Director, Clean Transportation Program (REMOTE)
TERM: Permanent
Clean Transportation Program
Union of Concerned Scientists
Remote/hybrid located near existing office location (CA, MA, DC, IL) - with a preference for DC or MA area
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.
UCS is seeking a director for the Clean Transportation Program to lead a talented, dynamic team working to transform the way we move people and goods in this country by channeling four key strengths, cutting edge research, strategic policy advocacy, strong partnerships, and the ability to organize scientists and experts on our issues. The Clean Transportation Program works to create a clean, equitable transportation system that improves personal mobility, supports healthy communities, decreases global warming and air pollution, and reduces oil use in transportation. Our team of 22 engineers, scientists, advocates, and campaign specialists collaborate to build impactful campaigns to advance our clean transportation and equitable mobility goals.
The Director is responsible for the vision, strategy, and overall management amp; functioning of the program; representing and raising the visibility of UCS on transportation issues in key public, scientific, non-governmental, media and government/policy fora; serving as a lead spokesperson and thought leader promoting a clean, equitable transportation system; coordinating with other UCS leaders to leverage key programmatic issues at UCS; establishing and maintaining effective partnerships with other NGOs, grassroots groups, and science organizations; and ensuring the scientific accuracy and advocacy impact of CT programming and activities.
As a member of UCS’s senior leadership team, the Clean Transportation Program Director is an ‘institutional citizen’ who contributes to setting and shaping organization-wide policies and practices. In this role, the Director will source and share best practices with and from other UCS programs and departments, and proactively seek opportunities to scale and deepen impact through efforts that join forces with other UCS programs, departments, and external partners.
Responsibilities include:
The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position are included in but not limited to the information listed below).
Requirements
Qualifications, Skills and Experience
The successful candidate will: have an advanced degree in science, engineering or public policy and 15 years of professional accomplishments that will make the Director a credible spokesperson and representative for UCS on transportation issues with expert, policy, and public constituencies and the media.
The candidate should have a working knowledge of transportation policy and technology as well as a strong understanding of the current and historic systemic inequities in the sector. Knowledge of state and federal policy and legislative processes, as well as knowledge of issue campaign development, public outreach, and media relations is required. Strong and demonstrated management skills are essential, as is the ability to manage technical, outreach, and advocacy staff. Excellent verbal and written communications skills are required, including: a demonstrated ability to communicate effectively and credibly with public audiences, policymakers, leading scientists and other experts;