Chief of Staff
Executive
Remote/Hybrid - located in close proximity to our Cambridge, MA, or Washington, DC office
Our organization
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent nonprofit that puts rigorous, independent science into action, developing solutions and advocating for a healthy, safe, and just future. We envision a peaceful, healthy, and just world where science serves people and the planet by guiding policy decisions, reducing risks, and improving lives.
For over five decades, we have been working as scientists, engineers, economists, advocates, and everyday people to create and advocate for innovative, practical solutions to some of our planet’s most pressing problems—from combating global warming and developing sustainable ways to feed, power, and transport ourselves, to fighting misinformation, advancing racial equity, and reducing the threat of nuclear war. Values informing our work include:
Science in the service of people and the planet. Justice and Equity for people of all races and incomes—now, and for future generations. Courage to take principled, science-based stands in the public arena. Integrity to always examine evidence critically, openly, and honestly. Democracy promotes a voice for all in government decisions. Action inspires and mobilizes people to build a healthier, safer, and more just world.
Under the supervision of the UCS President, strategically coordinate information flow and decision-making at the Executive Team level and provide strategic support to the President and Board. Specifically, the Chief of Staff coordinates and supports executive team efforts and organizational decision-making to make sure the right people are acting on the right priorities at the right time, in service of the mission.
The Chief of Staff exhibits an instinct for “seeing around the corner” in order to anticipate and address issues before and as they emerge while ensuring appropriate delegation of responsibilities to relevant Executive Team members and Program Directors. The Chief of Staff supports and provides policy and legislative guidance to the UCS President to ensure she is focusing on the highest-priority activities for UCS, and so she is well-prepared for her interactions with key external stakeholders. The Chief of Staff is the primary senior liaison supporting the Board’s and the Executive Team’s substantive agenda. The Chief of Staff supervises Executive Department administrative and operational staff supporting the Executive Team and Board and manages the Executive Team budget.
Responsibilities
Coordinates Executive Team Strategy, Decision Making & Communication:
Facilitates overall Executive Team efforts: Develops ET agendas, directs staff and stakeholders to appropriate ET members, brings priority issues to the attention of the President, and tracks ET to-dos to ensure accountability, writing, and execution of the Executive Team's yearly planHas the authority to facilitate decision-making processes, participate in relevant internal meetings, represent ET and President in internal meetingsOversees strategic organization-wide communication and change management moments
Presidential Support & Political Guidance:
Ensures President is well-prepped for political and coalition meetingsBrief the President on the federal political context and coalition dynamics as necessary, based on experience and knowledge of federal and state politics and regular contact with UCS staff, to supplement President’s knowledge in this area. Global policy experience and relationships are a plusPrepares real-time political updates and context for CEO around UCS issues and keeps them abreast of changes
Board Support:
With input from ET and in conjunction with President, plans Board meeting agendas, speakers, and materials (for 3 formal Board meetings each year plus any ad hoc meetings)Staff the Board Governance committee (for 3 formal Board meetings each year plus any ad hoc meetings)Serves as Secretary to the Board by facilitating agendas and meeting preparation for regular meetings of the Board of Directors, Executive Committees, and others.Meets regularly with the President, Board Chair and Vice-Chair to help move forward strategic initiatives for the board
Lead Scoping of Org-Wide Initiatives and Pilot Projects:
Coordinate with relevant Executive Team members and Program Directors to define, help resource, and advance progress on exploratory strategic initiatives and special projects.Responsible for developing, tracking, and managing cross-functional, organization-wide pilot projects and exploratory initiatives, bringing together necessary stakeholders, and helping to drive decisions.
Coordinates Executive Department Resources:
Has formal oversight responsibility for Executive Department coordinators and assistants. Oversees their work to support the Executive Team, prepare for Board meetings, and support organizational initiatives (e.g., TTT)Serves as budget manager for Executive DepartmentManages relationship with UCS legal counselOrganizes regular Executive Team and Senior Leadership Team meetings and periodic retreats.
Qualifications and Experience
Requires 10+ years of management experience in programs, policy, and/or advocacy strategy in a non-profit, NGO, or government agency. Requires excellent leadership skills, project management experience, and written and verbal communication ability: Demonstrated success as an effective project manager and coordinator Strong orientation to exercising authority with diplomacy and discretion Excellent interpersonal and strategic communication skills, both oral and written, as a good listener who is both empathetic and pragmatic and as a strong communicator who can quickly summarize themes and next steps to drive forward action. Ability to supervise and manage a cross-functional team. A deep commitment to racial equity that is incorporated into how you work individually and with others A thorough understanding of U.S. legislative and policy-making processes at federal and state levels, with a strong ability to diagnose power dynamics, and experience navigating complex political dynamics. Familiarity with political and advocacy coalitions that UCS works closely with (e.g., Equitable and Just Climate Platform, US Climate Action Network, Blue Green Alliance) is a plus. A bachelor’s degree is preferred, but not required. A science background and/or experience with UCS’s focus areas is a plus, but not required.
At UCS, comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.
May spend extended periods at a computer. Occasional overnight travel is required.
UCS is an equal-opportunity employer actively 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 believe the inclusion of culturally diverse perspectives will improve our work and produce better societal and environmental outcomes for all, including historically disenfranchised communities.
Details:
This is a full-time remote/hybrid position, in close proximity to our Cambridge, MA, or Washington, DC office. For those who meet all position requirements, compensation is commensurate with experience. The salary range for this position is $196,201 - $220,730. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment. *CA Resident Only, we offer a 12% salary differential*
Information about the organization is available at http://www.ucsusa.org.
Comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.
More about the team:
Our team is made up of a dedicated group of researchers, scientists, communicators, campaigners, and advocates from wide-ranging backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and a collaborative and supportive work environment where all staff can thrive. We continually strive to create an environment that is a welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, parents, empty-nesters, and people with a wide variety of interests and backgrounds.
To Apply: We know there are great candidates who will not check all these boxes, and we also know you might bring important skills that we haven’t considered. If that, is you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself. Please upload a cover letter and resume. In the cover letter, please confirm that the listed salary meets your expectations. Upload materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls, please.
Covid Mandate for New Hires:
For in-office roles, UCS employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Employees are considered fully vaccinated as defined by the CDC. All new hires who will be reporting to an office location must provide notice of their vaccination status and vaccination documentation, on or before their first day of work. For all others, UCS strongly encourages full vaccinations among its employees, up to and including booster shots, even if working remotely.
All new employees must comply with the mandatory vaccination requirements outlined in UCS policies as soon as practicable. Union of Concerned Scientists will notify candidates for employment of the requirements of this policy before the start of employment.
Deadline: until filled