Washington Representative
Food and Environment Program
Union of Concerned Scientists
DC 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:
UCS’s Food and Environment (F&E) program is seeking a highly qualified individual to lead UCS’s efforts to reorient U.S. agriculture toward sustainability through the adoption of progressive policies in the next farm bill. Under the supervision of the F&E program director and working with other program staff, the Washington representative will lead legislative campaigns and advocate UCS positions on sustainable food systems, agriculture and climate, antibiotic resistance, and agricultural biotechnology to Congress and the executive branch; participate in the development of UCS policy positions; prepare written material for advocacy purposes; and participate in outreach, membership, and activist-related activities in support of program and organizational goals.
Responsibilities:
· Establish and maintain effective working relationships with Congressional representatives and staff, administration officials, and advocates from other nonprofit organizations
· Contribute to the development of policies and legislative initiatives, particularly in the context of the farm bill, promoting and supporting UCS goals and enlist support for these initiatives from the Congress, administration, and public-interest allies
· Monitor the progress of legislation and policies in Congress and at federal agencies, respectively
· Working with the outreach coordinator, design and lead legislative and executive branch campaigns to win approval of progressive legislation and policies that reflect UCS’s policy goals
· Represent UCS to the media and general public
· Write testimony, fact sheets, briefing papers, op-ed pieces, letters, comments, articles for UCS print publications and web, and other material as needed for advocacy
Qualifications:
· Thorough understanding of the Congressional legislative and administration policy-making processes
· Knowledge of advocacy/lobbying techniques and strategies, including planning and implementing effective issue campaigns
· Broad knowledge of sustainable food systems, agriculture and climate, agricultural biotechnology, farm bill programs, and/or antibiotic-resistance issues
· Strong analytical and project management skills
· Excellent speaking and writing skills and a strong commitment to advocacy
· B.S. or B.A. degree, at a minimum - an advanced degree is preferred but not essential.
Experience:
· Five to seven years of progressively responsible legislative or lobbying experience at the national or state level on environmental, agricultural, or other science policy issues
· Experience in public-interest advocacy campaigns and policy analysis, including demonstrated success in designing and leading legislative and executive branch campaigns
· Demonstrated commitment to advocacy
· Proven competence in science or technical policy subject matter and proven oral and written communication skills
· Experience working in cross-disciplinary and cross-departmental advocacy campaigns
A background in agriculture, biology, food policy, or environmental science; experience working on the farm bill; and NGO experience are preferred but not essential.
To apply: Before October 15, please submit a cover letter with salary requirements and how you learned of the position and resume via email to jobs(at)ucsusa.org [1] and include “Washington Representative” in the subject line. Email materials in Word documents only. No phone calls.