Full-Time Representative, Washington
Job Description
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, 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 high $70s, with excellent benefits and generous time off.
How 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.
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