Policy Director

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 Center for Science & Democracy (CSD) 

The Center for Science and Democracy works to make sure that government decisions are informed by the best possible science and evidence, free from political interference, and responsive to diverse community voices. We put science and scientists into action to strengthen US democracy by working for more fair and inclusive elections and processes of governance.  Our ultimate aim is that the systems, structures, institutions and practices that govern the American people, places, and environments are evidence-based and serve the broadest public good.   

THE POSITION 

The Policy Director leads the Center for Science and Democracy’s (CSD) efforts to develop, socialize, and implement strategic policy objectives at the federal level, and in key states as needed.  They play a leading role in coordinating analysts, advocacy and outreach staff contributions to achieve our federal and state campaign goals.  The Policy Director advocates for CSD’s policy agendas with Congress, the Executive Branch, state governments, non-governmental organizations, industry and other allied groups.  They represent UCS in coalitions, before media and the public. They manage policy staff in executing government affairs activities. The Policy Director serves as part of senior leadership team for the program and is involved in program wide management around strategy, mission and vision development, and operations.   

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