Senior Washington Representative

Senior Washington Representative

Clean Transportation Program

Union of Concerned Scientists

Hybrid – located within 50 miles of Washington, DC

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 to hire a Senior Washington Representative to join our federal policy team under supervision and with guidance from the Director of Policy and Government Affairs for the Clean Transportation program.

UCS’s Clean Transportation program is working 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. We achieve this by leveraging our scientific analysis and expertise, political power, and Science Network, through partnerships and coalitions, and in campaigns that are informed by our relationships with frontline and other impacted communities.

Our goals include:

A transition to 100% zero-emissions vehicles (both passenger and heavy-duty).

An equitable transportation system that reduces reliance on driving while safely, reliably, and affordably connects all people with the places, resources, and communities they need to thrive.

A clean, safe, and fair transition from a petroleum-powered transportation system to one powered by renewable electricity, that minimizes the public health impacts of current and new fuel production.

Centering grassroots-supported solutions and ensuring workers and impacted communities have a seat at decision-making tables.

The Position

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

Responsibilities

Working under the supervision of the Director of Policy and Government Affairs:

Advance UCS’s federal clean transportation policy agenda:  

• Developing legislative strategies, providing input into legislation, and educating and lobbying legislators and their staff.
• Work with the White House and federal agencies to advance and protect the Clean Transportation team’s regulatory agenda.
• Producing advocacy materials and working with the Communications team to respond to key federal developments.
• Help identify opportunities for grasstops individuals, Science Network members, and supporters to weigh in with decisionmakers.

Lead and participate in the development of new UCS policy positions.

• Monitor the policy and media landscape for select clean transportation issues. Maintain working knowledge of transportation policy issues and legislation, and clean transportation technologies and their applications.
• Track the progress of legislation and regulations in Congress and at federal agencies.
• Collaborate with colleagues and external partners on developing new UCS policy positions.
• Provide policy and political guidance to inform the Clean Transportation team’s annual and longer-term planning processes.

Manage or co-manage select campaigns/project:

• Develop strategies for advocacy and coalition engagement.
• Run regular campaign/project check-in meetings and serve as project manager for the development of publications, advocacy materials, and other deliverables.
• In coordination with the Campaign Director, lead planning processes to inform the development of Clean Transportation annual and longer-term plans.

Represent UCS in coalitions and in external meetings, events, and conferences.   

• Lead and support coalitions and/or working groups of coalitions that UCS participates in.  
• Represent UCS at meetings, events, and conferences.
• Help respond to press inquiries on select clean transportation issues and elevate announcements and news on social media.  
• Contribute to funder proposals and reports.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

Position requires a substantive understanding of federal legislative and regulatory processes, including advocacy/lobbying techniques and strategies, legislative strategy and policy making in both the legislative and executive branches. Also requires a proven track record to learn quickly and strong time management skills; an understanding of how advocacy fits in to effective issue campaigns. Excellent oral and written communications skills are essential, including the ability to communicate to a wide range of audiences and to convey technical information to non-technical audiences. Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with scientists or other professionals who may be expert and/or prominent in their fields is strongly preferred, as is an understanding of the role of science in the policy making process. Excellent oral and written communications skills are essential. Familiarity with Microsoft Office (Word and Excel), Quorum, Politico Pro, ProQuest, Newsbank, and Lexis/Nexis is a plus.

Work requires 7-10 years of relevant experience including at least five years of comparable level legislative, lobbying, regulatory, research, or advocacy experience, preferably on issues related to environmental, climate, or transportation policy, including demonstrated success in designing and leading legislative and executive branch campaigns. Proven advocacy and communication skills and experience working either in Congress, in government implementing programs and policies, or for NGOs working to influence governmental decision-making is necessary. Applicants should also demonstrate strong policy research skills, a positive, team-oriented work ethic, and the ability to work in a deadline-driven environment. Experience working in cross-disciplinary and cross-departmental advocacy campaigns preferred.

May spend extended periods at computer.  Infrequently, late hours and/or weekends may be required in connection with events or critical deadlines. Approximately 5-15 days of overnight domestic travel per year is required.

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/hybrid position based near UCS’s Washington, DC office. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary range is $101,931 to $114,670. 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.

Comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.

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. Candidates advancing to the next round of consideration will be asked for a writing sample. 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.