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Senior Manager of Government Affairs

Senior Manager of Government Affairs
Food and Environment Program
Washington, DC
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. 
 
 
The Food & Environment Program works to create a sustainable and equitable food system that makes farmland resilient to climate change and other challenges, produces healthy food for all, protects frontline food workers, and contributes to thriving rural and urban communities. Our talented interdisciplinary team of 16 scientists, advocates, communicators, and campaigners collaborates to build impactful campaigns to advance our food system goals. 
 
UCS is seeking a Senior Manager of Government Affairs for the Food & Environment Program. Working as part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team, the Senior Manager of Government Affairs will provide policy, strategic, and political leadership to advance healthy, sustainable, and just food systems. They will manage and lead the program’s food and agriculture advocacy efforts; supervise and mentor a team of government affairs staff; and represent UCS before Congress, the executive branch, non-governmental organizations, business groups, the media, and other stakeholders.
 
 
Responsibilities
·      Provide strategic policy vision and lead advocacy efforts to advance the program’s priorities.
·      Supervise and mentor a team of government affairs staff and define roles and responsibilities.
·      Establish and maintain effective working relationships with congressional representatives and staff, administration officials, coalition partners, and other allies.
·      Help shape program and campaign goals, strategies, and tactics.
·      Work effectively across UCS programs and departments.
·      Represent UCS to the media and public audiences.
·      Support organizational learning on issues of justice, equity, inclusion, and diversity, and advocate for policies externally that reflect these values.
·      Foster a positive team spirit.
 
Qualifications and Experience
·      A bachelor’s degree is required.
·      7-10 years of experience and a proven track record in the application of advocacy and lobbying techniques at the national level is necessary, with experience working either in Congress, in government implementing programs and policies, or for NGOs working to influence governmental decision-making.
·      Substantive knowledge and experience with agriculture policy is required, with specific experience working on the federal Farm Bill preferred.
·      This position requires strong strategic thinking and time management skills and experience with staff supervision and project management.
·      The ideal candidate will have excellent political acumen and the ability to communicate scientific and policy information to lay audiences.
·      Strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion is required.
 
May spend extended periods at a computer. Occasional overnight travel is required.
 
UCS is an equal opportunity employer actively seeking to diversify its staff. In particular, 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.
 
Details:
This is a full-time position based in our Washington, DC office with the flexibility for hybrid/remote work for those close to the DC office. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary range is $114,671-$129,000.  UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment.
 
Information about the organization is available at http://www.ucsusa.org.
 
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.
 
To Apply: We know there are great candidates who won’t check all of 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.
 
This position is not in the bargaining unit.
 
 
 
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.
 
All new employees must comply with the mandatory vaccination requirements outlined in UCS policies as soon as practicable. Union of Concerned Scientists will notify candidates for employment of the requirements of this policy before the start of employment.
 
Deadline: Until filled.