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).

Equal Opportunity

UCS is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff. In particular, we’re dedicated to broadening opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy. We’re also committed to building an inclusive workplace culture where talented people of widely diverse backgrounds can thrive.  We've adopted this commitment because we believe the inclusion of culturally diverse perspectives will improve our work and produce better societal and environmental outcomes for all, including historically disenfranchised communities. We are actively seeking candidates who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us in this work.

Pay Equity

UCS's commitment to equity extends to pay equity. We support this commitment by maintaining a formal, written pay structure and making pay decisions based on rigorous analysis and unbiased job-related criteria. Our compensation structure establishes pay opportunity based on objective factors such as external survey data, required education and experience and we regularly review this structure as a best practice.

Benefits

We offer a comprehensive benefits package geared towards a productive work/life balance. Our benefits include:

  • excellent health care and dental coverage
  • ample vacation, holiday, and sick time
  • competitive retirement plans with generous employer contribution
  • and a lot more

Click here for a full list of benefits >

 

Our Culture

People are at the heart of the Union of Concerned Scientists. We value our staff and our mission of science-based action for the public good. We hire people who are smart and determined to make a difference.  We are rewarded by knowing that our analysis and advocacy contributes to a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.

With our shared goals and vision of a safer and better world, we hail from all walks of life and speak many languages, reflecting the diverse audiences that we serve. We strive to maintain an open culture where everyone contributes and feels comfortable sharing ideas and opinions.  We support our staff with equitable and transparent salaries, training, sit/stand desks, world class benefits, and a culture that emphasizes work/life balance. UCS is a place where you can bring your whole self to work—a place where diversity is valued, supported and welcomed. 

We're Hiring!

Cambridge, MA

Executive Department Coordinator

Executive Department
Cambridge, MA Office

The Position

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent national nonprofit working to solve some of our planet’s most pressing environmental and safety problems. UCS combines technical analysis, effective organizing and advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for addressing global warming, advancing sustainable food and agriculture policy, promoting clean energy and transportation, fighting misinformation and reducing the threat of catastrophic nuclear war.

Would you like to apply your amazing administrative skills to support an organization making change in the world? Join UCS as the Executive Department Coordinator, right within the hub of activity in our Cambridge, MA office. The right candidate will be great with people, patient with busy schedules, and view technology as friend, not foe.

Responsibilities

This position provides high-level and proactive administrative support to the executive director of UCS and its board of directors. Working with the senior administrator, this position provides scheduling, email, and other support to the executive office, drafts communications to all staff, helps plan and execute board meetings, and takes on other administrative responsibilities as they arise.

Qualifications and Experience

Requires 3-5 years comparable experience, including at least one year supporting C-level executives and/or two years supporting D-level executives. Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

Successful candidates will be:

  • Able to work effectively as part of a team;
  • Decisive and able to work independently;
  • Proactive and solution-oriented;
  • Self-motivated with attention to detail, quick with anticipating needs and taking initiative.
  • Able to follow through on assignments with minimal direction;
  • Able to multi-task and meet deadlines;

Successful candidates should have:

  • Strong organizational skills;
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including phone and email;
  • Expert knowledge of office and administrative support procedures, including business English and the operation of office equipment;
  • Strong computer skills with high-level proficiency in Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat software;
  • Ability to stay current with changing technologies;
  • An awareness of and demonstrated dedication to improving issues around diversity, equity, and inclusion.

At UCS, comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.

UCS is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff. In particular, we’re dedicated to broadening opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy. We’re also committed to building an inclusive workplace culture where talented people of widely diverse backgrounds can thrive. We've adopted this commitment because we believe the inclusion of culturally diverse perspectives will improve our work and produce better societal and environmental outcomes for all, including historically disenfranchised communities. We are actively seeking people who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us in this work.

Compensation, Hours and Location: This is a full-time position based in UCS’s Harvard Square office in Cambridge, MA. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary is $47,500 annually. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and how you learned about the position via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include “Executive Department Coordinator” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls, please. Deadline: September 21, 2018 or until filled.

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Associate Mid-Level Gift Officer

Cambridge, MA Office

The Position

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent national nonprofit whose scientists and engineers work to solve some of our planet’s most pressing environmental and safety problems. UCS combines technical analysis and effective organizing and advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for stemming the tide of global warming, sustainable food policy and agriculture, energy and transportation, fighting misinformation and reducing the threat of catastrophic nuclear war.

The Associate Mid-Level Gift Officer is responsible for the management, stewardship, and cultivation of the organization’s mid-level giving society—called the Henry Kendall Society—with the goals of increasing member loyalty, growing the donor universe, and increasing revenue. The Henry Kendall Society is composed of more than 2,000 donors who give $1,000 - $9,999; last year Society members contributed more than $3 million to support the work of UCS.

Responsibilities

  • Grow the overall number of Society members; retain current members; provide input into solicitations and solicitation strategy that will renew current Society members and move new donors into the Society; and increase the total revenue from all Society members in Fiscal Year 2019.
  • Manage a portfolio of approximately 500 donors, which will include creating and implementing a comprehensive cultivation and stewardship plan for these donors, making thank-you calls, and doing other personalized outreach to top-tier donors via phone and email.
  • Provide input and review on all Henry Kendall Society direct mail and online fundraising solicitations, as well as ideas to help drive and refine solicitation strategy.
  • Write cultivation emails, including programmatic updates, for targeted cultivation of Society members. Write and update annual proposals and final reports requested by Society donors as needed.
  • Develop metrics and reports for Society giving in general and targeted portfolio specifically, using data to propose strategies to increase giving from and retention of donors.
  • Maintain accuracy of Society donor records in Raiser’s Edge database, including actions and reminders based on phone and email contacts; review and prepare mail merge emails and mailing lists for Society members.
  • Coordinate and occasionally staff engagement opportunities with small groups of Society members through event offerings.
  • Represent UCS and the Henry Kendall Society program at relevant conferences. Identify and utilize online forums, peer groups, or other opportunities to stay apprised of how peer organizations are managing and growing their mid-level giving programs.

Qualifications and experience

  • Work requires three to five years of comparable and relevant experience with a strong development/fundraising background.
  • Requires experience managing and growing the number of donors and revenue from a specific donor group or portfolio.
  • Strong writing and communication skills, including comfort with proactively contacting donors by telephone.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office software.
  • Database-proficient, with the ability to learn and retain complex data entry and other systems. Knowledge of Blackbaud Raisers Edge a plus.
  • Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to handle multiple tasks and deadlines.
  • Strong donor relations skills, including a friendly phone manner and the ability to work comfortably with a variety of people.
  • A commitment to the environment and interest in the issues UCS works on are a plus.
  • Bachelor’s degree preferred.
  • Requires little or no exertion; spends extended periods at computer terminal. Position requires the ability to perform filing.
  • Zero to 5 days of overnight travel may be required per year.

At UCS, comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.

UCS is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff. In particular, we’re dedicated to broadening opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy. We’re also committed to building an inclusive workplace culture where talented people of widely diverse backgrounds can thrive. We've adopted this commitment because we believe the inclusion of culturally diverse perspectives will improve our work and produce better societal and environmental outcomes for all, including historically disenfranchised communities. We are actively seeking people who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us in this work.

Compensation, Hours and Location: This is a full-time position based in UCS’s Cambridge, MA office. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary is around $52,500 annualized. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and how you learned about the position via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include “Associate Mid-Level Gift Officer” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls, please. Deadline: August 26, 2018, or until filled.

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Washington, DC Positions

Federal Defense Campaign Director

Two-year Temporary Position
Executive Department
Washington, DC Office

The Position

At a time when critical science-based policies necessary to protect our health and support climate action are under attack, UCS is seeking an experienced advocate and savvy campaigner to lead our efforts to defend and advance the critical science-based policies that protect our health and safety, and support action on climate change. You will develop and execute campaign strategy in league with a talented, cross-programmatic team of advocacy, outreach, and communications specialists to counter congressional, administrative, and industry attacks. You will work with coalition partners and allies on advocacy, organizing and communications strategies; coordinate with appropriate UCS program and departmental staff to marshal campaign resources; and supervise the campaign’s Senior Outreach Coordinator.

Responsibilities

  • Plan and implement federal campaign to defend UCS policy priorities and thwart damaging legislative proposals and administrative actions. Working closely with cross-programmatic staff, facilitate effective integration of analytic, advocacy, communications, and outreach campaign elements.
  • Develop and implement strategies to recruit individuals to influence key decisionmakers and help achieve UCS policy goals, and to attract new voices to UCS campaigns from a range of key constituencies.
  • Working with Senior Outreach Coordinator, develop legislative strategy and an overall defense workplan and budget. Help execute plans to engage and deploy Science Network members and broader UCS membership on defense campaign priorities.
  • Work with Communications staff to develop a traditional and social media strategy for the campaign. Help shape and develop messaging for both media and member outreach.
  • Work with advocacy staff to provide UCS input into legislation and regulation; monitor bill progress and assist in producing desired legislative and regulatory outcomes. Write and review materials for use in Congressional and administrative advocacy and general campaign purposes. Involve UCS researchers to provide technical information on policy questions as necessary.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with congressional representatives and their staff, administration and agency officials, advocates from allied organizations, and other stakeholders.
  • Build and/or participate in various coalitions and networks that can enhance UCS effectiveness with a wide range of political persuasions, and advance shared goals.

Qualifications and Experience

Position requires knowledge of effective issue campaign development, a thorough understanding of advocacy campaigns and the legislative process, including advocacy techniques and legislative strategy, as well as familiarity with the congressional committees and federal agencies most relevant to UCS’s policy agenda. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential. Broad familiarity with UCS policy priorities is preferred. Experience working in coalitions and with multi-disciplinary teams is highly desirable, as is experience engaging with print and electronic media. A bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience is required.

Work requires seven to ten years of comparable and relevant experience to include political and/or issue campaign planning and implementation, engagement in federal legislative and administrative agency advocacy, and project management. A prerequisite for this position is a proven record of effectiveness working either in Congress, in government implementing programs and policies, or for NGOs working to influence governmental decision-making.

May spend extended periods at computer terminal. Position will require some travel.

At UCS, comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.

UCS is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff. In particular, we’re dedicated to broadening opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy. We’re also committed to building an inclusive workplace culture where talented people of widely diverse backgrounds can thrive. We've adopted this commitment because we believe the inclusion of culturally diverse perspectives will improve our work and produce better societal and environmental outcomes for all, including historically disenfranchised communities. We are actively seeking people who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us in this work.

Compensation, Hours and Location: This is a full-time, two-year temporary position based in UCS’s Washington, DC office. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary is $88,000 annually.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, how you learned about the position via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include “Federal Defense Campaign Director” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please. Deadline: October 7th or until filled.

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Campaign Lead

Food & Environment Program
Washington, DC Office

The Position

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent national nonprofit whose scientists and engineers work to solve some of our planet’s most pressing environmental and safety problems. UCS combines technical analysis and effective organizing and advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for stemming the tide of global warming, sustainable food policy and agriculture, energy and transportation, fighting misinformation and reducing the threat of catastrophic nuclear war.

Within that mission, the Food and Environment (F&E) program is working towards a just, equitable, and sustainable food system, from farm to fork. The team is looking for a Campaign Lead who can use their knowledge of food and agriculture policy to advocate for policy changes at the local to national levels. The right candidate will be responsible for developing an overall campaign strategy and generating a successful high-visibility and high-impact campaign for the F&E team. The Campaign Lead must also be excellent at collaborating with various team members to make sure our campaign has consistent messaging and is nimble with changing conditions.

Responsibilities

Develop and lead campaigns to advance the F&E program’s goals

  • Develop overall campaign strategy, set priorities, establish metrics, and implement systems to generate campaigns and achieve wins.
  • Analyze opportunities, develop measurable goals and strategies, build target lists, and develop and execute tactics for advocating with the public and decision-makers.
  • Lead efforts to organize, mobilize, and energize our members and experts. Ensure our strategies prioritize outreach to experts from diverse backgrounds.

Manage staff activities and metrics

  • Manage a team of outreach specialists and ensure all campaign elements are coordinated and successful.
  • Track metrics regarding success of outreach efforts to demonstrate the campaign’s impact.

Coordinate outreach and external relationships

  • Plan and lead outreach to, relationship building with, and organization of stakeholders including farmers, scientists, and grassroots/community groups.
  • Manage relationships with allies and represent F&E with coalitions and at public events and conferences.

Maintain knowledge of science and policy issues and of outreach methods

  • Maintain and update working knowledge of food and agriculture, science and policy, and associated racial equity and social justice issues and implications.
  • Stay informed about national policy developments and implementation of federal rules as well as new organizing tools and methods to influence national policy.

Qualifications and Experience

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred; seven to ten years of comparable and relevant experience with issue campaigns required. Requires demonstrated leadership in tasks such as: conceiving campaign strategies and tactics; planning and implementing effective outreach campaigns; building coalitions, partnerships, and stakeholder engagement; organizing activists; and coordinating events. Skill with managing teams, balancing multiple projects, and flexibly responding to fast-changing priorities preferred. Highly developed interpersonal skills required, including the ability to collaborate as a member of a multidisciplinary team and communicate effectively with stakeholders from a wide range of backgrounds: representatives of marginalized communities, grassroots coalition partners, scientific experts, and policymakers.

Knowledge of policy topics related to food, nutrition, and agriculture is required; experience with the farm bill is a bonus. An ability to work with scientists to translate scientific content for lay audiences and an understanding of basic relevant scientific principles are preferred. Experience with organizing in and with marginalized communities is preferred; an understanding of racial equity, social justice, and workforce issues related to the food system is required.

May spend extended periods at computer terminal. Travel up to 20% time.

At UCS, comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.

UCS is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff. In particular, we’re dedicated to broadening opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy. We’re also committed to building an inclusive workplace culture where talented people of widely diverse backgrounds can thrive. We've adopted this commitment because we believe the inclusion of culturally diverse perspectives will improve our work and produce better societal and environmental outcomes for all, including historically disenfranchised communities. We are actively seeking people who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us in this work.

Compensation, Hours and Location: This is a full-time position based in UCS’s Washington, DC office. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary is around $78,000 annualized. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, salary requirements, and how you learned about the position via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include “Food Systems Campaign Lead” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls, please. Deadline: September 16th, 2018, or until filled.

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Baker Media Internship

One year paid internship
Communications Department
Washington, DC Office

The Position

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent national nonprofit whose scientists and engineers work to solve some of our planet’s most pressing environmental and safety problems. UCS combines technical analysis and effective organizing and advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for stemming the tide of global warming, sustainable food policy and agriculture, energy and transportation, fighting misinformation and reducing the threat of catastrophic nuclear war.

The Union of Concerned Scientists is looking for a motivated student or recent graduate for UCS’s “Baker Internship” in media relations. This opportunity will provide participants with media experience working on exciting communication strategies at a leading national advocacy organization. The Baker intern will have an opportunity to work with UCS programs focused on addressing global warming, expanding clean energy, cleaning up the U.S. vehicle fleet, reforming the agricultural system, reducing nuclear weapons threats, and ensuring science is properly used in government decision making.

The Baker Media Internship was founded through the generous bequest of the late C. Edwin (Ed) Baker, one of the country's foremost authorities on free speech, the First Amendment, and mass media policy. The internship is designed to help further his interest in elevating science and policy issues through the media.

The Baker Internship is for college students and recent graduates from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and or environmental advocacy.

Responsibilities

  • Monitoring science and policy news coverage to identify rapid response opportunities
  • Building and maintaining a variety of media contact lists
  • Providing media team with operational support
  • Researching various topic to support media activities
  • Pitching editors and reporters
  • Scheduling television appearances and radio interviews
  • Assisting with event publicity, media training, and public relations logistics
  • Drafting press releases and pitch memos
  • Helping develop media strategies for our issue areas

Qualifications and experience

Candidates should be able to demonstrate excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, strong oral and written communication skills, and proficiency with computers. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel and Outlook. Also needed are excellent interpersonal relations skills, as well as an ability to work both independently and in teams. Interest in science, the environment, or media issues strongly preferred.

May spend extended periods at a computer terminal. Overnight travel may be required once or twice during the year.

At UCS, comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.

UCS is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff. In particular, we’re dedicated to broadening opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy. We’re also committed to building an inclusive workplace culture where talented people of widely diverse backgrounds can thrive. We've adopted this commitment because we believe the inclusion of culturally diverse perspectives will improve our work and produce better societal and environmental outcomes for all, including historically disenfranchised communities. We are actively seeking people who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us in this work.

Compensation, Hours and Location: This is a paid one-year full-time, benefits-eligible internship based in UCS’s Washington, DC office. For candidates who meet all position requirements, the salary is $34,320 annualized. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample n via email to internship@ucsusa.org and include “Baker Internship” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls, please. As part of the cover letter, please indicate salary requirements, how you learned about the position, and evidence of your promise as a communications professional to give the hiring committee an idea of your potential and achievements. Deadline: August 6, 2018, or until filled.

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Legislative Associate II

Food & Environment Program
Washington, DC Office

The Position

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent national nonprofit whose scientists and engineers work to solve some of our planet’s most pressing environmental and safety problems. UCS combines technical analysis and effective organizing and advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for sustainable food and agriculture, energy and transportation, fighting misinformation, stemming the tide of global warming, and reducing the threat of catastrophic nuclear war.

The Food and Environment program (F&E) at UCS seeks a Legislative Associate who can put their persuasive powers to work for a healthy, sustainable, and just food system. You’ll join a team of experts who develop original scientific analysis to support better ways of producing, distributing, and consuming food. As Legislative Associate, you’ll help represent UCS on food and farm policy to Congress, the executive branch, nonprofits, business groups, and the DC policy community. You’ll also work closely with other UCS staff members on strategies to integrate legislative work with research and outreach, in service of our policy goals.

You’ll bring familiarity with federal food and agriculture policy issues, a working knowledge of the legislative process, and an understanding of effective advocacy strategies. Outstanding oral and written communication skills will help you succeed in a fast-paced environment. An ability and willingness to collaborate effectively with diverse audiences is essential.

Responsibilities

  • Support the Food & Environment program’s federal policy agenda, including the farm bill, agricultural research, and conservation and nutrition programs.
  • Develop and implement campaign strategies and coalition policy goals, focusing on advocacy and outreach components.
  • Provide strategic and innovative input on advancing F&E’s policy priorities and defending against policies and actions undermining science in federal policymaking.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with congressional staff, administration officials, and coalition and environmental justice partners. Participate in coalition activities and support community-based allies, representing UCS as needed.
  • Track legislation and regulations in Congress and federal agencies. Identify opportunities for action.
  • Draft, edit, and fact-check advocacy materials such as letters, fact sheets, op-eds, presentations, and briefing papers.
  • Conduct power-mapping analysis informing grassroots outreach strategies.
  • Participate in research projects.
  • Develop and maintain comprehensive knowledge relevant to F&E issues.
  • Participate in regular cross-programmatic lobby caucus meetings and activities.

Qualifications and experience

You must have familiarity with federal food and agriculture policy issues, and interest in or experience working on public interest advocacy campaigns. A basic knowledge of science or technical policy issues is also helpful. Must understand the legislative process, including advocacy/lobbying techniques and strategies, and legislative strategy and the policymaking process. Must be a quick learner with strong time management skills, outstanding oral and written communication skills, and an ability to collaborate effectively with diverse audiences. Familiarity with Microsoft Office (Word and Excel), CQ/Knowlegis, and Lexis/Nexis is a plus. B.S. or B.A. degree, preferably in political science or public policy, is desired.

The position requires 3 to 5 years of comparable experience in legislative, campaign, and lobbying work at the national or grassroots level. Proven advocacy and communication skills, and experience working in Congress, in government implementing programs and policies, or for NGOs working to engage stakeholders and influence decision-making, are necessary. Capitol Hill experience is a plus. You should also demonstrate strong research skills, a positive, team-oriented work ethic, and the ability to work in a deadline-driven environment.

Little or no exertion; may require extended periods at a computer. Some late hours and/or weekends may be required in connection with events or critical deadlines.

Limited required travel (up to 6 overnights per year).

At UCS, comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.

UCS is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff. In particular, we’re dedicated to broadening opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy. We’re also committed to building an inclusive workplace culture where talented people of widely diverse backgrounds can thrive. We've adopted this commitment because we believe the inclusion of culturally diverse perspectives will improve our work and produce better societal and environmental outcomes for all, including historically disenfranchised communities. We are actively seeking people who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us in this work.

Compensation, Hours and Location: This is a full-time position based in UCS’s Washington, DC, office. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary is around $52,500. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, how you learned about the position via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include “Legislative Associate FE” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please. Deadline: August 19th, 2018.

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Chicago, IL

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Oakland, CA Positions

Major and Planned Gift Officer

Development Department
Oakland, CA Office

The Position

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent national nonprofit whose scientists and engineers work to solve some of our planet’s most pressing environmental and safety problems. UCS combines technical analysis and effective organizing and advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for stemming the tide of global warming, sustainable food policy and agriculture, energy and transportation, fighting misinformation and reducing the threat of catastrophic nuclear war.

Are you an experienced fundraiser and relationship-builder? Do you want to work with a passionate, informed, and engaged group of donors committed to improving the world for future generations? Join our team of skilled fundraising staff and use your relationship management experience and technical skills to represent UCS to high net-worth prospects and solicit support from our committed donors in the Western States. The Development department at UCS is responsible for raising $38 million annually in support of the organization. You’d be charged with working with major and planned giving donors to raise outright gifts and help them manage their philanthropy and navigate making substantial donations—including cash, non-cash assets, and legacy gifts—to UCS.

Responsibilities

  • Identify, cultivate, solicit, steward and retain major gift and planned giving prospects and donors, primarily in the Western States region.
  • Manage a portfolio of 125-150 donors and prospects capable of making a $10K+ outright or planned gift to UCS.
  • Schedule, script, and lead 60+ donor meetings annually and other individualized contacts with prospects; guide and direct staff and board/advisory board members in cultivation and solicitation activity.
  • Develop and maintain familiarity with UCS programs and priorities and develop persuasive proposals and reports to individual donors and family foundations.
  • Meet and monitor progress on revenue goals including closing of new bequest commitments and life income gifts.
  • Remain versed on specific giving opportunities at UCS and in the field at large, and stay abreast of changes affecting the fundraising industry.

Qualifications and experience

  • This position requires 3 to 5 years of major gifts and/or planned gifts experience, or comparable and relevant non-profit development experience.
  • Must be able to explain the complicated concepts and issues associated with the wide range of planned giving options.
  • Must be a quick learner with demonstrated success managing and prioritizing all tasks associated with development work, including writing successful and compelling proposals, developing donor relationships and making solicitations; familiarity and experience using databases and donor tracking systems.
  • A proven ability to develop and implement a prospecting plan to identify and qualify new donors is required.
  • Must demonstrate superior interpersonal skills, along with the ability to manage relationships and multiple tasks with ease. The right candidate will be energetic, intellectually curious and a good listener.
  • Ability to work independently and as a member of a large team is required.
  • Strong computer skills, including facility with Microsoft Office suite and constituent databases, are necessary (experience with Raiser’s Edge a plus).
  • Experience with Moves Management process is preferred. Familiarity with an interest in UCS issues strongly preferred.

A bachelor’s degree is preferred, but at UCS, comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.

Little or no exertion; may require extended periods at a computer. Must have current driver’s license and be able to travel nationally, including overnight trips. Travel equals roughly 30-40% of time.

UCS is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff. In particular, we’re dedicated to broadening opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy. We’re also committed to building an inclusive workplace culture where talented people of widely diverse backgrounds can thrive. We've adopted this commitment because we believe the inclusion of culturally diverse perspectives will improve our work and produce better societal and environmental outcomes for all, including historically disenfranchised communities. We are actively seeking people who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us in this work.

Compensation, Hours and Location: This is a full-time position based in UCS’s Oakland, California office. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary is around $75,000 to $80,000 annually. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, and how you learned about the position via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include “Major and Planned Gift Officer” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls, please. Deadline: August 31, 2018 or until filled.

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Sacramento, CA Positions

California Policy Advocate (Bilingual)

Clean Vehicles and Climate & Energy Programs
Sacramento, CA (satellite office)

The Position

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent national nonprofit whose scientists and engineers work to solve some of our planet’s most pressing environmental and safety problems. UCS combines technical analysis and effective organizing and advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for stemming the tide of global warming, sustainable food policy and agriculture, energy and transportation, fighting misinformation and reducing the threat of catastrophic nuclear war.

UCS seeks a smart and savvy advocate for renewable energy, electric vehicles, and other science-based solutions to climate change. You will be joining a team of California-based colleagues who are working to further the Golden State’s leadership on these issues, providing a much-needed example to the world of how to decarbonize a major economy while preparing for the unavoidable impacts of a changing climate, and delivering equitable solutions that benefit all Californians. As our California Policy Advocate, you will represent UCS on these issues to legislative offices and committees, administration and agency staff, other non-profits, civic and community organizations, environmental justice partners, and other stakeholders. You’ll also work closely with other UCS staff to integrate our policy advocacy with our research and outreach, develop materials (in Spanish, as needed), represent UCS at events, and represent UCS to Spanish-language media.

Responsibilities

  • Help shape and implement advocacy efforts in support of the UCS policy agenda for California
  • Educate California policymakers, staff, and stakeholders about UCS’s views on policy issues relating to climate change, transportation, and energy.
  • Establish and maintain effective working relationships with CA state legislative offices and committees, as well as administration and agency officials.
  • Write and edit advocacy materials in English and Spanish. Involve UCS analysts to provide technical information on transportation, energy, and climate policy as necessary.
  • Represent UCS at public events and conferences. Present information on UCS policy agenda to various groups, including regulators, legislative committees, and civic and community organizations (in English and Spanish).
  • Respond to Spanish-language press inquiries, as needed, on issues related to California policy work.
  • Track relevant legislation, hearings, and activities in the state legislature.

Qualifications and experience

You’ll need a substantive understanding of the legislative process, advocacy techniques, legislative strategy, and policymaking, as well as familiarity with the relevant legislative committees. Excellent oral and written communications skills are essential, as is an understanding of how advocacy fits in to effective issue campaigns. Background and policy expertise in clean energy and climate change is strongly preferred. Position also requires the ability to learn quickly, and strong time management skills.

This position requires five to seven years of comparable and relevant experience. Proven advocacy and communication skills, along with experience working either in state legislature, as a lobbyist, or for NGOs working to influence governmental decision-making, is necessary. Applicants should also demonstrate strong research skills, a positive, team-oriented work ethic, and the ability to work in a deadline-driven environment.

Applicant must be fluent in Spanish.

A bachelor’s degree is required, and a master’s degree or JD is desirable. Proficiency in word processing and database software is required.

May require extended periods at a computer. May need to occasionally lift and carry boxes of supplies or publications. May spend extended periods out of the office. Approximately one-day per week travel to the West Coast office in Oakland, California is required.

At UCS, comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.

UCS is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff. In particular, we’re dedicated to broadening opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy. We’re also committed to building an inclusive workplace culture where talented people of widely diverse backgrounds can thrive. We've adopted this commitment because we believe the inclusion of culturally diverse perspectives will improve our work and produce better societal and environmental outcomes for all, including historically disenfranchised communities. We are actively seeking people who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us in this work.

Compensation, Hours and Location: This is a full-time position based in a satellite office in Sacramento, CA. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary is around $58,500. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, how you learned about the position via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include “CA Policy Advocate” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please. Deadline: September 10, 2018 or until filled.

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