Midwest Office Director

IMPORTANT:  This Advertiser has requested that applicants MUST be National Residents / Valid Work Permit-holders.  Other applicants need not apply.

 

Location: Chicago Office
 
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 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, advanced vehicle technology, nuclear power safety, nuclear weapons and related security issues, preserving the integrity of science, and sustainable agriculture.

The Position: 
Under the direction of the Climate & Energy Program Director, and in close coordination with relevant Program staff, develop, lead, and manage UCS efforts to advance climate and energy issues and policy regionally and nationally. This includes: externally representing UCS’s work in the region; providing high-level analysis and support to efforts conducted with partner and stakeholder organizations; building coalitions and collaborating with local groups; effectively communicating and collaborating with UCS program directors and staff working on climate-related issues; developing and leading integrated campaign strategies and projects in annual program work plans. 

 

Lead UCS’s advocacy effort to phase out conventional coal, a national issue project targeting the Midwest and led out of the Midwest office.  This project is a companion to UCS’s national renewables project and is a central pillar of the organization’s national energy campaign.

Serve as a UCS public spokesperson on climate and energy issues in the Midwest and nationally.  Maintain awareness and basic understanding of UCS Midwest projects, campaigns, and activities organization-wide, interacting with relevant Program Directors and staff as needed.  Represent UCS in public forums, at conferences, with the media, before professional associations and in other settings. Look for opportunities to increase UCS visibility on climate, energy, and other issues in the Midwest.  Represent the Midwest Office and the Climate and Energy Program on the organization-wide leadership team consisting of program and office heads, and before the UCS board, senior management, major donors, foundation representatives, and others.

Consistent with priority policy and outreach objectives, cultivate, collaborate, and maintain strong relationships with local groups and with relevant stakeholders, including but not limited to government officials, academic researchers, NGOs, business leaders, the public health community, and other opinion-leaders. Engage in any collaborative activities needed to further program or organizational goals. Identify and, as appropriate, engage new allies, constituencies, and coalitions. As appropriate, lead and/or coordinate coalitions to advance common climate and energy objectives. Maintain current and thorough knowledge of climate, energy and related sectoral policy or issue initiatives and processes across the region and nationally.

Collaborate with Foundation Relations identify and cultivate foundation donors.  In collaboration with the Development Department, ensure that grant proposals and grant reports get prepared on time.  Support fundraising efforts and as needed, coordinate with the Development Department in soliciting contributions from major donors to support the work of Climate and Energy and other programs.  Develop and maintain productive relationships with funders. 

Provide leadership in the Midwest office to promote a positive work environment; foster a positive team spirit that easily crosses departmental lines; and leverage the collective resources of the organization. Manage general office issues, such as space, staff morale, and interpersonal relations, and supervise any shared administrative or program support staff.  Mentor and advise MW office staff, as needed.  Respond to internal and external requests for information directed to the MW office.  Actively engage in problem solving around relevant strategic questions, issues of substance, and matters of staff time prioritization and resource utilization.

Basic Knowledge and Skills: 
The ideal candidate will be an effective leader of climate, energy and environmental campaigns, possessing a sophisticated mix of technical competency, strong relationship and project management abilities, high-level communication skills, and entrepreneurship.  Extensive knowledge of climate and energy policy, including the political, social, environmental, and economic ramifications of global warming and energy issues is a must as is being conversant with key issues regionally and nationally in coal and renewable energy.  Ability to understand the role of technical analyses and advocacy in shaping public opinion and policy debates; excellent public speaking and media relations capabilities; a demonstrated ability to work and interact effectively in teams and to liaise with board members, government officials, and others in the NGO community.  Exceptional oral/written communication and organizing skills and the strong leadership ability needed to effectively manage action-oriented campaigns and multidisciplinary teams of experts.  A track record of working with high-level stakeholders in government, NGOs, and/or industry is highly desirable.

Experience: 
Position requires six to eight years of progressively responsible, related experience, including broad and senior-level environmental/public issue campaigns management and teamwork and leveraging scientific and technical expertise to support public and policymaker education and mobilization.  A track record of fundraising and experience interfacing with a range of donors and funders, from technically focused foundations to high-level donors, is highly desirable.  A minimum of a master’s degree in public policy, economics, science, engineering or related field or equivalent experience is preferred. 

To Apply: 
Please submit a cover letter and resume via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include “Midwest Office Director” in the subject line. Email materials by Word Documents only.  No calls. Deadline: October 15th or until filled.