Campaign Manager

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent national nonprofit whose scientists and engineers work to solve some of our planet’s most pressing environmental and safety problems. UCS combines technical analysis and effective organizing and advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for stemming the tide of global warming, sustainable food policy and agriculture, energy and transportation, fighting misinformation and reducing the threat of catastrophic nuclear war.

Within that mission, the Food and Environment (F&E) program is working towards our vision of a just, equitable, & sustainable food system, from farm to fork. The F&E Campaign Manager uses their knowledge of food and agriculture policy and coordinates the team’s outreach activities to successfully advocate for policy changes at the local to national levels. Responsible for contributing to the overall campaign strategy and setting priorities to generate a successful, high visibility, and high impact campaign for the F&E team. Works collaboratively to ensure good integration between advocacy, outreach, analytic, and media activities. Monitors and assesses changing conditions and adjusts tactics and priorities accordingly.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic outreach to advance the F&E program’s goals
  • Develop overall campaign strategy, set priorities, establish metrics, and implement systems to generate a successful, high visibility, and high impact campaign.
  • Analyze opportunities, develop measurable goals and strategies, build target lists, and develop and execute tactics for advocating with the public and decision-makers.
  • Lead efforts to organize, mobilize, and energize our members and experts. Ensure our engagement strategy prioritizes outreach to experts from diverse backgrounds.
• Manage internal coordination and staff activities
  • Ensure all campaign elements are coordinated to ensure successful outcomes.
  • Track metrics regarding success of outreach efforts to demonstrate the campaign’s impact.
• Coordinate outreach activities with other UCS programs and departments
  • Plan and lead outreach to, relationship building with, and organization of stakeholders including farmers, scientists, and grassroots/community groups.
  • Manage relationships with allies and represent F&E with allies and coalitions and at public events and conferences.
• Maintain knowledge of science and policy issues and of outreach methods.
  • Maintain and update working knowledge of food and agriculture science and policy and the associated racial equity and social justice issues and implications.
  • Stay informed about national policy developments and implementation of federal rules as well as new organizing tools and methods to influence national policy.

Qualifications and Experience

Position prefers a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and requires seven to ten years of comparable and relevant experience. Requires demonstrated capabilities in tasks such as: conceiving campaign strategies and tactics; planning and implementing effective outreach campaigns; building coalitions, partnerships, and stakeholder engagement; organizing activists; and coordinating events. Prefers skill with managing teams, balancing multiple projects, and flexibly responding to fast-changing priorities. Requires highly developed interpersonal skills to collaborate as a member of a multidisciplinary team and communicate effectively with stakeholders from a wide range of backgrounds, including representatives of marginalized communities, grassroots coalition partners, scientific experts, and policymakers.

Knowledge of policy topics related to food, nutrition, and agriculture is required; experience with the farm bill is a bonus. An ability to work with scientists to translate scientific content for lay audiences and an understanding of basic relevant scientific principles are preferred. Experience with organizing in and with marginalized communities is preferred; an understanding of racial equity, social justice, and workforce issues related to the food system is required.

May spend extended periods at computer terminal. Travel up to 20% time.

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

UCS is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff. In particular, 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've adopted this commitment because 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. We are actively seeking people who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us in this work.

Compensation, Hours and Location: This is a full-time position based in UCS’s Washington, DC office. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary is around $66,500 annualized. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, salary requirements, and how you learned about the position via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include “Food System Campaign Manager” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls, please. Deadline: June 8, 2018, or until filled.