Organizing Coordinator

Organizing Coordinator

Permanent

Programs, Policy, and Advocacy

Union of Concerned Scientists

Remote

Bargaining Unit Position: Yes

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 disinformation, 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. 

The Programs, Policy, and Advocacy Department

The Programs, Policy, and Advocacy team’s mission is to strengthen the culture of collaboration and science advocacy to maximize UCS’ ability to achieve impact toward a healthy, safe and just future. Our team focuses on three overlapping functions: supporting high priority initiatives that cut across multiple programs and departments; building consistent organization-wide culture and skills needed to execute winning policy advocacy campaigns; and building a diverse and active Science Network.

The Position

The Organizing Coordinator will support the recruitment, retention, and organizing of Science Network members for UCS advocacy campaigns and cross-programmatic initiatives (including Science Rising). Collaborating with the rest of the PPA team and other cross-functional teams at UCS, the Organizing Coordinator will implement plans to help us build and cultivate our network, as well as moving scientists into leadership roles on campaigns. Outreach efforts will involve three focus areas in support of PPA goals:

1.      Recruitment: recruiting new, eligible Science Network members, with a particular focus on building a Science Network that reflects the values and identities of the communities that UCS campaigns work with.

2.      Retention and cultivation: through trainings, a regular drumbeat of strategic action opportunities, and relationship building, ensure that Science Network members have a range of ways to engage with UCS campaigns and cross-programmatic efforts such as Science Rising.

3.      Organizing: build relationships with Science Network members and provide them with the tools and support to grow as leaders on UCS campaigns and cross-programmatic efforts.

UCS employees center their work on UCS’s core values of racial equity and environmental justice. They work collaboratively to ensure the effective operations of the program/department, center anti-racism and equity in internal and external work, and foster a welcoming, inclusive, and transparent environment where all staff can thrive and grow.   

Responsibilities

• Recruitment
• Execute recruitment efforts at scientific conferences, universities, and other key offline or online venues to engage new Science Network members.
• Support and implement the creation of engaging online actions and events to advance PPA and Science Rising goals.
• Participate in external conferences and events to promote UCS and the Science Network within the scientific, expert, and academic community.
• Retention and cultivation
• Support and implement organizing and advocacy trainings, equipping Science Network members with the skills to effectively engage in advocacy tactics and campaigns.
• Keep Science Network members engaged through various activities and channels, both online and offline.

• Assist in the design and implementation of diversifying the Science Network and ensure that all activities are accessible and inclusive.

• Organizing
• Conduct 1:1s with Science Network members to support their engagement and leadership development on PPA-led campaigns or cross-programmatic efforts.
• Ensure equity and justice considerations are integral in recruitment, retention, and organizing efforts.
• Support PPA goals and priorities, as needed

Other Duties as Assigned 

People Management Authority
None

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree

• 4+ years of work experience (which could include academic-related work experience) with organizing and/or policy advocacy, particularly on a national level.
• Strong project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects at once and adapt and respond to fast-changing campaign needs. 

• Ability to work independently, balance a multitude of tasks, and collaborate as a member of a multidisciplinary team.

• Ability to collaborate and communicate with a diverse array of individuals, including professionals who may be experts and/or prominent in their field.
• Commitment to problem-solving and being solutions oriented.
• Good strong self-awareness, humility, and emotional intelligence.
• Knowledge and familiarity with racial equity and inclusion principles and ways that race and other identities intersect with our work, particularly in scientific, policymaking, and environmental communities. Must be comfortable talking about identities such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class, ability, and its present-day implications. 
• Experience with and commitment to building relationships while centering equity and inclusion.

Comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time.
• Continuously operate a computer and must have the ability to control a mouse and keyboard.
• Communicate in verbal and written formats with internal staff and external constituents.

Work Schedule

Regular office hours, may include occasional nights and weekends.

Travel Requirements

The position requires periodic domestic, overnight travel (5-7 times per year).

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. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary is $78,454. 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.

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

Deadline

Until filled.