Program Director, Western States

Job description

Program Director, Western States

Permanent

Climate & Energy

Union of Concerned Scientists

Remote – located near Berkeley, CA

Bargaining Unit Position: No

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

The Western States Program Director is responsible for UCS’s western regional work, primarily in California,  and is instrumental in assuring that work is aligned with and in support of programmatic and organizational goals.

They will promote a positive work environment and foster a collaborative team spirit and leverage the collective resources of the organization.

As a member of UCS’s leadership team, the Western States Program Director is an ‘institutional citizen’ who contributes to shaping organization-wide policies and practices.

In this role, the Director will source and share best practices with other UCS teams and proactively seek opportunities to scale and deepen impact in collaboration with other UCS programs, departments, and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Western State's team, leveraging the diversity of experience and expertise of team members across areas of work.
  
  
• Engage in active problem solving around relevant strategic questions, issues of substance, and matters of staff time prioritization and resource utilization.
• Effectively communicate and collaborate with UCS executive and program leadership to develop and lead integrated campaign strategies and projects in annual program work plans.
• Oversee the development of the annual Western States operating budget, as well as the preparation and timely completion of periodic reports that summarize program activities and plans.
  
  
• Represent Western States before the UCS Board, National Advisory Board and senior management.
  
  donors.
• Oversee work planning and campaigns, fostering a culture of collaboration and striking the right balance of rigorous technical analysis and the ability to be agile and responsive to changing conditions.
  
  
• Maintain knowledge of climate, energy, transportation, agriculture, water, and related policy or issue initiatives and processes in Western States with a primary focus is on California, and a secondary focus on Oregon and Washington.
• Advise and coordinate policy positions and political strategies in California and the western region in consultation with western states staff, UCS’s issue-based programs, and UCS leadership.
• Cultivate, collaborate, and maintain strong relationships with local groups, influential stakeholders, and relevant experts, including government officials, academic researchers, NGOs, business leaders, the public health community, and other opinion leaders.
• Engage in collaborative activities needed to further the UCS program and organizational goals in California and the region.
  
  Identify and, as appropriate, engage new allies, constituencies, and coalitions.
• In collaboration with Comms team, help increase visibility of UCS’s work in California.
  
  Serve as a key spokesperson for UCS’s Western States work.
• Collaborate with the UCS Development staff to identify and cultivate foundation and major donor support.
• As a part of UCS leadership, support cross-program initiatives; deepen the organization’s efforts to be an anti-racist program; contribute to a collaborative work environment within the program and across the organization.

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

Directly supervise the Western States Associate Director, Policy Manager, Scientists and Analysts.

Oversee and mentor other program and campaign staff, as necessary, and collaborate with program directors and campaign managers to coordinate the Western States activities of staff from other teams.Management responsibilities include hiring; assigning work; directing, managing, and evaluating performance; recommending staff for promotion and pay raises.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

• Ten-fifteen years of successful comparable and relevant experience working in the field and a similar depth of experience working in the California policy and political arenas.
  
  
• Strong technical and/or policy expertise in a relevant energy or climate discipline.
  
  At a minimum, candidates must be broadly familiar with issues in these fields and able to learn the technological and policy dimensions of the work.
• Experience should include policy development and academic/research experience.
  
  
• Experience and enthusiasm for fundraising, especially within the foundation community, would be a distinct asset.
  
  
• Inclusive leadership and management skills; a style that is goal-oriented but flexible and that respects the capabilities and independence of staff members in accomplishing organizational objectives.
  
  
• Exceptional communication skills and strong interpersonal skills are required.
  
  Background in project management and budgeting is also required.
• A bachelor’s degree is required; master’s degree or a Ph.D. in a relevant field would be a plus.

Comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.

Physical Requirements

Little or no exertion may require extended periods at a computer.

Travel Requirements

Some travel required for meetings and events to represent WS and UCS.

UCS is an equal opportunity employer actively seeking to diversify its staff.

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.

Benefits

Details:

This is a full-time remote position based near UCS’s Berkeley, CA office.

For those who meet all position requirements, the salary is $191,940.

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 .

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.