Program Associate

Company: Union of Concerned Scientists
Location: Cambridge
Posted on: January 22, 2023

Job Description:

DescriptionProgram Associate Food & Environment Program Remote Bargaining Unit Position: Yes Our organization The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent nonprofit that puts rigorous, independent science into action, developing solutions and advocating for a healthy, safe, and just future. We envision a peaceful, healthy, and just world where science serves people and the planet by guiding policy decisions, reducing risks, and improving lives. For over five decades, we have been working as scientists, engineers, economists, advocates, and everyday people to create and advocate for innovative, practical solutions to some of our planet's most pressing problems-from combating global warming and developing sustainable ways to feed, power, and transport ourselves, to fighting disinformation, advancing racial equity, and reducing the threat of nuclear war. Values informing our work include:

• Science in the service of people and the planet.
• Justice and Equity for people of all races and incomes-now, and for future generations.
• Courage to take principled, science-based stands in the public arena.
• Integrity to always examine evidence critically, openly, and honestly.
• Democracy to promote a voice for all in government decisions.
• Action inspiring and mobilizing people to build a healthier, safer, and more just world. The Food & Environment Program works to create a sustainable and equitable food system that makes farmland resilient to climate change and other challenges, produces healthy food for all, protects frontline food workers, and contributes to thriving rural and urban communities. Our talented interdisciplinary team of 16 scientists, advocates, communicators, and campaigners collaborates to build impactful campaigns to advance our food system goals. UCS is seeking a Program Associate for the Food and Environment Program (F&E). Working closely with the Operations Manager, the Program Associate will provide administrative, communication, outreach, and research support to the Food and Environment Program team. Support the Operations Manager with budget and effectiveness tracking, scheduling, and, coordination of internal meetings and events, and lead in select areas of program administration and operations. Support the Program Director, managing travel, calendar, and expenditures. Assist with event coordination and special projects as requested. Responsibilities General program and administrative support
  • Schedule meetings and manage program calendars.
  • Take notes during meetings and ensure follow-up.
  • Support and participate in annual and ongoing strategy and planning discussions.
  • Assist the Operations Manager in monthly reporting of program activities.
  • Support the Operations Manager in coordinating retreats including associated travel and logistics.
  • Provide administrative support to the Director, helping manage calendar and scheduling travel. Manage and submit travel expenses for payment.
  • In coordination with the Operations Manager and finance department, ensure timely payment of consultants and contract invoices and management.
  • Assist with onboarding new employees.
  • Track supplies of program publications.
  • Maintain sensitive and confidential information with discretion. Outreach team support
    • Assist with preparation of online action alerts and monitoring response rates.
    • Coordinate event and conference logistics by making travel arrangements, invitations, and developing itineraries.
    • Assist outreach staff with web-based and social media engagement efforts. Research team support
      • Assist with research and data organization requested by staff scientists and analysts.
      • Assist with the preparation, proofreading, publishing, and release of program reports. Team culture, equity, and inclusion
        • Assist with special projects to help the team apply UCS equity and inclusion commitments to the program's work.
        • Engage with other UCS programs and departments to coordinate learning and identify mechanisms and strategies that can contribute to building a welcoming and more inclusive workplace culture at UCS.
        • Contribute to F&E's discussions on the evaluation of progress toward racial equity and inclusion in the department. RequirementsQualifications and Experience Position requires careful attention to detail, excellent interpersonal skills, familiarity with office operations, competence with research tools, and intermediate level skills in basic office software including word processing spreadsheets, and database use/maintenance. Strong written and oral communication skills, excellent administrative and organizational skills, ability to work independently and as part of a group are also required. Position requires at least two years of comparable experience as an administrative, executive or research assistant. Demonstrated administrative and research skills are necessary. Experience balancing competing priorities is a plus. Experience managing budgets or contracts, conducting research, and maintaining databases strongly preferred. Familiarity with food and agriculture issues is helpful but not required. At UCS, comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate. May spend extended periods at computer. Limited required travel (up to 6 overnights per year). UCS is an equal opportunity employer actively 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 believe the inclusion of culturally diverse perspectives will improve our work and produce better societal and environmental outcomes for all, including historically disenfranchised communities. BenefitsDetails: This is a full-time remote position. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary range is $53,781-$60,500. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment. *CA Resident Only, we offer a 12% salary differential* Information about the organization is available at http://www.ucsusa.org. Comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate. More about the team: Our team is made up of a dedicated group of researchers, scientists, communicators, campaigners, and advocates from wide-ranging backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and a collaborative and supportive work environment where all staff can thrive. We continually strive to create an environment which is a welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, parents, empty-nesters, and people with a wide variety of interests and backgrounds. To Apply: We know there are great candidates who won't check all of these boxes, and we also know you might bring important skills that we haven't considered. If that's you, don't hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself. Please upload a cover letter and resume. 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. This position is in the bargaining unit. Covid Mandate for New Hires: For in office roles, UCS employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Employees are considered fully vaccinated as defined by the CDC. All new hires who will be reporting to an office location must provide notice of their vaccination status and vaccination documentation, on or before their first day of work. For all others, UCS strongly encourages full vaccinations among its employees, up to and including booster shots, even if working remotely. All new employees must comply with the mandatory vaccination requirements outlined in UCS policies as soon as practicable. Union of Concerned Scientists will notify candidates for employment of the requirements of this policy before the start of employment. Deadline: until filled

Keywords: Union of Concerned Scientists, Cambridge , Program Associate, Accounting, Auditing , Cambridge, Massachusetts