Program Associate – Cambridge, MA

Organization: Union of Concerned Scientists

Position Title: Program Associate

Location: Cambridge, MA

Hours & Compensation: Full-time. Mid-high $30,000s.

Application Deadline: April 21, 2013.

Posted On: March 28, 2013.

Organization Overview:

The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet’s most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.

What began as a collaboration between students and faculty members at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1969 is now an alliance of more than 400,000 citizens and scientists. UCS members are people from all walks of life: parents and businesspeople, biologists and physicists, teachers and students. Our members understand that scientific analysis—not political calculations or corporate hype—should guide our efforts to secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices.

Our experts work on some of the most complex and daunting problems in our history: stemming the tide of global warming, finding sustainable ways to feed, power and transport ourselves, and reducing the threat of catastrophic war. Our achievements over the decades show that thoughtful action based on the best available science can help safeguard our future and the future of our planet.

Description: 

The Center for Science and Democracy (CSD) at the Union of Concerned Scientists is seeking a highly motivated and qualified individual to promote the Center’s mission for advancing the esssential role of science, evidence-based knowledge, and constructive debate as a means to improve the health, security, and prosperity of all people. Under the direction of the CSD Program Manager and Senior Analyst, and working with other CSD staff, the program associate will provide administrative, budget, research, communications, and outreach support to the goals and projects of the Center.

Responsibilities:

• Provides general program administration and logistical support, including compiling information, routine correspondence, travel and meeting arrangements, scheduling, reimbursements, event support, etc.
• Provides administrative support for the CSD Director with regard to scheduling, travel, meeting preparation, communications, and other tasks as required.
• Supports production, publication, and dissemination of CSD reports, including reports, fact sheets, and calendars, and other materials and mailings. Coordinates calendar of program events and deadlines, and compiles CSD updates.
• With direction from the Program Manager and CSD Director, supports the devlopment of program budget, and monitors program expenditures and tracks project schedules and staff times.
• Helps develop and disseminate information to keep interested scientists and citizens informed and to support their advocacy for essential role of evidence-based decisions to democratic processes.
• Provides logistical support for and participates in events such as skill-building workshops, community meetings, and scientific society meetings.
• Supports web, database, and library research on selected science and democracy issues to support program work and funding proposals.
• Gathers information and performs analysis to support other staff in responding to requests from the media, Congress, coalition partners, and others. Contributes to larger research projects conducted by other CSD staff, if needed.
• Monitors CSD web pages, suggesting and coordinating the posting of updates and new materials.
• Maintains familiarity with other UCS programs and coordinates CSD’s work with other departments. Maintains flexibility to be able to quickly shift priorities based on program needs.

Qualifications:

• Two to four years of relevant experience as a program, administrative, or research assistant, and a bachelor’s degree is required.
• Applicants should have strong administrative and organizational skills, experience in balancing competing priorities, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• The position requires self-motivation, good interpersonal skills, attention to detail, familiarity with office operations, and excellent skills in word processing, web research, and database use/maintenance.
• Strong written and oral communication skills are important.
• A background in science, political science, communications, or business management is preferred.
• Familiarity with the role of science in policy-making and/or environmental/public health/public safety issues is helpful, but not required.

How to Apply:

Please submit a cover letter, salary requirements, how you learned about the position, and resume via email to [email protected] and include “CSD Program Associate” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please.

Contact Information:

Union of Concerned Scientists, http://www.ucsusa.org

Two Brattle Square, Cambridge, MA 02138

Job URL: http://www.idealist.org/view/job/w7nJSB5gpGW4/