Outreach Coordinator

Outreach Coordinator

Permanent

Clean Transportation

Union of Concerned Scientists

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.

UCS’s Clean Transportation Program

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is seeking an outreach coordinator.

The Transportation Sector is the largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the United States, responsible for 28% of the nation’s global warming emissions. Additionally, our current transportation system is responsible for harmful emissions that degrade air quality and public health, and current transportation infrastructure limits transportation options. The Clean Transportation Program works to transform the transportation system to one that protects public health and our climate; provides affordable, convenient access to all; and prioritizes benefits to historically marginalized communities.

The Position Summary of Responsibilities

Under the direction of the Campaign Manager, the Outreach Coordinator will conceive of, develop, and implement outreach activities to advance the policy agenda of the Clean Transportation Program. They are responsible for recruiting and training Science Network leaders; mobilizing scientists, experts, and a network of over half a million supporters and activists; coordinating with national and regional coalitions; and building new strategic partnerships. They will communicate the results and implications of UCS research to the public, increasing visibility of public-facing messages through social and traditional media channels. Working with lobbyists and analytic staff in the program, they will advance clean transportation federal and state policy objectives including pushing for strong light-duty vehicle standards and clean fuels policies, supporting equitable electric vehicle infrastructure investments, and organizing in states to further their progress towards transportation system-wide emission-reduction goals.

General Duties and Responsibilities

The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position are included in but not limited to the information listed below**:**

UCS is committed to building an inclusive workplace culture where talented people of widely diverse backgrounds can thrive. We believe the inclusion of diverse perspectives will improve our work and produce better societal and environmental outcomes for all, including historically disenfranchised communities. All staff participate in this commitment whether internally, in building a welcoming workplace culture and /or externally, in ensuring inclusive engagement with supporters, media, vendors, allies and others.

Outreach Responsibilities:

• Conceive of, develop, and implement outreach tactics to advance strategic campaigns to improve equitable mobility and cut emissions from the transportation sector. Identify opportunities to mobilize supporters for online and offline action.
• Represent UCS in coalition spaces. Cultivate new constituencies and build relationships with key allies, including public health, labor, and racial and social justice organizations. Engage with existing partners to further campaign objectives.
• Mobilize UCS activists, experts, and donors to take online and offline action that advances our campaign objectives. Working with the Communications team, help to implement online tactics including action alert emails, social media communication and engagement, web content, and webinars. Respond to program-related questions from UCS activists and experts.
• Recruit and engage experts and grasstops supporters in support of federal campaigns, especially diverse and historically under-represented constituencies in STEM. Identify those individuals who have compelling stories to tell and who have access and influence with key decision-makers. Build personal relationships with supporters who can take high-level, offline actions. Work with supporters to hone their science, communication and advocacy skills to develop their leadership.
• Attend events and conferences to promote UCS and the Clean Transportation Program, effectively communicating to the general public as well as scientific, expert, and academic community. Staff the UCS booth or table at events and engage potential new supporters on UCS priorities.
• Promote major UCS analytic and communications products to online audiences and contribute to web and social media strategy to utilize UCS products for general public education on CT issues and policies.
• Contribute to the Clean Transportations program’s growth to include transportation equity considerations in our current and future campaigns.
• Support UCS internal efforts to create an anti-racist and inclusive work environment. Contribute to the creation of a culture in which all staff on the CT team are safe, respected, and heeded. Participate in program-wide processes and individual activities to advance internal JEDI efforts.

Advocacy and Research Support:

• Maintain content knowledge on CT priority issues by reading articles, listening to briefings and webinars, and attending events. Flag relevant and timely information of potential use for rapid response, media or supporter engagement, and UCS blogs.
• When needed, conduct web-based research on relevant issues and lay of the land, influence mapping policymaker targets, and the automotive and fuels industries.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Provide administrative support as needed for the Clean Transportation Program Director and the Clean Transportation team, including database maintenance, electronic file storage, print publication collection, and processing financial transactions.
• Update advocacy impact and metrics regularly.