Union of Concerned Scientists

Role Description The Strategic Communications Officer develops and helps implement strategies and tactics to maximize communication impact and earned media for UCS issues, experts, and products. This position leads the coordination of program and campaign team communications; is responsible for ensuring a steady drumbeat of activities are completed that advance goals across a variety of channels including digital, print, and multimedia; and balances and prioritizes overall communications work in ways that best advance campaign goals and needs. UCS employees center their work on UCS’s core values of racial equity and environmental justice. They work collaboratively to ensure the effective operations of the program/department, center anti-racism and equity in internal and external work, and foster a welcoming, inclusive, and transparent environment where all staff can thrive and grow. Responsibilities - Strategic Communications and Project Management - In collaboration with program/campaign and communications team members, develops and implements communication/media strategies to ensure the right mix of analyses, publications, blogs, online resources, earned media, creative formats, engagement opportunities, and marketing channels are used to advance strategies, reach key audiences, create newsworthy products, and help achieve campaign goals. - Convenes quarterly strategy meetings to map out priority activities, analyses, and leverage points. Identifies and fills gaps, to ensure a regular drumbeat of campaign visibility/engagement. - Helps identify, scope, manage and deliver final communications projects in collaboration with the creative, digital, and editorial teams. - Collaborates with communications and program/campaign colleagues to co-create and ensure completion of messaging and other program/campaign communications documents. - Actively participates in annual program planning and provides feedback to inform communications strategy development and implementation. - Serves as primary communications department contact and liaison for campaign/program staff. - Media Relations - Establishes relationships with journalists to garner coverage of UCS issues, experts and products in print, radio, TV, and podcast news outlets. - Pitches stories, promptly responds to interview requests, and identifies opportunities to insert UCS into the news cycle. - Ensures the writing, editing and distribution of media materials including alerts, press releases, statements, op-eds, letters to the editor, and talking points. - Represents UCS campaigns in coalitions, assisting with communications content and strategy. - Writing and Editing - In collaboration with the editorial and web teams, writes, edits, publishes, and maintains accurate web content, ensuring it meets UCS standards. - Reviews digital, editorial, and creative team copy for social media posts, video scripts, and other projects. - Tracking and Analysis - Tracks UCS press hits and impact of communications strategies. Contributes to ongoing metrics reporting to internal stakeholders. - Other Duties as Assigned - Maintains understanding of UCS issues and positions, communication strategies, and editorial standards. - Maintains awareness of role as representative of UCS; ensures activities and statements enhance organization’s reputation and credentials among press, public, funders, and private sectors; and advances organizational objectives. - People Management Authority - Manage communications consultants for specific projects as needed. Qualifications - 5-7 years of experience in content creation, media outreach, and communications strategy across multiple channels. - Strong writing, editing, and interpersonal communication skills. - Superior project management and collaboration skills. - Strong interpersonal, leadership, problem-solving, and mentoring skills. - Strong facilitation skills with the ability to interact with staff at all levels. - Must be proficient with the PC/Windows environment, especially MS Word. Requirements - Bachelor’s degree or equivalent preferred. - Familiarity with CMS such as Drupal and WordPress. - Familiarity with media outreach platforms such as Cision. - Familiarity with Google Analytics, and SEO best practices. - Communications experience at a nonprofit or advocacy organization. Physical Requirements - Must be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time. - Continuously operate a computer and must have the ability to control a mouse and keyboard. - Communicate in verbal and written formats with internal staff and external constituents. Work Schedule - Regular office hours that accommodate the East Coast media market. Any modifications to this schedule must be agreed to by employee and their supervisor. - Occasional work at nights, weekends, and may be on call at certain times throughout the year. Travel Requirements - Occasional domestic overnight travel 2-5 times/year. Benefits - This is a full-time remote position, with EST working hours. - For those who meet all position requirements, the salary is $97,090. - UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment. - *CA Resident Only, we offer a 12% salary differential. To Apply We know there are great candidates who won’t check all 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. 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. EEO Statement UCS is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth and related medical conditions), national origin, ancestry, citizenship status, age, marital or partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic predisposition, veteran or military status, parental status, political affiliation, union status, status as a victim of domestic violence, a sex offense or stalking, or any other class or status in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.

• Develops and implements communication/media strategies to maximize communication impact and earned media for UCS issues, experts, and products. • Leads the coordination of program and campaign team communications. • Ensures a steady drumbeat of activities are completed that advance goals. • Balances and prioritizes overall communications work to best advance campaign goals and needs. • Establishes relationships with journalists to garner coverage of UCS issues, experts and products. • Pitches stories and promptly responds to interview requests. • Ensures writing, editing and distribution of media materials including alerts, press releases and statements. • Writes, edits, publishes, and maintains accurate web content. • Tracks UCS press hits and impact of communications strategies.

Role Description The Scientist position provides thought leadership, science direction, and technical and analytical support to advance the mission of the Nuclear Safety Project within the Climate and Energy Program. Responsibilities include: - Contributing to the development of Theories of Change. - Designing research objectives and strategies. - Critically evaluating empirical evidence. - Representing UCS in science advocacy initiatives. - Conducting research and publishing in peer-reviewed journals. - Aiding in background research, planning, and preparations for projects. - Collaborating with coalition and grassroots partners. - Serving as a spokesperson and technical expert. Qualifications - Masters or Ph.D. degree in a relevant field, such as nuclear engineering, physics, or nuclear chemistry. - 7+ years of comparable and relevant experience, including academic-related work experience. - Familiarity with nuclear safety and security regulatory standards. - Broad familiarity with technical areas of nuclear power and fuel cycle facility safety and security. - Qualitative and quantitative analytical skills. - Strong collaboration and relationship-building skills. - Excellent writing and presentation skills. - Project management skills. - Experience with incorporating equity, inclusion, and justice into work/projects. - Knowledge of racial equity and inclusion principles. Requirements - Must be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time. - Continuously operate a computer and control a mouse and keyboard. - Communicate in verbal and written formats with internal staff and external constituents. - Periodic domestic and international travel is required. Benefits - Full-time remote position. - Salary of $122,884.68 for those who meet all position requirements. - Excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment. - 12% salary differential for CA residents only. Company Description 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. Values informing our work include: - Science in the service of people and the planet. - Justice and Equity for people of all races and incomes. - Courage to take principled, science-based stands in the public arena. - Integrity to always examine evidence critically, openly, and honestly. - Democracy promotes a voice for all in government decisions. - Action inspiring and mobilizing people to build a healthier, safer, and more just world.

Production Manager  Permanent  Communications  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 promotes a voice for all in government decisions.  ·       Action that inspires and mobilizes people to build a healthier, safer, and more just world.  UCS’s Communications Program The Production Manager coordinates the scheduling, workflow, and logistics for the production of program, campaign, and fundraising materials across print and digital channels. Working within editorial direction set by the Editorial Director, this role ensures publication projects move efficiently from approved drafts through copyediting, design, translation, and final preparation for dissemination.  The Production Manager manages production timelines, routes materials through required review stages, coordinates internal staff and external vendors, and tracks deliverables to ensure projects are completed on time and align with UCS editorial, branding, accessibility, and process standards. This role supports a collaborative editorial production workflow that includes editorial, copyediting, design, translation, and production functions. UCS employees center all their work on UCS’s core values of racial equity and environmental justice. They work collaboratively to ensure the effective operations of the program/department, center anti-racism and equity in internal and external work, and foster a welcoming, inclusive, and transparent environment where all staff can thrive and grow. Responsibilities Publications Workflow & Coordination ·       Serves as the primary point of contact for program, Communications, and Development staff regarding publication of project timelines, milestones, and deliverables. ·       Advises project teams on publication formats and appropriate dissemination channels based on project goals, timelines, and production considerations. ·       Develops and maintains publication production schedules in coordination with project leads and the Editorial Director; tracks progress and adjusts timelines as needed; conducts regular progress check-ins with project teams and cross-channel leads; and updates departmental calendars to reflect current timelines. ·       Coordinates and assigns writing, copyediting, translation, design, and layout tasks to staff or freelancers, and ensures required materials are delivered on schedule. ·       Coordinates with project teams and Communications staff to identify artwork needs (e.g., figures, tables, photos); obtains final texts, datasets, and visual assets needed for publication production; and ensures required visual assets are produced and delivered on schedule. ·       Finalizes projects for dissemination by confirming all required steps have been completed prior to release. Production Processes & Standards ·       Coordinates review cycles through required editorial, programmatic, accessibility, and leadership approvals; confirms that copyediting and technical reviews have been completed prior to final production; flags process, accessibility, branding, or standards issues and routes materials back for correction when needed. ·       Consults with program or Communications staff to verify technical accuracy, alignment with messaging, and compliance with UCS editorial and branding standards as needed. ·       Provides orientation and guidance to project managers and authors on publication production processes, requirements, and timelines. ·       Maintains and updates internal publication production guidance and documentation, and collaborates with the Editorial Director on continuous improvement of production processes. Production Resources ·       Coordinates with freelance editors, translators, designers, and print vendors to support publication production. ·       Requests printer bids, assists staff in determining print and reprint needs, and coordinates printing with vendors. ·       Coordinates mailing logistics, and, as needed, ensures donor mailing lists and print files are prepared and delivered accurately and on schedule ·       Drafts and maintains contracts with production-related vendors and submits invoices for payment. ·       Monitors vendor and freelance expenses to support adherence to approved budgets. ·       Researches and prepares annual budget projections for publication production, including member magazine, annual report, and other Development materials, as needed. Other Duties As Assigned ·       As needed and within capacity, provides limited writing, copyediting, proofreading, or layout/design support for program publications or Development materials. ·       Maintains familiarity with UCS issues, positions, and publication priorities. ·       Maintains awareness of role as representative of UCS; ensures activities and statements enhance organization’s reputation, credibility, and funding objectives. People Management Authority None; may coordinate with freelance vendors and contractors as needed.

• The Production Manager coordinates the scheduling, workflow, and logistics for the production of program, campaign, and fundraising materials across print and digital channels. • This role ensures publication projects move efficiently from approved drafts through copyediting, design, translation, and final preparation for dissemination. • Manages production timelines, routes materials through required review stages, coordinates internal staff and external vendors, and tracks deliverables to ensure projects are completed on time and align with UCS editorial, branding, accessibility, and process standards. • Supports a collaborative editorial production workflow that includes editorial, copyediting, design, translation, and production functions. • Serves as the primary point of contact for program, Communications, and Development staff regarding publication of project timelines, milestones, and deliverables. • Advises project teams on publication formats and appropriate dissemination channels based on project goals, timelines, and production considerations. • Develops and maintains publication production schedules in coordination with project leads and the Editorial Director; tracks progress and adjusts timelines as needed. • Coordinates and assigns writing, copyediting, translation, design, and layout tasks to staff or freelancers, and ensures required materials are delivered on schedule. • Finalizes projects for dissemination by confirming all required steps have been completed prior to release.

Washington Representative Permanent Clean Transportation Union of Concerned Scientists Remote/Hybrid – located within 50 miles of DC 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 Position Washington Representatives plan, coordinate, and participate in advocacy for the Clean Transportation policy agenda before Congress and the Administration, and to educate Congress, the Executive Branch, nongovernmental organizations, business groups, and the media about the agenda. Washington  Representatives work as part of a Programmatic team in collaboration with all Program staff, especially  Campaign Directors, Managers, Campaign and Outreach Coordinators, to develop constituent legislative  outreach strategies, represent UCS before the media and public, identify policy opportunities for grass top individuals, Science Network members and other supports, and write brief products in support of advocacy  work. Approximately 80% of this role is focused on external advocacy efforts. UCS employees center their work on UCS’s core values of racial equity and environmental justice. They work collaboratively to ensure the effective operations of the Program, center ani-racism and equity in internal and external work, and foster a welcoming, inclusive, and transparent environment where all staff can thrive and grow. Responsibilities Advance Policy Agenda ●       Design, develop, support, and lead legislative strategies, providing UCS input into legislation, lobby/educate legislators and their staff on policy proposals. ●       Identify target policymakers and implement strategies to influence them by mobilizing UCS supporters, scientists, and other stakeholders.  ●       Work with the White House and federal agencies to advance the Clean Transportation program’s regulatory agenda. Provide UCS input into implementation actions and rulemaking. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with congressional representatives, committees, and their staff, as well as allied organizations. ●       In Congress, work to develop champions and supporters on Program priority issues, with an intentional focus on including BIPOC leaders as champions.  ●       Prepare UCS leadership for meetings with the White House, Congress, and agency leadership.  ●       Respond to Washington requests for scientific information and policy design proposals, partnering with UCS analysts and scientists to deliver technical information to policymakers and other relevant audiences.  ●       Collaborate with UCS Outreach and campaign colleagues to identify opportunities to mobilize grassroots individuals, Science Network members, and supporters to contribute to advocacy of policy agenda with members of Congress and other decision-makers. ●       Collaborate with Outreach colleagues, provide regular updates on the status of key legislation and policy issues, develop target lists, and outline key votes needed to advance Program priorities.  Power-map public officials and identify influential constituents with whom UCS can uniquely collaborate.  ●       Participate and collaborate in relevant internal UCS coordination spaces (such as cross-Program legislative meetings).  Policy Development ●       Maintain working knowledge of, and monitor, the policy landscape for select programmatic issues.  Track progress of legislation and regulations in Congress and at federal agencies, respectively, and identify opportunities for action. Monitor daily print media, blogs, and social media for pertinent coverage of policy issues. Conduct research on actors who oppose UCS’s regulatory and legislative agendas. ●       Collaborate with relevant experts, other UCS staff, and external partners on developing new UCS policy positions. Socialize draft positions, gain consensus on approval/disapproval, and maintain a transparent record of decision-making. Make recommendations to leadership on supporting bills, sign-on letters, and comments. ●       Provide policy and political guidance to inform the Program team’s annual and longer-term planning processes. ●       Help train UCS experts and staff to do effective constituency meetings with congressional offices.  Expert Representation and Advocacy UCS employees in external-facing roles are required to maintain awareness of the role as a representative of UCS, ensure activities and statements enhance the organization's reputation and credentials among press, public, and private sectors, promote UCS, advance organizational objectives, and enhance funding opportunities.  ●       Represent UCS, lead, support and participate in coalitions, working groups of coalitions, other external meetings, events, and conferences.  ●       In consultation with other team staff, coordinate lobbying, outreach, and media work. ●       Help respond to press inquiries on select issues and elevate announcements and news on social media.  ●       Contribute to Program funder proposals and reports and join funder calls.  Campaign Support ●       Alongside Campaign colleagues, participate in developing and implementing strategies focused on education and outreach to policymakers and other Washington-based stakeholders. ●       May manage or co-manage campaign and project work for defined issue areas, such as a campaign, sub-campaign, or initiative. Run regular campaign/project check-in meetings and serve as project manager for the development of publications, advocacy materials, and other deliverables. Assessment and Learning ●       Understand and value accurate data for the assessment, learning, tracking, and reporting of UCS’s impact; routinely track the impact of your work to share with internal and external stakeholders; maintain and safeguard confidential UCS supporter and ally data. ●       Monitor and track progress of relevant legislation and executive action, collaborate with Program staff to produce testimony, fact sheets, briefing papers, op-eds, as well as other advocacy materials, and work with Communications staff to respond to and elevate key federal developments through press releases, social media and or blogs.  Other Duties as Assigned Up to 20% of any individual job may contain work that is not specifically listed in this document. This may reflect temporary assignments, individual professional development opportunists (e.g., learning a new set of skills, participating in professional growth experience), and/or a requirement to serve in an organizational citizenship capacity (e.g., participating in JEDI activities, pitching in/volunteering for extra work, covering for a colleague on leave).  ●       Support and participate in UCS's internal efforts to create an ani-racist and inclusive work environment. Contribute to creating a culture in which all staff on the team are safe, respected, and heeded, and BIPOC people thrive. People Management Authority While this position typically does not have direct reports, it may coordinate, supervise, and provide technical direction to staff, interns, fellows, consultants, and volunteers allocated to specific projects, as assigned.

• Lead program budget development, budget management, and expense management and tracking using the UCS budget management system, including reconciling budget records and actual expenses with finance on a regular basis. • Review and approve program expenditures in the accounts payable system. • Review and approve program travel and credit expenses in the travel and expense system. • Lead training and support on budgeting for budget holders and/or approvers. • Assist program staff with preparing and submitting financial documents and contracts to the Finance team. • Lead in troubleshooting contracts, purchase records/invoices, and payments, etc., promptly as needed. • Assist with proactively providing coordination and team management for the programs planning processes. • In collaboration with People & Culture, assist hiring managers during hiring, orientation, and onboarding processes. • With the Office operations team, support the coordination of all-program retreats and provide supplementary events, retreats, or other activities, as needed. • In coordination with the Finance & Administration department teams, proactively and creatively work to streamline and optimize program operations processes and procedures. • In collaboration with leadership, support effective program operations communication flows (upwards, downwards, and with other programs and departments). • Provide supervisory leadership to the office operations team. • Support the DC office Sr. Operations Coordinator with coordinating DC office facility needs, maintenance, security, mail management, etc. • Manage special projects as needed or as assigned.

Organizing Coordinator Permanent Programs, Policy, and Advocacy 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.  The Programs, Policy, and Advocacy Department The Programs, Policy, and Advocacy team’s mission is to strengthen the culture of collaboration and science advocacy to maximize UCS’ ability to achieve impact toward a healthy, safe and just future. Our team focuses on three overlapping functions: supporting high priority initiatives that cut across multiple programs and departments; building consistent organization-wide culture and skills needed to execute winning policy advocacy campaigns; and building a diverse and active Science Network. The Position The Organizing Coordinator will support the recruitment, retention, and organizing of Science Network members for UCS advocacy campaigns and cross-programmatic initiatives (including Science Rising). Collaborating with the rest of the PPA team and other cross-functional teams at UCS, the Organizing Coordinator will implement plans to help us build and cultivate our network, as well as moving scientists into leadership roles on campaigns. Outreach efforts will involve three focus areas in support of PPA goals: 1.      Recruitment: recruiting new, eligible Science Network members, with a particular focus on building a Science Network that reflects the values and identities of the communities that UCS campaigns work with. 2.      Retention and cultivation: through trainings, a regular drumbeat of strategic action opportunities, and relationship building, ensure that Science Network members have a range of ways to engage with UCS campaigns and cross-programmatic efforts such as Science Rising. 3.      Organizing: build relationships with Science Network members and provide them with the tools and support to grow as leaders on UCS campaigns and cross-programmatic efforts. UCS employees center their work on UCS’s core values of racial equity and environmental justice. They work collaboratively to ensure the effective operations of the program/department, center anti-racism and equity in internal and external work, and foster a welcoming, inclusive, and transparent environment where all staff can thrive and grow.    Responsibilities - Recruitment - Execute recruitment efforts at scientific conferences, universities, and other key offline or online venues to engage new Science Network members. - Support and implement the creation of engaging online actions and events to advance PPA and Science Rising goals. - Participate in external conferences and events to promote UCS and the Science Network within the scientific, expert, and academic community. - Retention and cultivation - Support and implement organizing and advocacy trainings, equipping Science Network members with the skills to effectively engage in advocacy tactics and campaigns. - Keep Science Network members engaged through various activities and channels, both online and offline. - Assist in the design and implementation of diversifying the Science Network and ensure that all activities are accessible and inclusive. - Organizing - Conduct 1:1s with Science Network members to support their engagement and leadership development on PPA-led campaigns or cross-programmatic efforts. - Ensure equity and justice considerations are integral in recruitment, retention, and organizing efforts. - Support PPA goals and priorities, as needed Other Duties as Assigned  People Management Authority None

Science Fellow (Grant Funded) TERM: Max 2 Years Western States 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 Western States Program Under the direction of the Climate Science Director, the Science Fellow will conduct research and analysis and expert representation in support of two foundations that are grant-funded and term-limited projects. The first project housed in the Western States Program explores questions at the intersection of just land transitions, clean energy transitions, and climate resilience, primarily in California’s Central Valley. The second focuses on a climate-resilient grid in collaboration with the Climate and Energy Program transmission team’s science-based advocacy for grid infrastructure planning and investments. The ideal candidate will have strong training in applied climate science, with interdisciplinary knowledge and experience in clean energy and power sector infrastructure and markets. The fellow will have explicit responsibilities for both projects, with on average 50% of the time spent on each, which will vary as project timelines demand. The Fellow will also be expected to communicate their learnings and findings and advocate for technology and policy solutions to build broader knowledge and support for a climate-resilient grid, in the context of California’s just land transitions. In sum, this position carries out research including publishing in peer-review journals, and aids in background research, planning, and works collaboratively with coalition and grassroots partners, as project scope demands.   UCS employees center their work on UCS’s core values, including racial equity and environmental justice.  They work collaboratively to ensure the effective operations of the program/department, center anti-racism and equity in internal and external work, and foster a welcoming, inclusive, and transparent environment where all staff can thrive and grow.  Research and analysis - Contribute to future project scoping in coordination with Just Land Transition allies and aligned with UCS's recent Roadmap (outlining guiding principles and recommendations), to advance UCS's clean energy, water sustainability, and equity goals by driving a community-centered vision of agricultural land transition in the Central Valley. - Provide analytical and project support as needed as part of ongoing Western States program projects, e.g.,a co-developed community needs assessment for just land transitions with UCS's Western States program NGO partner. - Work closely with the Western States Energy team to evaluate the climate resilience of California grid planning and investment decision processes and support team engagement with the California Public Utilities Commission, which oversees these. This may include evaluating existing transmission systems and busbar mapping processes (mapping electricity generation or storage resources to the transmission system), to assess the extent to which they plan for climate change. With the team, make recommendations for improvements and identify lessons learned from beyond California as appropriate.  - Work closely with C&E's Associate Director, Transmission Policy to support UCS interventions at relevant regional transmission operators (e.g. Midcontinent Independent System Operator or MISO) and MISO's external consultation processes to advocate for the best available climate science and advanced climate modeling tools to be integrated into MISO and state-led long-term planning processes and to create a consistent and informed drumbeat of advocacy within MISO spaces for more transparent, science-driven climate risk assessments and climate informed planning processes. - With UCS staff, lead/design a set of expert dialogue convenings that bring leading climate and energy researchers together with grid practitioners and key influencers (e.g., NGOs, state commissioners, etc.) for shared learning across Independent System Operators/RTOs, e.g., how did California's CPUC adopt the most comprehensive climate decision-making framework? What lessons are transferable to MISO or other states?  - Work closely with a set of convened experts to develop targeted recommendations that can be filtered up by the public and advocates at key decision points along MISO's Long Range Transmission Planning processes and relevant state proceedings. - Support UCS development of policy recommendations and education for policymakers, experts, and the public. - Provide expert contributions, review, and support for energy team colleagues engaging in utility commission dockets around climate risk and vulnerability. - Conduct an independent research project aiming for at least one peer review article submission by end of fellowship term, co-authored with UCS and external collaborators as appropriate. This may focus on community benefit agreement best practices in the just land transition domain, to co-develop policy recommendations for public funding agencies investing in land transition projects.  - The fellow will uphold principles of scientific excellence (e.g., regarding plagiarism, conflicts of interest, intellectual property and copyright, data governance and archiving, use of artificial intelligence), and in support of programmatic goals will ensure accuracy, credibility, readability, and timeliness of all authored material.  Expert Representation and Advocacy - Represent UCS, its values, and positions in coalitions, conferences, workshops, stakeholder negotiations, testimony, and congressional hearings, national and state regulatory commissions, legislative committees, other government agencies and commissions, market operators, and other key forums, including the development of testimony, letters, and technical comments for legislative and regulatory proceedings. - Influence the development and implementation of policies and strategies within government and nongovernment institutions to advance UCS goals; collaborate with campaign and legislative staff to develop and effectively promote UCS-supported positions with senior government officials, legislators, regulators, opinion leaders, stakeholders, non-traditional allies, coalition partners, public, and media representatives at local, state, regional, and national levels. - Establish and maintain alliances with advocates, other organizations, community leaders, businesses, academics, and researchers, including regulatory and legislative staff and governmental agencies, to exchange information, provide technical information/education and guidance, share resources, advance shared objectives, engage in collaborative projects, and participate in coalitions. - Represent UCS in the media, traditional and social; work with UCS Communications staff to identify key media opportunities, help draft materials, and serve as direct contact to the media, including providing rapid response to relevant media requests as opportunities arise. - Report research results and recommend research directions in oral and written form to experts, public, media, and decision makers.  - Serve as an internal resource to expand UCS staff expertise and visibility. Share research and insights with UCS staff and collaborate on understanding and applying that research to advancing UCS's strategic priorities.  Science Communication - Present work to scientific, advocacy, coalition, and community partners, including across disciplinary lines. - A strategy for project goals: write blog posts for UCS's blog, The Equation. - Act as a UCS spokesperson for UCS's climate resilient grid work, including contributing to webinars, training, or fielding media requests with short deadlines. - Work with UCS staff to ensure that the projects' public-facing materials and talking points are scientifically robust, clearly communicated, and compelling. Other Duties As Assigned - Up to 20% of any individual job may contain work that is not specifically listed in this document. This may reflect temporary assignments, individual professional development opportunities (e.g., learning a new set of skills, participating in a professional growth experience), and/or a requirement to serve in an organizational citizenship capacity (e.g., participating in JEDI activities, pitching in/volunteering for extra work, covering for a colleague on leave). People Management Authority - No supervisory responsibilities.