Union of Concerned Scientists_Expert Engagement Intern

Location: Washington, DC Office

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is the leading science-based nonprofit working for a healthy environment and a safer world. UCS combines independent scientific research and citizen action to develop innovative, practical solutions and to secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices. What began as a collaboration between students and faculty members at MIT in 1969 is now an alliance of more than 300,000 citizens and scientists that includes people from all walks of life: parents and businesspeople, biologists and physicists, teachers and students.

UCS strives for a future that is free from the threats of global warming and nuclear war and a planet that supports a rich diversity of life. Our specific focus areas include global warming, renewable energy, advanced vehicle technology, nuclear power safety, nuclear weapons and related security issues, preserving the integrity of science, and sustainable agriculture.

The Internship
The Expert Engagement intern will work with the UCS Outreach Facilitator and other UCS outreach staff to engage scientists and other experts in the work of the organization. The intern will focus particularly on opportunities to recruit and engage early- career scientists and graduate students. The intern’s duties include but are not limited to supporting the organization’s presence at professional society meetings; identifying opportunities to recruit scientists to our network through online and offline organizing initiatives; implementing outreach activities to build scientists’ connections to UCS; maintaining/updating our web pages; and managing/entering contacts.

Responsibilities

• assisting in our outreach efforts to scientists, particularly graduate students and other early-career scientists, in a range of scientific disciplines
• developing online materials, including email alerts, event invitations, web pages, etc.
• creating social networking opportunities
• helping plan and host UCS events, in-person or online
• assisting in developing long-term strategy for on-going recruitment and engagement
• working with program staff throughout the organization to support expert engagement activities

Basic knowledge and experience
This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience in outreach and organizing, as well as gain exposure to the work of UCS on a range of environmental, health, and security issues. Candidates interested in the intersection of science and public policy are encouraged to apply.

Excellent organizational skills, attention to detail, strong oral and written communication skills, organizing experience, and proficiency with computers. Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, and Outlook; Google Docs; as well as database and graphic manipulation software strongly preferred. Familiarity with Convio or website content management systems and online action tools a plus, but not required. Also needed are excellent personal relation skills including an ability to work both independently and in teams, and to interact professionally with individuals, including scientists, with a wide range of skills and responsibilities.

Compensation, hours and duration
This is a full time internship through September 28, 2012, based in UCS’s Washington, DC office. The Union of Concerned Scientists provides a monthly stipend between $1,733 and $2,600 to interns based on level of education.  UCS is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff.

To Apply
Please submit a cover letter and resume via email to internship@ucsusa.org and include “Expert Engagement Intern” in the subject line. Please also add in your cover letter where you heard about the position.  Email materials by Word or PDF only.  No phone calls.     Deadline: February 17, 2012 or until filled.