The Union of Concerned Scientists 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
The Search
The Union of Concerned Scientists, a national and highly regarded science-based non-profit organization, seeks a Director for its vibrant and multi-disciplinary Climate and Energy Program.
The Climate and Energy Program is the largest programmatic unit within UCS, reflecting the organization’s long-standing commitment to limiting the impact of climate change on people and the environment and to accelerating the transition to a sustainable, clean-energy economy. With an annual program budget of approximately $4.5 million and staff of 45, the Director will lead a talented group of scientific, technical, outreach, and advocacy professionals working to apply the best available science to complicated climate and energy issues, choices, and policy decisions. With the engagement of its networks of scientists, energy experts, economists, health professionals, and citizen activists, the program is building support for strong and decisive action to reduce carbon emissions, phase out conventional coal plants, promote renewable energy and energy choices that protect water resources, and encourage sustainable land use.
For this pivotal position, UCS seeks a dynamic and innovative leader with programmatic vision, strategic agility, and a deep passion for addressing and solving some of the most critical and complex challenges of our time. The position calls for an ability to understand complex technical issues, a strong appreciation for the role of science in policy and decision-making, familiarity with climate and energy issues, and ideally technical expertise and standing in a related area. Proven strong management and communication skills are essential. Experience in public representation and fundraising, particularly within the foundation community, are assets.
Isaacson, Miller, a national executive search firm, is assisting UCS in this recruitment. Inquiries, nominations, and applications should be directed in confidence to the search firm.
Background
UCS was founded in 1969 by scientists and students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology protesting the militarization of scientific research and promoting science in the public interest. The organization initially focused on defense-related research, nuclear weapons, and nuclear power, and it engaged world-class scientists to share information, seek the truth, and guide public policy. Over time, UCS broadened its work to encompass other critical issues with a strong science component, including climate change, energy, transportation, sustainable agriculture, and the protecting the integrity of science used to inform government decision making.
Today, UCS is an independent, financially robust, non-profit organization with over 135 full-time staff, an operating budget of $22 million, and an alliance of more than 300,000 citizens and scientists from all walks of life. It combines rigorous scientific analysis, innovative policy development, and effective citizen advocacy to achieve practical environmental solutions. It seeks to ensure that all people have clean air, energy, and transportation, as well as food that is produced in a safe and sustainable manner. UCS strives for a future that limits the threats of global warming and nuclear weapons, and a planet that supports a rich diversity of life. Guided by sound science, and by mobilizing scientists and combining their voices with those of economists, educators, business people, and other concerned citizens, UCS has achieved victories that have had positive and significant impacts on society.
In its most recent strategic plan, UCS identified five strategic goals for 2011-2015:
- Ensure robust science informs and motivates public policy;
- Limit the magnitude of global warming and its impacts on people and the environment;
- Accelerate the transition to a sustainable, clean-energy economy;
- Advance sustainable agriculture and land use;
- Reduce the nuclear threat worldwide.
With headquarters in Cambridge, MA and offices in Washington, DC, Berkeley, CA, and Chicago, IL, UCS works at the federal, regional, and state levels. Its time-tested approach is a combination of independent science, practical solutions, compelling communications, persuasive advocacy, and effective collaboration. Regional offices allow UCS to develop strong partnerships with local allies, tailor its research and recommendations to address region-specific issues, and broaden its network of members, scientists, and activists.
The Climate and Energy Program
Climate and energy issues have been central to the organization’s work for decades and today are more pressing, challenging, exciting, and multifaceted than ever. The current staff of 45 in the Climate and Energy (C&E) Program includes scientists, engineers, economists, technical and policy analysts, outreach specialists, lobbyists, and administrative staff.
Over the last five years, the C&E Program has had a number of critical successes, including
- providing the scientific rationale for a strong U.S. emissions reduction target (at least 80 percent by 2050) that is now widely accepted in climate policy proposals;
- playing a lead role in passing landmark climate legislation in California (AB 32);
- continuing to build strong state mandates supporting renewable energy, with a total of 29 states enacting renewable energy standards;
- laying the groundwork for strong international tropical forest policies for reducing emissions from deforestation and degradation.
The Position
Reporting to the Executive Director, and serving as a member of UCS’s Leadership Team, the Director of the Climate and Energy Program will be expected to provide strategic leadership and effective management of the largest program within UCS. This will include working with colleagues to develop a compelling long-term vision for UCS’s future work in climate and energy research and policy, defining and articulating the organization’s unique niche in these areas, and leading the program team in achieving their goals.
The broad objectives for the Director of the Climate and Energy program are as follows:
- Develop creative new initiatives and strategies to achieve programmatic and organizational goals, identifying fresh pathways to success in a challenging political environment.
- Provide strong management and leadership to the C&E team, leveraging the diversity of experience and expertise within the program; capitalizing on the strengths of its matrixed structure; fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual reinforcement; and striking the right balance of rigorous technical analysis and the ability to be agile and responsive to changing conditions.
- Represent UCS and the C&E Program externally with partners, constituents, members, and other stakeholders, and serve as a spokesperson on UCS’s climate and energy work with the media. Represent the program to individual and institutional donors and play an active role in fundraising.
- Work with colleagues to take advantage of a dynamic communications landscape, embracing opportunities to reach broader audiences and connect in more direct and personal ways with key opinion leaders and constituents.
- Envision and pursue emerging opportunities for cross-cutting work at the nexus of UCS issues and programs.
Ideally, the Director will be based at UCS headquarters in Cambridge, Massachusetts, although Washington, DC may be considered. The Director will be expected to travel approximately 20% of the time.
Foster strong working relationships, a high level of mutual trust, and effective channels of communication within and beyond the C&E program. Set and communicate clear and consistent goals and standards and encourage both innovation and rigor.
Qualifications and Experience
For this important role, the Union of Concerned Scientists seeks a leader with a deep commitment to the organization’s mission who is optimistic about its potential and realistic about its challenges. Candidates may come from any of a number of settings, including the NGO, policy, governmental, scientific, or corporate communities as long as they have proven leadership and management skills. The ideal candidate will have strong technical and/or policy expertise and "standing" in a relevant energy or climate discipline; at a minimum, candidates must be broadly familiar with issues in these fields and able to learn the technological and policy dimensions of the work. The position calls for excellent strategic abilities coupled with strong communication skills. Experience and enthusiasm for fundraising, especially within the foundation community, would be a distinct asset.
While no one candidate will embody every quality, the successful candidate will bring many of the following professional qualifications and personal attributes:
- A record of providing visionary leadership and effective management of a team of talented professionals. Ideally, experience leading a staff through periods of institutional growth or change.
- A keen sense of strategy and an informed perspective on the broad landscape in which the C&E program operates; a history of exposure to the climate and/or energy fields and an awareness of the lessons learned domestically and internationally in recent years.
- Exceptional communication skills. The ability to relate well to both scientists and non-scientists alike and to convey complex concepts to lay audiences. Public presence.
- A management style that is goal-oriented but flexible. A style that respects the capabilities and independence of staff members in accomplishing organizational objectives while holding them to high standards.
- Strong facilitation skills; the ability to lead discussions and move groups toward consensus on complicated issues, coupled with decisiveness when appropriate.
- A strong appreciation for science as it is used to shape decision-making, whether in the policy or business arenas, and for the importance of UCS’s scientific brand.
- Proven administrative competence, including demonstrated success in planning, budgeting, and project management. Experience in an organization with dispersed office locations or a wide geographic range would be useful.
- An outgoing, open, and optimistic personality. Outstanding interpersonal skills. A flexible, energetic team player who contributes to a strong sense of community among program staff and across the organization.
- A graduate degree in a relevant field is required.
To Apply
All inquiries, nominations, and applications may be directed in confidence to
Karen Wilcox, Vice President & Director and
Maggie Saar, Senior Associate
ISAACSON, MILLER
263 Summer Street, 7th Floor
Boston, Massachusetts 02210
617.262.6500
e-mail: ucs@imsearch.com
Applications should be submitted electronically and include a resume and cover letter of 1-3 pages. Material received by the middle of March, 2011 will be assured full consideration. All applications will be kept confidential.
The Union of Concerned Scientists is an equal opportunity employer, continually seeking to diversify its staff. We welcome a diverse pool of candidates in this search.
