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.