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Communications Officer
Two-year position
Communications Department
Union of Concerned Scientists
Washington, DC office preferred; Cambridge, Mass., Oakland, Calif., and Chicago, Ill. offices also considered
The Position
The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent national nonprofit that uses science to protect our health, safety, and environment. We are scientists, engineers, economists, activists and everyday people who develop and advocate for innovative, practical solutions to some of our planets most pressing problemsfrom combating global warming and developing sustainable ways to feed, power, and transport ourselves, to fighting misinformation, advancing racial equity, and reducing the threat of nuclear war.
UCS is looking for a smart, energetic, cross-channel strategist to serve as the key communications point person for one or two UCS campaigns, including our Global Security campaign, which is focused on reducing the risks of a nuclear war. The two-year position will develop proactive and reactive media strategies to help achieve our campaign goals through raising the visibility of our experts, issues, and products with a wide range of audiences. This position requires someone with a great news sense, excellent writing skills, a knack for collaborating well with others, and the ability to work under tight timelines while juggling multiple tasks.
Responsibilities
Position will serve as communications point person for one or more UCS campaigns but must maintain flexibility to jump on visibility opportunities that may arise for other issue areas.
In service of campaign goals, develop proactive and reactive media strategies to obtain widespread media coverage for UCS, our experts, positions, and analysis in targeted print, radio, online, television, and video news outlets, as well as podcasts.
Write and distribute press releases, op-eds, factsheets, pitch letters, LTEs, staff bios, backgrounders, tweets, and other press materials.
In collaboration with campaign, social media and web staff, develop cross-channel communications strategies and tactics (social media, email, SMS, digital ads, web, etc.) to support campaign visibility efforts.
Develop talking points and soundbites for UCS experts.
Train UCS staff, scientists, and activists on successful media techniques and strategies.
With campaign team, develop/refine target outlets, monitor press coverage, and proactively look for opportunities to create new stories or to insert UCS and our experts developing coverage.
Establish relationships with members of press corps through email, twitter, phone, and in-person meetings to promote opportunities for positive reporting on UCS activities, positions, and experts.
Use tracking tools (e.g. Cision, social media tracking) to develop strategies, monitor success and contribute to quarterly impact reporting.
Qualifications and Experience
Position requires a minimum of five to seven years experience in media relations or journalism. Excellent writing and communication skill required. Experience writing press releases, op-eds, and other press materials. Proven ability to identify and exploit media opportunities and develop messages and sound bites. Demonstrated experience in cross-channel communications strategy in service of an advocacy campaign strongly preferred.
Little or no exertion required. May spend extended periods at computer. Clear speech required.
Some travel 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, were dedicated to broadening opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy. Were 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 temporary, two-year-time position, preferably based in UCSs Washington, DC office. But candidates wishing to work out of one of our other officesin Cambridge, Mass., Oakland, Calif., or Chicago, Ill.will also be considered. For candidates who meet all position requirements, the annual salary is around $60,000. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment. Information about the organization is available at http://www.ucsusa.org. A listing of all open jobs is available at https://www.ucsusa.org/about/jobs-ucs.
To Apply: Please upload a cover letter, resume, and three writing samples. In the cover letter, please confirm that the listed salary meets your expectations. Upload materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls, please.
Deadline: January 6, 2020 or until filled.
