Program Assistant

One-year Temporary Position
Center for Science and Democracy
Washington, DC Office

The Position

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent national nonprofit whose scientists and engineers work to solve some of our planet’s most pressing environmental and safety problems. UCS combines technical analysis and effective organizing and advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for stemming the tide of global warming, sustainable food policy and agriculture, energy and transportation, fighting misinformation and reducing the threat of catastrophic nuclear war.

The Center for Science and Democracy (The Center) at UCS works to strengthen the essential role of science, evidence-based knowledge, and constructive debate in the U.S. policymaking process on issues from climate change to toxic chemical exposure to drug safety. We are a small, ambitious, and creative team that believes science can help inform solutions to society’s most pressing challenges.

The Center seeks a highly-motivated program assistant to support our work to improve the use of science in federal decision-making and motivate scientists to engage in public life. The program assistant is the Center’s backbone, providing administrative, logistical, outreach, and basic research support to promote the effectiveness of the entire team. This is an excellent opportunity to learn the ins and outs of how a non-profit organization influences science policy. Responsibilities include:

• Taking care of program administrative needs, including correspondence, travel, meetings, invoices, and information sharing
• Organizing events and supporting the implementation of outreach strategies,
• Representing the Center at meetings and conferences
• Coordinating planning processes and retreats
• Overseeing the development and distribution of reports, fact sheets, and other materials
• Keeping on track of the news related to established and emerging issues related to science and democracy, and performing basic research to determine where we are best positioned to weigh in

Qualifications and Experience

A bachelor’s degree and a background in science, political science, communications, or business management are preferred. Two years of comparable experience as a program, administrative, or research assistant is required. Demonstrated administrative and research skills are necessary. Familiarity with the role of science in policy-making and/or environmental/public health/public safety issues helpful, but not required.

The position requires self-motivation, good interpersonal and communication skills, attention to detail, familiarity with office operations, and excellent abilities in word processing, web research, and database use/maintenance. A successful program assistant will have strong administrative and organizational skills, a proven ability to pay attention to details, the capacity to work on multiple projects at one time, the ability to work independently as well as part of a team, and the willingness to adapt to shifting needs and priorities.  

You may spend extended periods at computer terminal, but you will have extensive contact with your colleagues. Limited overnight travel of less than five days per year may be required.

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

UCS is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff. In particular, we’re dedicated to broadening opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in advocacy. We’re also committed to building an inclusive workplace culture where talented people of widely diverse backgrounds can thrive.  We've adopted this commitment because 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. We are actively seeking people who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us in this work.

Compensation, Hours and Location: This is a full-time position based in UCS’s Washington, DC office. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary is around $35,000. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment. Information about the organization is available at http://www.ucsusa.org

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter referencing how you learned about the position, resume, salary requirements, and two non-academic writing samples via email tojobs@ucsusa.org and include “Center Program Assistant” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please. Deadline: August 26, 2016 or until filled.