Outreach Coordinator - Union of Concerned Scientists

Outreach Coordinator

Permanent

Clean Transportation

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. 

UCS’s Clean Transportation Program

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is seeking an outreach coordinator.

The Transportation Sector is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the United States, responsible for 28% of the nation’s global warming emissions. Additionally, our current transportation system is responsible for harmful emissions that degrade air quality and public health, and current transportation infrastructure limits transportation options. The Clean Transportation Program works to transform the transportation system to one that protects public health and our climate; provides affordable, convenient access to all; and prioritizes benefits to historically marginalized communities.

The Position Summary of Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Campaign Manager, the Outreach Coordinator will conceive of, develop, and implement outreach activities to advance the policy agenda of the Clean Transportation Program. They are responsible for recruiting and training Science Network leaders; mobilizing scientists, experts, and a network of over half a million supporters and activists; coordinating with national and regional coalitions; and building new strategic partnerships. They will communicate the results and implications of UCS research to the public, increasing visibility of public-facing messages through social and traditional media channels. Working with lobbyists and analytic staff in the program, they will advance clean transportation federal and state policy objectives including pushing for strong light-duty vehicle standards and clean fuels policies, supporting equitable electric vehicle infrastructure investments, and organizing in states to further their progress towards transportation system-wide emission-reduction goals.

General Duties and Responsibilities

The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position are included in but not limited to the information listed below:

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.

Outreach Responsibilities:

• Conceive of, develop, and implement outreach tactics to advance strategic campaigns to improve equitable mobility and cut emissions from the transportation sector. Identify opportunities to mobilize supporters for online and offline action.
• Represent UCS in coalition spaces. Cultivate new constituencies and build relationships with key allies, including public health, labor, and racial and social justice organizations. Engage with existing partners to further campaign objectives.
• Mobilize UCS activists, experts, and donors to take online and offline action that advances our campaign objectives. Working with the Communications team, help to implement online tactics including action alert emails, social media communication and engagement, web content, and webinars. Respond to program-related questions from UCS activists and experts.
• Recruit and engage experts and grasstops supporters in support of federal campaigns, especially diverse and historically under-represented constituencies in STEM. Identify those individuals who have compelling stories to tell and who have access and influence with key decision-makers. Build personal relationships with supporters who can take high-level, offline actions. Work with supporters to hone their science, communication and advocacy skills to develop their leadership.
• Attend events and conferences to promote UCS and the Clean Transportation Program, effectively communicating to the general public as well as scientific, expert, and academic community. Staff the UCS booth or table at events and engage potential new supporters on UCS priorities.
• Promote major UCS analytic and communications products to online audiences and contribute to web and social media strategy to utilize UCS products for general public education on CT issues and policies.
• Contribute to the Clean Transportations program’s growth to include transportation equity considerations in our current and future campaigns.
• Support UCS internal efforts to create an anti-racist and inclusive work environment. Contribute to the creation of a culture in which all staff on the CT team are safe, respected, and heeded. Participate in program-wide processes and individual activities to advance internal JEDI efforts.

Advocacy and Research Support:

• Maintain content knowledge on CT priority issues by reading articles, listening to briefings and webinars, and attending events. Flag relevant and timely information of potential use for rapid response, media or supporter engagement, and UCS blogs.
• When needed, conduct web-based research on relevant issues and lay of the land, influence mapping policymaker targets, and the automotive and fuels industries.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Provide administrative support as needed for the Clean Transportation Program Director and the Clean Transportation team, including database maintenance, electronic file storage, print publication collection, and processing financial transactions.
• Update advocacy impact and metrics regularly.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

3 to 5 years of relevant experience. Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent recommended but not required. Qualified candidates will have demonstrated success with stakeholder engagement, grassroots organizing, and online and offline mobilization tools. Experience in building and maintaining relationships with key constituencies, with an emphasis on non-traditional allies and racial/social justice organizations, is preferred. The ability to represent UCS’ work to both public and expert audiences, and the ability to interact professionally with individuals with a wide range of skills and responsibilities will be essential. Knowledge of transportation and climate issues is not required, but candidates must have enthusiasm for in-depth content learning.

Significant self-motivation, strong personal time management, project management, attention to detail, interpersonal skills, and the ability to think strategically are essential. The ability to work both independently and in teams in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple projects and deadlines is required. Position requires strong written and oral communication skills and the ability to present information clearly to different audiences. Social media and online organizing preferred but not required.  

At UCS, comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.

May spend extended periods at computer. Travel expected up to 15% of the time, with some travel for overnight trips.

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 offered is $73,210. 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. The Union of Concerned Scientists will notify candidates for employment of the requirements of this policy before the start of employment.

Deadline: Until filled.