Posted on September 19, 2012

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Outreach Coordinator

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 400,000 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, advanced vehicle technology, nuclear power safety, nuclear weapons and related security issues, preserving the integrity of science, and promoting sustainable agriculture and food systems.

The UCS Center for Science and Democracy (CSD) is a new initiative dedicated to restoring the essential role of science, evidence-based knowledge, and constructive debate in the U.S. policymaking process, using three core strategies: restoring public confidence in, and support for, the use of independent science in public policy making; helping decision makers, citizens and journalists distinguish evidence-based information from propaganda; and working with scientists to help them engage in effective communication with the public, media and decision makers.

The Position

The outreach coordinator oversees the cultivation and deployment of the UCS Science Network, a national network of thousands of scientists. He or she also develops and implements outreach strategies around CSD events and reports.

The outreach coordinator will be part of a multi-disciplinary team charged with diversifying the Science Network, both in terms of the demographics of the experts on the network and the opportunities that experts have to contribute to the public good. He or she will scope ways to increase demand and capacity for scientist engagement; develop infrastructure that enables scientists to connect with opportunities that interest them; and create opportunities for experts to refine their communications and advocacy skills.

Responsibilities

The outreach coordinator:

• creates and implements plans to recruit, train, and engage scientists, engineers, and other individuals who wish to use their expertise and position to inform government decision-making and public and policymaker understanding of science;
• develops strategies for communicating with experts and engaging them in the organization’s online and offline activities;
• tracks and reports on engagement opportunities and accomplishments;
• oversees the maintenance of the Science Network database; and trains other UCS staff on best practices for expert engagement;
• coordinates and organizes cross-programmatic outreach efforts at scientific society meetings and related events and ensures that UCS programs are able to effectively engage Science Network members;
• conceptualizes, executes and tracks the effectiveness of CSD outreach activities to scientists, non-scientists, and select stakeholders;
• communicates regularly with supporters, both online and offline, on Center projects, and seeks opportunities to engage them in the development of these projects;
• works with other CSD staff to promote CSD reports and special events and helps develop the CSD’s web presence.

Qualifications and experience

The position requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent. An advanced degree preferred. Three to five years of successful and progressively responsible experience in online and offline outreach, community organizing, campaign, and/or advocacy is required, preferably in a non-profit environment. Experience with legislative and media strategies, and program planning, coordination and implementation is helpful. The ability to work independently, balance a multitude of tasks, and respond rapidly in a fast-changing environment is necessary. Strong candidates will possess robust written and oral communication skills and be able to demonstrate ability to interact professionally with individuals who may be at the top of their fields. Candidates should have strong familiarity with the Internet, social media, database software, online organizing tools, and word processing. Experience with working with scientists and scientific topics is strongly preferred. Most of all, candidates should possess an understanding of and a passion for improving the way in which science informs policy making.

Compensation, Hours and Location: This is a full-time position based in UCS’s Cambridge, MA or Washington, DC office. Salary is commensurate with experience. UCS offers excellent benefits and is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff. Information about the organization is available at www.ucsusa.org

Application Instructions

Please submit a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, two non-academic writing samples, and how you learned about the position via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include “CSD Outreach Coordinator” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please. Deadline: September 30, 2012 or until filled.