Science Ambassador Fellow

Science Ambassador Fellow 

TERM: 2-year fellowship 

Programs, Policy, and Advocacy Department 

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.  

The Position 

As part of Science Rising, the UCS Science Ambassador Fellow will work to enhance UCS visibility, recruitment, engagement, and power-building efforts to advance Science Rising, organizational, and programmatic goals. The Fellow will establish, support, and coordinate a new UCS Science Ambassador project for both UCS staff and Science Network experts, and serve as a public-facing science ambassador advancing Science Rising goals for UCS. The Fellow will also lead, coordinate, and/or support UCS and Science Network participation in high-value solidarity events (e.g., mass mobilizations); Science Rising national calls and trainings; and other events and activities that elevate the profile and visibility of Science Rising and UCS generally. Science Rising is a UCS-led initiative dedicated to mobilizing the scientific community to protect democracy and counter authoritarianism.

Responsibilities 

• Establish, support, and coordinate a new UCS Science Ambassador project, including conducting a landscape analysis, recruiting and training a cohort of Science Network experts, and tracking and communicating progress.

• Establish, support, and coordinate a parallel effort for UCS staff to act as ambassadors for Science Rising.

• Act as a leading public-facing ambassador for UCS/Science Rising, including presenting to and engaging with key audiences, representing UCS in coalitions and events, and blogging or speaking to the media.

• Lead, coordinate, and/or support UCS and UCS supporter participation in high-value solidarity events (e.g., No Kings mobilizations) 

• Lead the planning and logistics coordination for Science Rising National Calls, including a robust recruitment and follow-up plan for each.

• Identify and support opportunities for mobilizing Science Network experts and UCS supporters. 

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience  

• Scientific background: advanced degree in a scientific field, or an undergraduate degree in a scientific field plus additional experience.

• Strong science communication, project management, and organizational skills. 

• Event organizing experience (virtual and in-person).

• Volunteer management experience and/or organizing experience.

• Ability to manage multiple projects at once and adapt and respond to fast-changing campaign needs.

• Ability to work independently, balance a multitude of tasks, and collaborate as a member of a multidisciplinary team. 

• Ability to collaborate and communicate with a diverse array of individuals, including professionals who may be experts and/or prominent in their field.

• Commitment to problem-solving and being solutions-oriented.

• Strong self-awareness, humility, and emotional intelligence. 

• Knowledge and familiarity with racial equity and inclusion principles and ways that race and other identities intersect with our work, particularly in scientific, policymaking, and environmental communities. Must be comfortable talking about identities such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, class, ability, and its present-day implications.

• Experience with and commitment to building relationships while centering equity and inclusion. 

Physical Requirements 

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time.  

• Continuously operate a computer and must have the ability to control a mouse and keyboard.   

• Communicate in verbal and written formats with internal staff and external constituents.  

Work Schedule

Regular business hours, which may vary depending on time zone. Occasional work outside of standard hours for events, travel, or time-sensitive matters is required.

Travel Requirements

Regular travel to events, conferences, speaking engagements, and UCS offices is required (on average once a month).

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 is $109,232.02. 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

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 that 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. Union of Concerned Scientists will notify candidates for employment of the requirements of this policy before the start of employment. 

Deadline: Until filled