Washington Representative

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.

You’re a talented Washington Representative with a strategic mind and excellent communication skills who wants to help shape federal policy on climate and energy, specifically as it relates to clean energy infrastructure, finance, electricity markets and RD&D. You’ll advocate with authorizers, appropriators and executive branch agencies, work in coalition with other non-governmental organizations and stakeholders, and help us transform the national energy landscape.

Responsibilities

• Working with the Director of Government Affairs, help develop and implement campaign strategy for national energy policy, focusing on education and outreach to policymakers and DC stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with congressional representatives, committees, and their staff, as well as administration and agency officials.
• Provide UCS input into legislation and regulatory policy. Monitor and assist bill and regulatory progress. Working with UCS scientists and analyists, help write and edit materials for use on the Hill.
• Work in coalition with trade associations, consumer organizations, the broader science and environmental community, and business, labor, faith and health stakeholders.
• Manage rapid response requests in collaboration with UCS experts and program staff
• Help respond to press inquiries on selected climate and energy issues, and maintain effective working relationships with press representatives who cover Congress on relevant issues.
• Help train UCS experts and activists to do effective constituent meetings.
• Maintain working knowledge of clean energy and climate policy issues and legislation including energy tax credits, renewables mandates, grid modernization and energy storage, and DOE appropriations. Awareness of other emissions reductions policies is helpful.

Qualifications and experience

This position requires 5 to 7 years of full time legislative or advocacy experience at the federal or state level. Proven advocacy and communication skills and experience working either in Congress or for NGOs working to influence governmental decision-making.

Position requires knowledge of the legislative process, legislative strategy, as well as familiarity with relevant Congressional committees. Good working knowledge of the Executive branch and relevant agencies like DOE is also important, as is a good working knowledge of the federal appropriations process.

Understanding of effective issue campaign development, advocacy techniques and strategy is essential.

Background and policy expertise in clean energy and climate change is strongly preferred, as are skills in public speaking and written communication.

A bachelor’s degree is required, with advanced degree in related field desirable. Training or experience in supervision and project management is also desirable.

Proficiency in word processing and database software is required. Success and experience with social media strongly preferred.

May spend extended periods at computer with a sit-to-stand desk. Seven to ten nights overnight travel per year is required.

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 $58,500. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment. Information about the organization is available at http://www.ucsusa.org

To Apply: Please email a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, how you learned about the position via email to jobs@ucsusa.org with “C&E Washington Rep” in the subject line. Materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please. Deadline: May 28, 2018 or until filled.