Science Network Outreach Associate and Community Manager

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

 

Center for Science and Democracy
Washington, DC or Cambridge, MA Office  

The Center for Science and Democracy
The Center for Science and Democracy works to strengthen our democracy and advance the essential role that science, evidence-based decision making, and constructive debate play in protecting our health and safety and improving our quality of life. To do this, we need to identify and overcome the barriers that can prevent scientific evidence from being considered in policy discussions. We also need to strengthen bonds between scientists and those who can benefit from their expertise.

Facilitated by Center staff, the UCS Science Network is a growing community of 20,000+ experts—scientists, engineers, and health professionals—who share the common desire to use their knowledge to improve the common good. We are equipping scientists with skills that help them engage with policy makers, the media, and the public on their area of expertise, and to fight back against attacks by those who wish to undermine their research. We are connecting them with community partners and government officials seeking information. We are cultivating young scientists for a lifetime of public service.

The Position
We are seeking an individual with experience with both online community management and community organizing. The Science Network outreach associate and community manager will be responsible for the development and day-to-day operation of the Science Network (70%) and will provide outreach support for the Center (30%). He or she will work closely with the Center’s outreach coordinator and be supervised by the Center’s program manager for strategy and innovation.

The outreach associate and community manager will engage scientists and experts who wish to hone their abilities as scientist citizens and advocates and use their expertise to better inform science-based policymaking, and integrate them into CSD and UCS program-supported efforts. He or she will conceive and support the implementation of strategies for communicating and engaging with experts to expand their involvement in UCS’s online and offline activities. The individual will be responsible for creating and maintaining Science Network online content and actively engaging network members. He or she will oversee communication with network members; manage the membership database; and regularly evaluate online metrics.

Responsibilities will include:

• identifying opportunities for expert engagement;
• assisting in organizing in-person networking events and regular training webinars;
• curating guest blog posts from Science Network members on the UCS blog;
• recruiting and vetting potential new network members;
• developing content for the Science Network website;
• ensuring that UCS program work is communicated to network members; and
• creating opportunities for network members to interact with UCS and each other, including through social media.

In consultation with other Center staff, the outreach associate and community manager will promote Center products and special events, online and offline action opportunities, forums, website, and special events. He or she will be the first point of contact for individuals looking for more information about the Center’s work. The Center is conceptualized as a start-up within a non-profit organization.  As this is a new position, the person who assumes it will have significant opportunity to innovate in service of UCS and Center goals.

Qualifications and experience
Position requires a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.  A solid understanding of online community management and support, database maintenance, online content creation, and both online and offline community organizing is required. Excellent writing and editing skills and a demonstrated ability to interpret complex scientific/technical content for specific audiences are essential. Demonstrated knowledge of web metrics, search engine optimization, and online community management best practices are necessary for this position. The position requires strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary team. Just as importantly, the position requires a demonstrable understanding of and interest in the role of science in society and policymaking.

At least three to five years of successful relevant experience in online community management, content creation, outreach, and campaigning. Demonstrated capability to manage multiple projects for extended periods of time, and to be flexible to respond to fast-changing organizational needs. Experience engaging supporters through online and offline activities. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with professionals who may be expert and/or prominent in their fields. Up to one year of on-the-job training may be necessary to become familiar with CSD and UCS organization, philosophy, programs, and constituencies.

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

Compensation, Hours and Location: This is a full-time position based in either UCS’s Washington, DC or Cambridge, MA offices. For candidates who meet all position requirements, the salary is in the high $40s. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment, and is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff and to broaden opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, salary requirements, two writing samples (popular, not academic) how you learned about the position and resume via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include “Science Network Outreach Associate” in the subject line. Please be sure to address both community management and organizing experience in your cover letter. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please. Deadline: September 2 or until filled.