Senior Washington Representative

Senior Washington Representative

Clean Transportation Program

Union of Concerned Scientists

Hybrid – located within 50 miles of Washington, 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.

UCS’s Clean Transportation Program

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is seeking to hire a Senior Washington Representative to join our federal policy team under supervision and with guidance from the Director of Policy and Government Affairs for the Clean Transportation program.

UCS’s Clean Transportation program is working to transform the transportation system to one that protects public health and our climate; provides affordable, convenient access to all, and prioritizes benefits to historically marginalized communities. We achieve this by leveraging our scientific analysis and expertise, political power, and Science Network, through partnerships and coalitions, and in campaigns that are informed by our relationships with frontline and other impacted communities.

Our goals include:

A transition to 100% zero-emissions vehicles (both passenger and heavy-duty).

An equitable transportation system that reduces reliance on driving while safely, reliably, and affordably connects all people with the places, resources, and communities they need to thrive.

A clean, safe, and fair transition from a petroleum-powered transportation system to one powered by renewable electricity, that minimizes the public health impacts of current and new fuel production.

Centering grassroots-supported solutions and ensuring workers and impacted communities have a seat at decision-making tables.

The Position

The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position are included in but not limited to the information listed below.

Responsibilities

Working under the supervision of the Director of Policy and Government Affairs:

Advance UCS’s federal clean transportation policy agenda:

• Developing legislative strategies, providing input into legislation, and educating and lobbying legislators and their staff.
• Work with the White House and federal agencies to advance and protect the Clean Transportation team’s regulatory agenda.
• Producing advocacy materials and working with the Communications team to respond to key federal developments.
• Help identify opportunities for grasstops individuals, Science Network members, and supporters to weigh in with decisionmakers.

Lead and participate in the development of new UCS policy positions.

• Monitor the policy and media landscape for select clean transportation issues. Maintain working knowledge of transportation policy issues and legislation, and clean transportation technologies and their applications.
• Track the progress of legislation and regulations in Congress and at federal agencies.
• Collaborate with colleagues and external partners on developing new UCS policy positions.
• Provide policy and political guidance to inform the Clean Transportation team’s annual and longer-term planning processes.

Manage or co-manage select campaigns/project:

• Develop strategies for advocacy and coalition engagement.
• Run regular campaign/project check-in meetings and serve as project manager for the development of publications, advocacy materials, and other deliverables.
• In coordination with the Campaign Director, lead planning processes to inform the development of Clean Transportation annual and longer-term plans.

Represent UCS in coalitions and in external meetings, events, and conferences.

• Lead and support coalitions and/or working groups of coalitions that UCS participates in.
• Represent UCS at meetings, events, and conferences.
• Help respond to press inquiries on select clean transportation issues and elevate announcements and news on social media.
• Contribute to funder proposals and reports.