Director, Science Policy; Union of Concerned Scientists) Union of Concerned Scientists

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:

• Sciencein the service of people and the planet.
• Justice and Equityfor people of all races and incomes—now, and for future generations.
• Courageto take principled, science-based stands in the public arena.
• Integrityto always examine evidence critically, openly, and honestly.
• Democracypromotes a voice forall in government decisions.
• Actioninspiringandmobilizingpeople to build a healthier, safer, and more just world.

The Director of Science Policyis responsible foradvancingrigorous, independent scienceat UCSand enhancing UCS’s effectiveness and visibilityin developing evidence-based solutions and advocacy for a healthy, safe, and just future.

This position exists to provide leadership,guidance, and project management on UCS strategies to bring scientists and robust science to bear on strengthening public policies and enhance UCS’ presence and reputation in the scientific community.

Scope includes but is not limited to emerging issues that do not fit well into existing programs,and strategic opportunities to strengthen UCSprominence and connections inthe scientific community.

The position provides input on longer-term directions for UCS to ensurescience-based advocacy,communications and analysis.

• Provide leadership, guidance, and coordination of UCS strategies to bring scientists and robust science to bearin UCS research, advocacy, and communications.
• Lead and support organization-wide strategic initiatives and UCS-relevant rapid response activities and communications thatdon’tfit squarely within a UCS program or campaign
• Provide counsel to the President, Vice President for Programs, Policy, and Advocacy, the Executive Team, and the UCS Board of Directors on scientific and strategic issues of priority concern, including troubleshooting, and assessing possible emerging opportunities for UCS engagement with the scientific community.
• Identify and lead UCS initiatives to advance UCS scientists and analysts’effectivenessandprofessional growthin the scientific community.

• Cultivate andmaintainstrong relationships with key scientists, leaders, and science policy experts in academia, government, NGOs, and relevant scientific societies and institutions.
• Represent UCS and enhance UCS participation and standing in prominent scientific and science policy spaces, such as scientific society conferences, Congressional activities, and National Academies events.
• Encourage andfacilitatethe introduction of members ofUCS’scientific community to these networks and individuals.
• As appropriate, lead and/orparticipatein major external scientific initiatives.
• Advise senior staff leadership in the deployment, coordination, and opportunities to strengthen UCS’s networks of physical, natural, social, and health scientists, engineers, and economists,…