Northeast Transportation Policy Analyst/Advocate
Union of Concerned Scientists, United States

Northeast Transportation Policy Analyst/Advocate

Clean Transportation Program

Union of Concerned Scientists

Cambridge, MA (Flexibility for Washington, D.C)

The Position

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent national nonprofit that uses science to protect our health, safety, and environment. We are scientists, engineers, economists, activists, and everyday people who develop and advocate for innovative, practical solutions to some of our planet’s most pressing problemsfrom combating global warming and developing sustainable ways to feed, power, and transport ourselves, to fighting misinformation, advancing racial equity, and reducing the threat of nuclear war.

The UCS Clean Transportation Program works on finding ways to cut emissions from US transportation systems: cars, trucks, shipping. We’re seeking a Northeast Transportation Policy Analyst/Advocate to help shape policy and lead transportation advocacy in the region. In the Northeast and mid-Atlantic states, cars, trucks, and buses are responsible for more pollution than any other sector. The right candidate for this position will have the exciting opportunity to help transform our outdated transportation system.

Using research and analysis, you’ll help develop and promote a suite of transportation policies at state and regional levels to help shape a modern, clean, equitable transportation system that expands access and mobility, cuts climate and health pollution, and strengthens the economy with good jobs. You’ll work closely with other UCS staff and a broad group of partner organizations to strengthen our collective advocacy powerwhile taking the lead from those most affected by transportation pollution.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate closely with regional UCS transportation program staff to lead policy analysis and advocacy efforts that move us closer to our strategic goals and objectives in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states.
• Brainstorm, research, and develop relevant quantitative and qualitative analyses to advance clean transportation solutions at the local, state, and regional levels.
• Develop and maintain working knowledge of transportation policy issues, solutions, and trends.
• Conduct research on decisionmakers, industries, and other potential stakeholders to identify key points of leverage to make change.
• Establish strong working relationships with state agency officials and legislative leaders across the region.
• Work closely with other organizations across the region to develop trust-based partnerships to advance shared goals.
• Communicate your work via blogging, media interviews, press releases, op-eds, and other outlets.
• Represent UCS at major events (online and in-person, eventually) by attending coalition gatherings, conferences, and convenings, and speaking on panels.
• In coordination with other UCS staff, engage and cultivate relationships with UCS supporters.
• Track and report back on campaign activities to evaluate their effectiveness and suggest shifts and improvements when necessary.
• Contribute to a team culture of inclusivity and transparency that draws on the strengths of all team members.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

Candidates should have around 5 years of comparable experience; a master’s degree is preferred but not required. The position requires an understanding of transportation policy and planning issues in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states, as well as strong quantitative and analytical skills. Experience with data and mapping programs is preferred but not required.

The position also requires experience with effective issue campaign development, and an understanding of the policy process, including advocacy techniques and legislative strategy. The ability to work with stakeholders from a wide range of backgrounds, and communicate effectively with technical experts and other professionals, is strongly preferred. Experience with incorporating equity, inclusion, and justice into prior work and/or projects is required. Training or experience in supervision and project management is also desirable.

Significant self-motivation, strong personal time management, project management, and interpersonal skills are essential. The ability to work both independently and in teams in a fast-paced environment while managing multiple projects and deadlines is required. Clear and effective writing for general audiences and presentation skills are also required.

May spend extended periods at computer. Once the pandemic has passed, regional travel among different key states will occasionally be necessary.

At UCS, comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees wh

Job Rewards and Benefits