The Position
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent national nonprofit that uses science to protect our health, safety, and environment. We are scientists, engineers, economists, activists, and everyday people who develop 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.
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is seeking a new Washington Representative II for the Center for Science and Democracy (CSD). The Center campaigns for strong, independent science as a fundamental basis for better, more equitable and just public policies. We work for fairer, more transparent democratic institutions and systems; more just and equitable public health, safety, and environmental protections, particularly for underserved communities; and an ongoing cultural shift in the scientific community to embrace activism for science-based policymaking.
Under the supervision of the Policy Director of the Center for Science and Democracy (CSD) or their designee, the Washington Representative II will develop and lead advocacy efforts to strengthen the role of science in public policymaking and defend against proposals or actions that would undermine our system of science-based public protections. Advocate for CSD policy agenda to Congress, the Executive Branch, and other relevant government officials, including in support of activities undertaken by senior program staff, the UCS FACT Campaign, and UCS leadership.
The Washington Representative II will work closely with outreach staff, senior program leadership, and other UCS government affairs staff to develop and integrate legislative work with research and outreach strategies and keep staff up to date on relevant legislative, administrative, and coalition developments. Work with other organizations on coordinated advocacy and policy development. Prepare written materials for diverse audiences, including internal managers and staff, Members of Congress and their staff, administration officials, partner organizations, and the general public.
Responsibilities
- Participate in the day to day running of coalitions CSD has memberships in, including participation in steering committees, working groups and other coordinating spaces.
- Represent CSD and UCS at meetings with government officials and other external stakeholders.
- Support advocacy efforts related to CSD’s policy agenda and maintain a leading role on specific policy areas as assigned.
- Monitor and develop systems for monitoring daily print media, blogs, and social media for pertinent coverage of policy issues and share promptly with relevant staff.
- Track the progress of legislation and regulations in Congress and at federal agencies, respectively.
- Help develop and implement campaign strategies for CSD, cross-programmatic, and coalition policy goals.
- Provide strategic and innovative input on advancing CSD’s priorities in Congress and with the executive branch, as well as defending against policies and actions that undermine the use of science in federal policymaking.
- Provide support of program efforts to encourage administrative actions and Congressional oversight over program issues.
- Participate in research projects related to legislative and policy work, including helping with the drafting and editing of reports.
- Maintain a comprehensive knowledge of relevant issues, as assigned.
UCS is committed to building an inclusive workplace culture where talented people of widely diverse backgrounds can thrive. We believe the inclusion of diverse perspectives will improve our work and produce better societal and environmental outcomes for all, including historically disenfranchised communities. All staff participate in this commitment whether internally, in building a welcoming workplace culture and /or externally, in ensuring inclusive engagement with supporters, media, vendors, allies and others.
Qualifications and Experience
Position requires:
- Knowledge of science or technical policy issues
- Must have a substantive knowledge of legislative process, including advocacy/lobbying
- Techniques and strategies, legislative strategy, and the policymaking process
- A proven track record to learn quickly and strong time management skills
- Strong oral and written communication skills
- An ability to communicate effectively with diverse audience
Familiarity with Microsoft Office suite, CQ, Politico, and other lobbying software is a plus.
Ability to work in fast-paced environment and juggle multiple tasks at once; self-starter who also works well in teams; Bachelor’s degree required, Master’s degree in political science or public policy is a plus.
The position requires five to seven years’ experience including three years of comparable experience in legislative, campaign, and lobbying work at the national, state, or grassroots level. Proven advocacy and communication skills and experience working either in Congress, in government implementing programs and policies, or for NGOs working to engage stakeholders and influence decision-making is necessary. Capitol Hill experience is a plus.
Applicants should also demonstrate strong research skills, a positive, team-oriented work ethic, and the ability to work in a deadline-driven environment. A successful Washington Representative II will have experience working on public interest advocacy campaigns with Hill experience.
At UCS, comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.
Details
This is a full-time position based in UCS’s Washington, DC office and must live within 50 miles. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary range is $80,531 to $96,639. 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.
Travel is limited required travel (up to 10 overnights per year). UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment.
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 which 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 won’t check all of these boxes, and we also know you might bring important skills that we haven’t considered. If that’s 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
All UCS employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 no later than October 1st, 2021. Employees are considered fully vaccinated as defined by the CDC. All new hires must provide notice of their vaccination status and vaccination documentation, on or before their first day of work.
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.