Communications Strategist

Communications Strategist

Permanent

Communications

Union of Concerned Scientists

Remote

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 Communications Program

The Communication Strategist serves as the cross-channel communications lead for at least two UCS campaigns.  This position is the primary liaison/lead coordinator for all communications activities for the program campaign team and is responsible for ensuring a steady drumbeat of strategic and impactful communications activities that advance campaign strategies and goals. The Communications Strategist is also responsible for assigning campaign issue content strategy on the website (backed up as needed by the writing team).  The communications strategist may be involved in blog strategy and serve as back up to assigned writer for blog review and posting (promoting best SEO practices).

The Position

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to:

●        Cross Channel Leadership

o   Schedules and facilitates quarterly strategy meetings with campaign director/manager (and key campaign staff if needed for specific projects) + comms team assigned to the issue area. Ensures meetings map out top 3-4 upcoming priority activities, analyses, and leverage points over the next six months. If there’s a lack of leverage points, identifies, and fills gaps to ensure a regular drumbeat of campaign visibility/engagement.

o   Drafts and updates six-month campaign communications strategy every quarter in collaboration with comms team members and campaign colleagues. Ensures the right mix of analyses, earned media, creative formats, engagement opportunities, and marketing channels are considered to advance key strategies, reach key audiences, and achieve project goals.  IDs when integrated marketing plan is useful and incorporates as supplement to six-month plan.

o   Serves as primary contact for campaign/program staff for all cross-channel communications projects and helps troubleshoot who can best help within communications whenever odd requests arise (not inclusive of single-channel work).

o   Stays abreast of campaign activities and metrics/impacts of communications activities.

o   Actively participates in each assigned program’s annual planning process.

o   In collaboration with the creative team, defines the best format for communications projects, and works with team member serving point on creative direction to ensure project charter or creative brief is written. May manage these projects or delegate them to another appropriate comm team member.

●        Writing

o   Writes and reviews copy for social media posts and video scripts.

o   Contributes articles to UCS’ Catalyst Quarterly magazine and UCS Annual Report

o   Generates copy for web explainers, features, and other web content.

●        Website Content Management

o   Copy-edits, formats, and sources images for blogs for final publication, often in a time-sensitive manner

o   Writes, publishes, and maintains web content, including reports, for assigned campaigns. Ensures all web content adheres to communications and messaging guidelines (content strategy, messaging, tone, style, and editorial guidelines).

Other Duties as Assigned include but are not limited to:

• Maintains understanding of UCS issues and positions.
• Maintain awareness of role as representative of UCS; ensure activities and statements enhance organization’s reputation and credentials among press, public, and private sectors; promote UCS; advance organizational objectives; and enhance funding opportunities.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE

• This position requires 5-7 years comparable and relevant experience in content creation and communications strategy across multiple channels in an advocacy setting.
• Strong writing and interpersonal communication skills are necessary, as is experience managing large project teams.
• Must be proficient with the PC/Windows environment especially MS Word. Familiarity with CMS such as Drupal and WordPress are preferred.
• Knowledge of Google Analytics and SEO best practices a plus.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred.

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

WORK SCHEDULE

Occasional work on nights, weekends, and will be on call at certain times throughout the year.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Occasional domestic overnight travel 2-3 times/year. 

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 position. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary range is $80,531 to $90,600. 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. 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.