Outreach Assistant (One-year internship)

Outreach Assistant

One-year Internship

Food & Environment

Washington, DC Office

The Position

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.

This is a one-year internship from November 2017 – November 2018 providing outreach, logistical, and research assistance. Your work will support UCS’s advocacy efforts for better local food policies, funding to support sustainable agriculture, and preserving conservation and nutrition programs. You will assist with outreach to agricultural scientists, public health experts, and activists. You’ll also coordinate travel and event logistics, conduct research as needed, and help with special projects.

Responsibilities

·         Help recruit new expert supporters for UCS, communicating regularly with supporters and allies, and engaging supporters in policy advocacy.

·         Recruit and engage diverse scientists, economists, and other experts

·         Provide logistical and outreach support for events and activities at conferences

·         Assist with updates and alerts to the UCS Science Network and activist list.

·         Conduct research as requested by staff scientists and analysts, in support of reports, fact sheets, and advocacy materials.

·         Write for UCS publications as directed.

Qualifications and experience

Attention to detail, excellent interpersonal skills, ability to juggle multiple tasks and projects, familiarity with office operations, and skills in basic office software including databases. Strong written and oral communication skills; excellent administrative, research, and organizational skills; ability to work independently and as part of a group are also required. Completed Bachelor's degree preferred.

Experience with issue campaigns and engaging diverse public audiences strongly preferred. Interest in science and familiarity with food and agriculture issues is helpful, but required. Competence with online engagement tools, spreadsheets, databases, and research tools preferred.

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

May spend extended periods at computer. Very occasionally move heavy boxes. Occasional travel may be required (1-5 total nights over the course of the internship).

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 one-year full-time internship based in UCS’s Washington, DC office. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary is $34,320. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment. Information about the organization is available at http://www.ucsusa.org