Strategic Communications Officer - Union of Concerned Scientists

Our Organization

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to putting rigorous, independent science into action. We develop and advocate for solutions that promote a healthy, safe, and just future. Our vision is a world where science guides policy decisions, reduces risks, and improves lives. For over five decades, we have worked as scientists, engineers, economists, advocates, and concerned citizens to create and advocate for innovative, practical solutions to pressing global problems, including combating global warming, developing sustainable energy and food systems, fighting disinformation, advancing racial equity, and reducing the threat of nuclear war. Our work is guided by core values:

• Science in the service of people and the planet.
• Justice and Equity for all people, now and for future generations.
• Courage to take principled, science-based stands in the public arena.
• Integrity in critical, open, and honest examination of evidence.
• Democracy to promote a voice for all in government decisions.
• Action to inspire and mobilize people to build a healthier, safer, and more just world.

The Position

The Strategic Communications Officer will develop and implement strategies and tactics to maximize the communication impact and earned media for UCS issues, experts, and products. This role involves coordinating program and campaign team communications, ensuring a steady stream of activities across various channels (digital, print, multimedia) to advance goals, and prioritizing communications work to best support campaign objectives. UCS employees are committed to centering racial equity and environmental justice, working collaboratively to ensure effective operations, and fostering an inclusive and transparent environment where all staff can thrive.

Responsibilities

Strategic Communications and Project Management

• Develop and implement communication and media strategies in collaboration with program/campaign and communications teams, ensuring the optimal mix of analyses, publications, blogs, online resources, earned media, creative formats, engagement opportunities, and marketing channels to advance strategies, reach key audiences, create newsworthy products, and achieve campaign goals.
• Convene quarterly strategy meetings to map out priority activities, analyses, and leverage points, identifying and filling gaps to ensure consistent campaign visibility and engagement.
• Assist in identifying, scoping, managing, and delivering final communications projects in collaboration with creative, digital, and editorial teams.
• Co-create and ensure the completion of messaging and other program/campaign communications documents in collaboration with communications and program/campaign colleagues.
• Actively participate in annual program planning and provide feedback to inform communications strategy development and implementation.
• Serve as the primary communications department contact and liaison for campaign/program staff.

Media Relations

• Establish and maintain relationships with journalists to garner coverage of UCS issues, experts, and products in print, radio, TV, and podcast news outlets.
• Pitch stories, respond promptly to interview requests, and identify opportunities to insert UCS into the news cycle.
• Write, edit, and distribute media materials, including alerts, press releases, statements, op-eds, letters to the editor, and talking points.
• Represent UCS campaigns in coalitions, assisting with communications content and strategy.

Writing and Editing

• Write, edit, publish, and maintain accurate web content that meets UCS standards, in collaboration with the editorial and web teams.
• Review copy for social media posts, video scripts, and other projects from digital, editorial, and creative teams.

Tracking and Analysis

• Track UCS press hits and the impact of communications strategies.
• Contribute to ongoing metrics reporting for internal stakeholders.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Maintain a thorough understanding of UCS issues, positions, communication strategies, and editorial standards.
• Act as a representative of UCS, ensuring activities and statements enhance the organization's reputation and credentials among the press, public, funders, and private sectors, and advance organizational objectives.

People Management Authority

Manage communications consultants for specific projects as needed.

Qualifications and Experience

Required

• 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.
• Proficiency with the PC/Windows environment, especially MS Word.

Preferred

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
• 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.

Work Schedule

Regular office hours accommodating the East Coast media market. Occasional work at nights, weekends, and potential on-call duties throughout the year may be required. Modifications to the schedule require supervisor agreement.

Travel Requirements

Occasional domestic overnight travel (2-5 times/year).

Details

• Position Type: Permanent, Remote
• Working Hours: EST working hours
• Bargaining Unit Position: Yes
• Salary: $97,090 (for those meeting all position requirements). For CA Residents, a 12% salary differential applies.
• Benefits: UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment.

About the Team

Our team comprises dedicated researchers, scientists, communicators, campaigners, and advocates from diverse backgrounds. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive, and collaborative work environment where all staff can thrive. We strive to create a welcoming space for the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, parents, empty-nesters, and individuals with a wide variety of interests and backgrounds.

To Apply

We encourage candidates who may not meet every listed qualification but possess valuable skills to apply. Please submit a cover letter and resume. In your cover letter, please confirm that the listed salary meets your expectations. Upload materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls, please.

COVID-19 Mandate for New Hires

For in-office roles, UCS employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as defined by the CDC. New hires reporting to an office must provide vaccination status and documentation on or before their first day. For remote employees, UCS strongly encourages full vaccination, including boosters. All new employees must comply with mandatory vaccination requirements outlined in UCS policies as soon as practicable. Candidates will be notified of these requirements before employment begins.

EEO Statement

UCS is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, creed, religion, sex, 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 protected class or status in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to hiring, placement, promotion, termination, transfer, leave of absence, compensation, and training. All UCS employees are required to abide by this policy.

Deadline

Until filled.