Program Assistant, Center for Science and Democracy

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. The Center for Science and Democracy (The Center) at UCS works to strengthen the essential role of science, evidence-based knowledge, and constructive debate in the U.S. policymaking process on issues from climate change to toxic chemical exposure to drug safety. We are a small, ambitious, and creative team that believes science can help inform solutions to society’s most pressing challenges. The program assistant is the Center’s backbone, providing administrative, logistical, outreach, and basic research support to promote the effectiveness of the entire team. Responsibilities include:

• Completing program administrative needs, including correspondence, travel, meetings, invoices, and information sharing
• Organizing events and supporting the implementation of outreach strategies
• Representing the Center at meetings and conferences
• Coordinating planning processes and retreats
• Overseeing the development and distribution of reports, fact sheets, and other materials
• Keeping on track of the news related to established and emerging issues related to science and democracy, and performing basic research to determine where we are best positioned to weigh in

Qualifications and Experience

A bachelor’s degree is preferred. One to two years of comparable experience as a program, administrative, or research assistant is required. Self-motivation, good interpersonal and communication skills, and attention to detail are essential for this position, as are strong administrative and organizational skills and the capacity to work on multiple projects at one time.

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

You may spend extended periods at computer terminal, but you will have extensive contact with your colleagues. Limited overnight travel of less than five days per year may be required.

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 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 $41,800. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter referencing how you learned about the position and why you want to work for us, along with resume, salary requirements, and one non-academic writing sample via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include “Center Program Assistant” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please. Deadline: October 17, 2018 or until filled.