Program Associate at the Center for Science and Democracy

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 essential 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 at the Cambridge, MA office, the program associate will  provide administrative, budget, research, communications, 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 development 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 of other departments. Maintains flexibility to be able to quickly shift priorities based on program needs.

Qualifications and experience: 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.

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

Compensation, Hours and Location: This is a full time position based in UCS’s Cambridge, MA, office. For candidates who meet all position requirements, the salary is in the mid-high $30,000s. UCS offers excellent benefits and is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff and to broaden opportunities for individuals from demogrpahic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy.

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, salary requirements, how you learned about the position and resume via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include “CSD Program Associate” in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please. Deadline: April 21 or until filled.