronic Submissions Only. 

No phone calls, please.

 

DIRECTOR OF FINANCE
Finance & Administration
Cambridge, MA - Headquarters Office
 
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is seeking a Director of Finance to manage the finance and accounting functions at its Cambridge Headquarters in Harvard Square. This exciting position is responsible for managing this growing organizations’ finances to enable UCS to continue its work towards a safer world.   We seek a thoughtful, strategic finance professional who understands the strategic benefit of well executed financial systems and planning.

About UCS:  We are the leading science-based nonprofit organization working for a healthy planet and a safer world. Founded in 1969, UCS currently has a membership and activist base of more than 100,000, a staff of over 120, and offices in Cambridge (MA), Washington (DC), Berkeley (CA), and Chicago (IL).
 
Responsibilities include: 
 
• Managing finance and accounting functions for the organization, including general ledger, accounts receivable and payable, payroll, budgets, purchasing, and contracting.
• Supervising a three FTE finance staff
• Responsible for cash management and banking relationships.
• Overseeing development of grant proposal budgets and reports.
• Development of annual budgets for operations, cash flow, capital and board reserve funds. 
• Responsible for the management of investments.
• Developing  operating and capital budgets
• Projecting revenue and expenses; designing and improvement of financial reporting
• Addressing organization-wide issues relating to administrative issues/procedures, and ensuring that good financial procedures and good business practices are followed throughout the organization. 

Basic Knowledge:

Position requires formal accounting training - both in an educational institution and on-the-job and at the level normally needed to function as a comptroller.  Skills/experience in budget management, grants administration, good computer skills and experience with a Windows accounting database (GreatPlains preferred) in a network environment, Excel, and word processing are required.  Knowledge of non-profit accounting, tax and related regulations and grants management required.  Good verbal and written communication skills are essential, as are good organizational and time management skills.  The ability to work independently to solve problems and bring projects to completion as well as the flexibility work as part of a multi-office and multi-department team is necessary.  Master's degree in business, non-profit administration or similar field is required.  Longer experience may be substituted for a Masters.

Experience:

Five to seven years of relevant financial management experience is required, including at least two years at the level of comptroller, accounting manager, or finance manager, preferably in a non-profit organization.  Successful experience in dealing with vendors, auditors, external funding entities, and staff from a variety of backgrounds is critical. CPA and/or public accounting experience desired, but not required.

Position Details:
UCS offers salary commensurate with experience and training, excellent benefits, and a flexible and friendly work environment.  UCS is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff.
 
To Apply:
Send a cover letter to “Search Committee” referencing where you learned of this job opening, résumé and salary requirements via email to jobs@ucsusa.org; please include “Finance Director” in the subject line. Electronic Submissions Only. 
 
No phone calls, please.

ENERGY-WATER PROJECT ASSISTANT      
Climate/Clean Energy

Under the direction of the manager of the Energy and Water in a Warming World Initiative, this position will support administrative, outreach, and research activities aimed at increasing awareness of the energy-water collision in the U.S., particularly in the context of climate change.

GENERAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Administration: Carry out essential administrative functions, including:

• build and maintain scientist and stakeholder contact lists, and assist with communication to collaborators
• keep up financial information, assist with budget tracking, and contribute to foundation proposals and reports as appropriate
• schedule meetings, make travel and event arrangements, and take and disseminate minutes of meetings
• participate in initiative planning and other activities to advance initiative, program, and organizational goals
• plan and implement climate change expert trainings and educational sessions
• copy, file, and send mailings

Outreach: Support initiative-related outreach activities, in close coordination with senior outreach staff, including:

• assist with the preparation and production of outreach materials, such as fact sheets, backgrounders or reports
• develop and implement policy-related outreach activities in key states and regions
• create and maintain research databases of federal, state, and other contact lists for educational, outreach, and advocacy efforts
• assist with development and updates of web pages

Research: Carry out targeted research activities, including:

• conduct web, database, library, and other research on selected issues
• regularly monitor a range of publications for events and news on related issues
• provide timely and accurate production assistance for selected reports, presentations and other documents

BASIC KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:
Required:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent
• Considerable self-motivation, attention to detail, and knowledge of office and administrative support procedures, including word processing, spreadsheet management, and use of database software
• Strong web research skills, organizational abilities, and good written and oral communication skills
• Excellent personal relation skills, including an ability to work both independently and in teams and to interact professionally with individuals with a wide range of skills and responsibilities

Desirable:

• Knowledge of climate, energy, or water issues
• Experience with library and web-based science research tools
• Familiarity with website content management systems and online action tools
• Experience working in non-profit environment

EXPERIENCE:
Work requires the equivalent of at least one to two years of related experience. On-the-job training may be necessary to become familiar with UCS organization, philosophy, programs, and constituencies.

HOW TO APPLY:  Please send cover letter referencing where you learned of this job opening and resume to jobs@ucsusa.org; include "Energy-Water Project Asst" in the subject line. No phone calls, please.

APPLICATION DEADLINE:  October 15, 2009

VOLUNTEER

Development Department
Cambridge, MA Office

Summary:
The Union of Concerned Scientists, a non-profit partnership of scientists and citizens combining rigorous scientific analysis, innovative policy development, and effective citizen advocacy to achieve practical environmental solutions, is seeking an energetic, long-term volunteer to become a vital part of our Membership Services team in our Harvard Square office.

Responsibilities:

The volunteer will be responsible for distributing educational materials upon request to both members and non-members.  Position provides an excellent opportunity to learn about environmental issues while supporting a non-profit. The volunteer will also be asked to assist with coordinating invitations to events and conference calls. Other projects include: assisting with the maintenance of confidential files and using office machinery such as the copier, folding machine, postage machine, printers, and computer.

Basic Knowledge:

Basic computer skills are required. Great opportunity to volunteer for an independent, science-based organization working on issues impacting the planet we live on. Schedule is flexible but requires a 4-6 hour per week commitment during regular business hours, Monday through Friday. Position is available beginning in August 2009 with training and orientation opportunities in late July.

To Apply:

Please send cover letter outlining your interest and availability, along with your resume or history of employment, to jobs@ucsusa.org, and put "Membership Volunteer" in the subject line. We will accept applications until the position is filled.

No phone calls, please.

Last Updated:  October 15, 2009