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In applying for a position:
Cover letters may be addressed to "Search Committee." Please include your salary range expectations. You will only be contacted if we desire an interview. Postings will be taken down once position is filled. Please, no phone calls.
Applicants who are not U.S. citizens must be able to provide an employment authorization document from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
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.
Benefits at UCS
Washington Representative
Clean Vehicles Program
Location: Washington, DC Office
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is the leading science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment and a safer world. UCS combines independent scientific research and citizen action to develop innovative, practical solutions and to secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices. What began as collaboration between students and faculty members at MIT in 1969 is now an alliance of more than 300,000 citizens and scientists that includes people from all walks of life: parents and businesspeople, biologists and physicists, teachers and students.
UCS strives for a future that is free from the threats of global warming and nuclear war and a planet that supports a rich diversity of life. Our specific focus areas include global warming, renewable energy, clean vehicles and fuels, nuclear power safety, nuclear weapons and related security issues, preserving the integrity of science, and sustainable agriculture.
The UCS Clean Vehicles Program has been working for over 20 years to reduce the energy and environmental impacts of our transportation system. UCS has made a name for itself as a singularly effective, multi-disciplinary organization dedicated to advancing sound vehicles and fuels policy with an emphasis on climate, air and water quality, and energy security goals.
The Position:
The Washington Representative will plan, coordinate, and participate in advocacy and outreach efforts in support of UCS’s national transportation policy agenda. She/he will:
- Lead select advocacy campaigns and provide support and strategic guidance for other campaigns aimed at achieving UCS policy goals. Advocate UCS clean vehicles policy agenda with decisionmakers in Congress, the Executive Branch, federal agencies, and in select states. Coordinate and participate in the development of UCS policy positions;
- Work closely with a range of constituencies and strategic partners on coordinated lobbying and organizing strategies including non-governmental organizations and labor, health and business groups. Identify and cultivate a network of grasstops individuals;
- Represent UCS before a variety of audiences including media and the engaged public;
- Collaborate with members of clean vehicles team and other UCS programs and departments as needed to advance overall strategic goals of the organization.
Responsibilities:
Plan, coordinate, and participate in advocacy and outreach efforts in support of UCS’s national transportation policy agenda. Lead advocacy efforts across several campaigns focused on reducing the environmental and energy impacts of the transportation sector. Work with others on the DC legislative team to expand our reach and our influence on the Hill, the administration, federal agencies, and, where appropriate, in select states. Develop campaign plans that draw on the analytic and outreach assets of the organization and help develop annual and longer term strategic plans for the program.
Provide coalition leadership and work with other organizations on coordinated lobbying and organizing strategies; in collaboration with UCS organizing team, help recruit and mobilize activists; supervise interns and occasional consultants. Contribute to ongoing effort to recruit individuals to influence key decisionmakers and help achieve UCS policy goals. In accord with our annual programmatic goals and campaign efforts, undertake outreach to key constituencies and potential allies.
Serve as a primary UCS spokesperson on transportation policy in legislative and regulatory settings, in various public forums. Present information on vehicle and fuels issues to various audiences, including regulators, legislative committees, civic and community organizations, etc. Write testimony, fact sheets, briefing papers, speeches, presentations, and other materials, sometimes in collaboration with other UCS staff.
Respond to press inquiries on selected transportation and related climate and energy issues. Working with UCS media staff, maintain effective working relationships and frequent contact with press representatives. Write and contribute to materials for distribution to the media.
Qualifications and Experience:
This position requires five to seven years of progressively responsible experience to include campaign planning, legislative process, advocacy skills, project management, and an understanding of political organizing and planning/strategy development at the federal or state level. A prerequisite for this position is proven advocacy and communication skills and experience working either in Congress, in government implementing programs and policies, or for NGOs working to influence governmental decision-making. Ability to develop a working knowledge of technical and complex policy issues is necessary and experience with media is preferred. Up to one year of on-the-job training is needed to become familiar with UCS organization, philosophy, programs and constituencies.
Compensation, Hours and Location: This is a full-time position based in UCS’s Washington, DC office. The salary is in the mid to high $70s, with excellent benefits and generous time off.
To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter, writing samples and resume via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include “CV Washington Representative” in the subject line. Please also add in your cover letter where you heard about the position. Email materials by Word or PDF only. No phone calls please. Deadline: January 31st or until position is filled.
Policy Analyst
Clean Vehicles Program
Location: Washington, DC Office
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is the leading science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment and a safer world. UCS combines independent scientific research and citizen action to develop innovative, practical solutions and to secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices. What began as a collaboration between students and faculty members at MIT in 1969 is now an alliance of more than 300,000 citizens and scientists that includes people from all walks of life: parents and businesspeople, biologists and physicists, teachers and students.
UCS strives for a future that is free from the threats of global warming and nuclear war and a planet that supports a rich diversity of life. Our specific focus areas include global warming, renewable energy, advanced vehicle technology, nuclear power safety, nuclear weapons and related security issues, preserving the integrity of science, and sustainable agriculture.
The UCS Clean Vehicles Program has been working for over 20 years to reduce the energy and environmental impacts of our transportation system. UCS has made a name for itself as a singularly effective, multi-disciplinary organization dedicated to advancing sound vehicles and fuels policy with an emphasis on climate, air and water quality, and energy security goals.
The Position
The Policy Analyst will undertake targeted policy analysis and advocacy efforts in support of UCS’s national transportation policy agenda. Working with a strong team of analysts, advocates and outreach specialists, she/he will lead select legislative and regulatory campaigns and provide support and strategic guidance for other campaigns aimed at achieving UCS policy goals. She/he will advocate sound vehicles and fuels policy with Congress, agencies and the Executive Branch; collaborate with a range of constituency groups; represent UCS before the media and the public; participate in the development of UCS policy positions and support the overall strategic goals of the organization.
Responsibilities
Lead and participate in advocacy and policy analysis efforts on select federal transportation campaigns. Develop and coordinate implementation of campaign strategy facilitating integration of analytic, advocacy, media, and outreach components. Participate in planning and strategy sessions for UCS's transportation legislative agenda.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with congressional representatives and their staff, administration and agency officials, and advocates from allied organizations. Engage in advocacy activities such as meeting with administration officials and congressional staff. Provide UCS input into legislation and regulation, monitor bill progress and assist in producing desired legislative and regulatory outcomes. Write and edit materials for use on the Hill.
Working with the Research Director, plan, design, and implement research activities and projects in support of the CV policy agenda. May utilize or supervise consultants using specialized computer models and applications to assist and support research activities. Maintain working knowledge of general vehicles policy issues and legislation, and clean vehicles and fuels technologies and their applications and utilize such expertise in implementing research and advocacy activities. Conduct literature reviews and searches to monitor and assess current and ongoing research and trends in the transportation sector and related fields.
Coordinating with the Washington Representative and the National Field Organizer, help plan and participate in lobby days and other outreach activities. Represent UCS at public events and conferences. Present information on vehicle and fuels issues to various audiences, including regulators, legislative committees, civic and community organizations, etc. Write testimony, fact sheets, briefing papers, speeches, presentations, and other advocacy materials, sometimes in collaboration with other UCS staff. Participate in conference panels and briefings as appropriate.
Respond to press inquiries on selected transportation and related climate and energy issues. Working with UCS media staff, maintain effective working relationships and frequent contact with press representatives. Write and contribute to materials for distribution to the media.
Qualifications and Experience: This position requires five to seven years of progressively responsible experience with advocacy and policy analysis; strong knowledge of the legislative process and how to run effective issue campaigns; and demonstrated skills in planning and strategy development. The position also requires a working knowledge of transportation and climate policy and basic analytic tools. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with technical experts and other professionals as well as with policymakers and the public is strongly preferred. Media experience a plus. A bachelor’s degree is required and master’s degree preferred. Training or experience in supervision and project management is also desirable. Proficiency in word processing and database software is required.
Compensation, Hours and Location: This is a full-time position based in UCS’s Washington, DC office. The salary is in the mid $70s, with excellent benefits and generous time off.
To Apply
Please submit a cover letter and resume via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include “CV Policy Analyst” in the subject line. Please also add in your cover letter where you heard about the position. Email materials by Word or PDF only. No phone calls please. Deadline: December 30th or until position is filled.
Program Assistant
Food and Environment Program
Location: Washington, DC Office
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is the leading science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment and a safer world. UCS combines independent scientific research and citizen action to develop innovative, practical solutions and to secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices. What began as a collaboration between students and faculty members at MIT in 1969 is now an alliance of more than 300,000 citizens and scientists that includes people from all walks of life: parents and businesspeople, biologists and physicists, teachers and students. UCS strives for a future that is free from the threats of global warming and nuclear war and a planet that supports a rich diversity of life. Our specific focus areas include global warming, renewable energy, advanced vehicle technology, nuclear power safety, nuclear weapons and related security issues, preserving the integrity of science, and promoting sustainable agriculture and food systems.
Responsibilities
Provides administrative, budget, communications, legislative, research, and outreach support to a 10-person Food and Environment Program staff. Monitors program expenditures, conducts research, assists in public information and membership-related tasks, and helps with special projects as requested.
Key responsibilities include:
- Making staff travel arrangements and assisting with preparations for conferences
- Maintaining program records, taking notes at meetings, and facilitating staff responses to regular deadlines
- Responding to information requests and routine correspondenceAssisting the budget manager by tracking program spending and reconciling budget records monthly
- Assisting the Washington representative with lobbying activities, including scheduling meetings and distributing materials to the Hill and agency officials
- Contributing to the preparation, proofreading, publishing, and release of program reports, and assisting outreach staff with web-based and social media engagement efforts
- Conducting research requested by staff scientists and analysts, and writing for UCS publications as directed
Qualifications and experience
Bachelor's degree or equivalent is required. Position requires careful attention to detail, excellent interpersonal skills, familiarity with office operations, competence with research tools, and intermediate level skills in basic office software including word processing, spreadsheets, and database use/maintenance. Strong written and oral communication skills, excellent administrative and organizational skills, ability to work independently and as part of a group are also required.
At least two years of relevant experience as a program, administrative, or research assistant, preferably in a non-profit organization. Experience managing budgets or contracts, conducting research, and maintaining databases strongly preferred. Familiarity with food and agriculture issues helpful, but not required.
Compensation, hours and location: This is a full time position based in UCS’s Washington, DC office. The salary is in the low $30s for candidates who meet all requirements. UCS offers excellent benefits and is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff.
To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, salary requirements, how you learned about the position and resume via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include “Food and Environment Program Assistant” in the subject line. Email materials in Word documents only. No phone calls please. Deadline: January 13 or until filled.
Outreach Coordinator
Location: Cambridge, MA or Washington, DC Office
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is the leading science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment and a safer world. UCS combines independent scientific research and citizen action to develop innovative, practical solutions and to secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices. What began as collaboration between students and faculty members at MIT in 1969 is now an alliance of more than 300,000 citizens and scientists that includes people from all walks of life: parents and businesspeople, biologists and physicists, teachers and students.
UCS strives for a future that is free from the threats of global warming and nuclear war and a planet that supports a rich diversity of life. Our specific focus areas include global warming, renewable energy, advanced vehicle technology, nuclear power safety, nuclear weapons and related security issues, preserving the integrity of science, and sustainable agriculture.
Merged in 2009, UCS’s Clean Energy and Climate Programs have been working for over 20 years to inform the public about the threats of a changing climate, the need for swift and deep carbon emission reductions, and the viability of transitioning to a clean energy economy. UCS has made a name for itself as a singularly effective, multi-disciplinary organization dedicated to advancing sound climate and energy policy at the national, regional, and state levels.
The Position
The Climate and Energy Outreach Coordinator will work with a multi-disciplinary program team to advance the goals of the department by coordinating and implementing a variety of outreach and capacity-building activities at the national, state, and regionally levels. Priorities include: (a) actively participating and leading priority projects in both the climate and the energy campaigns; (b) strengthening the outreach capacity in UCS priority states, most especially the Midwest; (c) leading the development of new or expanded departmental outreach efforts; and (d) engaging UCS activists, experts, and coalition partners to achieve state and federal policy and public education goals.
Responsibilities:
Help achieve UCS's climate and energy policy agenda by developing and implementing strategies for influencing the issue public as well as key legislators, agency officials, and the White House. Conceive, develop, and implement outreach plans to advance legislative and regulatory climate and clean energy initiatives. Engage UCS activists and experts in constituent advocacy. Organize training programs to provide issue education and improve activist/expert skills.
Raise awareness about climate science and impacts, climate science deniers, and U.S. energy choices. Work with UCS communications team to develop media and online communications strategies that bolster outreach efforts. Help craft appropriate media materials, web pages and special features, blog posts, and other communications activities.
Lead the development and launch of new outreach initiatives, as needed and approved.
Help maintain and expand UCS science and activist networks; devise and implement strategies to engage, train, and mobilize these participants. Represent UCS at major conferences and other events to increase UCS’ presence and attract more supporters.
Participate in planning and strategy sessions for UCS's climate and energy agenda. Maintain working knowledge of climate science, energy and technological advances, and policy issues. Regularly monitor developments in organizing and on-line activism and assess their viability for UCS outreach efforts. Work with other UCS staff to advance organization-wide membership, visibility, fundraising, and policy goals. Participate in meetings of the UCS outreach committee.
Qualifications:
Three to five years of progressively responsible experience in an outreach, organizing, or campaign position is required, preferably in a non-profit environment. Demonstrated capacity to manage multiple projects for extended periods of time, and to be flexible in response to fast-changing campaign conditions. Experience with campaign planning and strategy development is required, as is a solid level of understanding of database maintenance, on-line organizing tools, and Microsoft Office. Background in climate, energy, or environmental sciences strongly preferred. Experience working in the Midwest is also a very strong plus. Up to one year needed to become familiar with the project and position responsibilities. Some supervisory experience is also helpful but not essential.
Compensation, Hours and Location:
This is a full time position which can be based in either UC’s Cambridge, MA or Washington, DC offices. The salary is in the low 50s with excellent benefits. UCS is an equal opportunity employer continually seeing to diversitfy its staff. Information about the organization is available at http://www.ucsusa.org
To Apply:
Please submit a cover letter and resume via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include “C&E Outreach Coordinator” in the subject line. Please also add in your cover letter where you heard about the position and your salary requirements. Email materials by Word or PDF only. No phone calls please. Deadline: November 22 or until filled
Director, Center for Science and Democracy
Location: Cambridge, MA or Washington, DC Office
Procedure for Candidacy
Interested
individuals should provide a letter describing their interest in and
qualifications for the position along with a resume or curriculum vitae. This
search will be conducted with great respect for the confidentiality of
candidates.
Applications, nominations and letters of interest may be
submitted in confidence to Manny
Berger and Brian Bloomfield, via email (electronic submissions are greatly
preferred):
UCSDirector@wittkieffer.com
The Opportunity
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) -- a nonprofit
partnership of scientists and citizens combining rigorous scientific analysis,
innovative policy development, and effective citizen advocacy to achieve
practical environmental solutions -- seeks a Director for its new Center for
Science and Democracy. UCS is launching the Center for Science and Democracy
(CSD), an ambitious new nonpartisan initiative dedicated to strengthening
American democracy by restoring the essential role of science, evidence-based
knowledge and constructive debate in the U.S. policymaking process.
The new CSD Director will be a dynamic scientist who will be
at home in a fast-paced, intellectually stimulating analytical and advocacy
environment. This is an opportunity to join a science-based organization known
widely for the critical role it plays in helping to solve some of society’s
most pressing concerns (www.ucsusa.org).
Reporting to the President of UCS, the Director provides
scientific, strategic and managerial leadership for the Center for Science and
Democracy. The Director draws upon the advice and guidance of the President,
the UCS Board of Directors, Program Directors and the CSD Steering Committee,
which when fully formed will consist of six to ten leaders across disciplines
at the nexus of science and democracy.
Established in 1969, UCS seeks to ensure that all people
have clean air, energy, and transportation, as well as food that is produced in
a safe and sustainable manner. UCS strives for a future that is free from the
threats of global warming and nuclear war, and a planet that supports a rich
diversity of life. Sound science guides UCS’s efforts to secure changes in
government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices that will protect
and improve the health of our environment globally, nationally, and in
communities throughout the United States. UCS is headquartered in Harvard
Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with offices in Washington, D.C., Berkeley,
CA, and Chicago, IL.
The CSD Director will lead the planning, implementation, and
management of this important new Center. As a member of the organization’s
Leadership Team, the CSD Director will provide counsel and advice on strategic,
operational, and other organizational issues to the President and Executive
Director. The Director should be an individual with great passion for the
integral role of science in policy making; and have the ability to represent
the organization’s and center’s mission and, goals and to work with a wide
diversity of audiences. The successful candidate will join a widely respected
organization with a compelling mission and a supportive, vibrant, and collegial
workplace culture.
Recruitment will continue until this position is filled.
The CSD Director will:
- establish the vision and strategy of the Center
via the development and execution of a three-year strategy and annual program
plan.
- represent and raise the visibility of UCS on
science and democracy issues in key public, scientific, non-governmental,
media, and government/policy fora.
- serve as the lead spokesperson on science and
democracy through a range of proactive communication activities across multiple
channels, including traditional and the new media.
- develop and maintain effective collaborations
with leading scientists and scientific associations, and the UCS science
network on these issues.
- ensure the high scientific accuracy of CSD
programming and activities.
While ensuring the quality and effective coordination of all
CSD activities, the Director will shape and set its overall direction. In
addition, the Director will:
- lead efforts to engage and maintain contact with
science and democracy thought leaders, scientists, scientific societies, NGO
leaders, media representatives, policymakers, and other government and civil
society leaders to achieve the goals of the CSD and to raise the visibility of
UCS and its work in key scientific and policy fora.
- serve as the lead spokesperson on science and
democracy through a range of communications channels, including traditional and
new media. Work with the UCS Communications Department to devise proactive
communications strategies and tactics to create a public dialogue on science
and democracy issues. These strategies should seek to build awareness and
provoke dialogue. Ensure consistency and effectiveness of other spokespeople
among UCS staff and the allied expert and stakeholder communities. As
appropriate, represent UCS on other priority science and policy issues.
- provide strategic advice to the President, CSD Steering
Committee, Board of Directors, and other senior staff on key UCS policies and
activities regarding issues of science and democracy.
- work with the Chief Development Officer and
his/her staff to successfully develop and implement a comprehensive fundraising
plan for the Center. Represent the CSD with foundation funders, in donor
meetings, and at member fora, including the National Advisory Board. Provide
substantive oversight and quality control of program and, as appropriate,
cross-program grant proposals and reports, including proposal budgets and
expenditure reports.
- work with UCS program directors to leverage and
extend the reach of their work to key public audiences as it relates to the
misuse of scientific information to influence public understanding. Ensure the
effective coordination and integration of the work of the CSD with the work of
other UCS programs and departments.
- oversee development and administration of the
annual CSD operating budget, as well as the preparation and timely completion
of periodic reports that summarize the activities and/or plans of the CSD.
Represent the CSD before the UCS Board, CSD Steering Committee, senior
management, foundation representatives, and others.
- travel regularly to various meetings, functions
and events to represent the CSD and UCS. Perform other duties as required.
QUALITIES AND QUALIFICATIONS
A doctoral degree in the physical or life sciences or
relevant social sciences (e.g. history of science, sociology, anthropology,
science communications etc.) is required, as well as professional
accomplishments that will make the Director a credible spokesperson and
representative for UCS on science and democracy issues with expert, policy, and
public constituencies and the media.
The position requires a comprehensive understanding of the
appropriate use of scientific and technical information in public understanding
and the public policy process. A general familiarity with broader issues at the
science-democracy nexus is also essential, as well as extensive experience
working with thought leaders across disciplines. Excellent verbal and written
communications skills are required, including: a demonstrated ability to
communicate effectively and credibly with public audiences, policymakers,
leading scientists and other experts; and a demonstrable ability to effectively
build and manage cross-disciplinary teams on tight deadlines in the service of
achieving science-based policy or public engagement objectives. Fundraising
experience and ability is very important.
The successful candidate will be a collegial and
collaborative leader who is passionate about UCS’s mission and embodies its
values, especially a sense of integrity and purpose. He or she will also be a
strategic leader who is far-sighted about UCS’s potential and will inspire the
entrepreneurial and creative initiatives to reach it. As an influential member
of the UCS Leadership Team, the Director will play a collaborative role in
guiding and leading the organization, contributing sound counsel on strategic,
operational, and organizational leadership issues.
The Director position requires seven to ten years of
experience in scientific and public policy work, including management
experience. Demonstrated successful cross-disciplinary collaborations and experience
with board/steering committee management are required. Experience managing the
launch of new center-like initiatives and with scientist outreach and
mobilization strategies and/or issue campaign planning and implementation are
helpful but not required, as is experience organizing and hosting public policy
or educational forums.
The director manages the program manager and other future
staff of the Center for Science and Democracy, and coordinates staff from
across the organization with time assigned to CSD activities.
PROCEDURE FOR CANDIDACY
Interested
individuals should provide a letter describing their interest in and
qualifications for the position along with a resume or curriculum vitae. This
search will be conducted with great respect for the confidentiality of
candidates.
Applications,
nominations and letters of interest may be submitted in confidence to Manny
Berger and Brian Bloomfield, via email (electronic submissions are greatly
preferred):
UCSDirector@wittkieffer.com
Additional inquiries
or materials that cannot be emailed may be sent to:
Director, Center for
Science and Democracy
Union of Concerned Scientists c/o Witt/Kieffer
Attention: Manny Berger and Brian Bloomfield
25 Burlington Mall Road, Suite 605
Burlington, MA 01803-4154
(781) 272-8899
Democracy Analyst
American Council of Learned Societies Public Fellowship
Location: Cambridge, MA, Washington, DC or Berkeley, CA
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is pleased to
announce a fellowship opportunity for a Democracy Analyst at UCS through the
American Council of Learned Societies (ACLS).
ACLS invites applications for the second competition of the
Public Fellows program. The program places 13 recent Ph.Ds. from the
humanities and humanistic social sciences in two-year staff positions at
partnering organizations in government and the nonprofit sector. Fellows will
participate in the substantive work of these organizations and receive
professional mentoring. Compensation will be competitive with new professional
employees of the hosting organization and will include health insurance for the
fellow.
UCS is one of the thirteen participating organizations. A
detailed description of the Democracy Analyst opportunity is available here.
The Public Fellows Program is administered by the American
Council of Learned Societies and information regarding the application process can be found on their website.
Please direct all inquiries about the fellowship to ACLS.
The application deadline is March 21, 2012 (6 p.m. EDT).
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