Overview

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 to promote a voice for all in government decisions.
  • Action inspiring and mobilizing people to build a healthier, safer, and more just world.

UCS’s Food and Environment Program

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is seeking a Campaign Associate for the Food and Environment Program. The Food and Environment Program at the Union of Concerned Scientists is a team of scientists, analysts, and advocates committed to building a food system that provides affordable, healthy food for all, builds diverse, sustainable farm ecosystems, and is fair to farmers, workers, and eaters.

The Position

The Campaign Associate will provide policy, communication, outreach, research, and overall campaign support to a 12-person Food and Environment (F&E) Program team focused on influencing federal food and agriculture policy. They will support the F&E Senior Manager of Government Affairs and the program’s campaign team with research and tracking of legislation and regulatory action, scheduling meetings with policymakers, and coordination of logistics for educational and policy briefings and legislative fly-ins. The Campaign Associate will support the F&E Campaign Manager with the preparation of online action alerts to influence policy, monitoring supporter action rates, and scheduling and logistics for campaign and coalition events. Additionally, they will support the F&E Research Team and bloggers as needed with research, data gathering and organization, and preparation of reports and other public communications, and support the F&E Deputy Director with special projects as requested.

Responsibilities

Provide a range of legislative/policy and campaign support.

  • Conduct research and tracking of legislation and regulatory action.
  • Schedule policymaker and advocacy meetings and support follow-up by the government affairs team.
  • Coordinate logistics for events including policymaker education policy briefings and legislative fly-ins.
  • Support and participate in annual campaign strategy and planning discussions.
  • Support notetaking and follow-up at weekly campaign meetings.

Assist with outreach activities designed to influence the policy process.

  • Support campaign and coalition event logistics, including coordinating travel arrangements, invitations, itineraries, and preparation of materials.
  • Assist outreach staff with web-based and social media engagement efforts.
  • Assist with the preparation of online action alerts and monitoring response rates.
  • Conduct research to match UCS supporters with timely and targeted action opportunities, maintaining sensitive and confidential supporter information with discretion.
  • Provide other outreach support as needed.

Provide research support and assist in the preparation of educational and advocacy materials and communications.

  • Assist with research and data organization as requested by staff scientists and analysts.
  • Support the preparation, proofreading, publishing, and release of program reports, expert testimony, public comments on agency action, blog posts, and other materials in support of campaigns.
  • Track supplies of campaign publications.

Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, 1-2 years of relevant and comparable experience, and a strong interest in policy advocacy are required.

May spend extended periods at computer.

UCS is an equal opportunity employer actively seeking to diversify its staff. 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.

Benefits

Details:

This is a full-time remote position, ideally based near UCS’s Washington, DC office. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary range is $53,781 to $60,500. 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 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.

This position is in the bargaining unit.

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. The Union of Concerned Scientists will notify candidates for employment of the requirements of this policy before the start of employment.

Deadline: Until filled.

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