UNION OF CONCERNED SCIENTISTS. DEPUTY DIRECTOR/RESEARCH DIRECTOR Food & Environment Program

Transcription

1 UNION OF CONCERNED SCIENTISTS DEPUTY DIRECTOR/RESEARCH DIRECTOR Food & Environment Program The Organization: The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future. UCS was founded in 1969 by scientists and students at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology protesting the militarization of scientific research and promoting science in the public interest. Initially focused on defense-related research, nuclear weapons, and nuclear power, the organization engaged world-class scientists to share information, seek the truth, and guide public policy. Over time, UCS broadened its work to encompass other critical issues with a strong scientific or technical component, including climate change, energy, transportation, sustainable agriculture, and protecting the integrity of science used to inform government decision making. Today, UCS combines rigorous scientific analysis, innovative policy development, and effective citizen advocacy to achieve practical solutions. It seeks to ensure that all people have clean air, energy, and transportation, as well as access to healthy, affordable, and sustainable food. It strives for a future that limits the threats of global warming and nuclear weapons, and a planet that supports a rich diversity of life. UCS works through five principal programs: Clean Vehicles; Climate & Energy; Food and Agriculture; Global Security; and the Center for Science and Democracy. With headquarters in Cambridge, MA, and offices in Washington, DC; Oakland, CA, and Chicago, IL, UCS works at the federal, regional, and state levels. Regional offices allow it to develop partnerships with local allies, tailor its research and recommendations to address region-specific issues, and broaden its network of members, scientists, and activists. Between its membership and citizen Action Network, UCS has 450,000 supporters who take targeted actions to help to drive policy change. UCS also mobilizes a growing Science Network of more than 17,000 scientists, engineers, health professionals, and economists who engage in and provide expertise to the policy process and play a critical role in advancing science-based solutions to pressing problems.

2 The Food and Environment Program: UCS is leading the call for a national food policy that: Ensures a healthier, more sustainable, fair, and affordable food system for all Americans; Aligns our farm policies to protect and promote our health, environment, and climate; Provides fair wages to the millions of farm and food workers who produce, process, and bring food to our tables; and Brings existing policies currently overseen by at least eight different federal agencies under one responsible, coordinating body. The next president has the power to take this step, and UCS will push to make it happen by building a coalition that can mobilize farmers, farm workers, food service employees, health professionals, and consumers to demand affordable and healthful food for all Americans. In the coming year, UCS plans to put a national food policy on the public agenda by: Making the economic and scientific case for a national food policy; Injecting the issue into the presidential campaign; Engage in legislative and regulatory debates to illustrate how existing food policies, driven by corporate priorities, run counter to the public interest and to propose and support policies that enhance the pubic good; Holding corporations that profit from the status quo accountable, while pointing to businesses and communities already working toward a better food future. The Role: Location: Reports to: Reports: Overview: Washington, DC Director, Food & Environment Program Will supervise a team of 11 including senior analysts/scientists, the Senior Communications Strategist, Campaign Manager, and Program Assistant, as well as external consultants as necessary. As directed by the Food and Environment (F&E) Program Director, the Deputy Director/Research Director manages day-to-day program operations and coordinates with the Director on major programmatic decisions and priorities. S/he provides strategic guidance, advice, feedback, and support to the Program Director to ensure success of the program at the highest level. The Deputy Director maintains flexibility to respond to rapidly changing conditions and will assume additional responsibilities as requested by the Director.

3 The Deputy/Research Director provides strategic advice and support on direction of the program s scientific and analytical work. S/he plans and designs appropriate research activities and projects that align with UCS strategic goals and objectives, and support F&E campaigns and programmatic work. The Deputy/Research Director leads efforts to conceptualize ideas for research/analysis products. S/he sets research objectives and goals; plans and coordinates overall research projects; determines sub-projects that contribute to overall objective. The Deputy/Research Director ensures appropriate research and analytic methods in accordance with scientifically sound principles and techniques; reviews major research and analytical products for analytical approach, methodological assumptions, and data sources; and manages and supports the team s scientists and analysts. The Deputy Director assists the Program Director with foundation fundraising; manages the program s annual planning and budgeting processes and oversees their implementation; provides oversight and coordinates key elements of F&E programmatic work; oversees staff hiring; and executes a variety of managerial tasks. As warranted, the Deputy Director participates in leadership team/board meetings and other organizational activities. Key Responsibilities: Responsible for day-to-day management and administration of the F&E program; responsible for the implementation of program plans. Provide advice and management support to the F&E Director to ensure departmental and organizational near-term goals and long-term strategic vision are achieved. Assume Program Director responsibilities when required. Foster a positive team spirit in the F&E program and across departmental and organizational lines to leverage the collective resources of the organization. Actively engage in problem solving around relevant strategic questions, issues of substance, and matters of staff time prioritization, and resource utilization. Provide leadership and help the program define and implement its goals, strategies, and activities, both in the near and longer-term. Manage and participate in annual and periodic efforts to set priorities for the program and to develop yearly program plans. Provide strategic advice and support on program direction, research, and related program activities. Provide strategic guidance, advice, feedback, and support to the Program Director to ensure success of the program at the highest level. Maintain flexibility to respond to rapidly changing conditions. Monitor and assure F&E s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) practices align with this organizational priority and support the program s maximal effectiveness internally and externally.

4 Manage analytic/scientific staff and provide analytical oversight, as well as technical and policy analysis, to advance the program s goals. Work with program and communications staff to ensure timely, resonant, and visible products and messaging. Establish and maintain comprehensive knowledge of F&E program issues, policy environment and opportunities. Represent UCS at high level public events. Maintain awareness of role as representative of UCS; consider impact of activities on organization reputation and credentials in public and private sectors; direct energies whenever possible to promote UCS, advance organization objectives, ensure credibility and enhance funding opportunities. Develop the F&E program budget in conjunction with yearly planning process, and manage the budget throughout the year. Approve expense reports, make recommendations to the Program Director and staff on spending priorities, and oversee the Program Assistant s work tracking spending. Manage F&E contracts as needed. Assist Program Director with fundraising and partnering with the development department to craft fundraising strategies and write foundation proposals and reports. As appropriate, meet with foundation representatives, identify funding prospects, and help with major donor solicitations to support the program. When designated, meet with major donors/member prospects. Provide guidance, support, and coaching to ensure staff will succeed in their jobs. Manage personnel issues that may arise, and resolve conflicts as needed. Ensure staffing resources are allocated to the highest priority needs of the program. The Person: Professional Experience 7-10 years of senior level management relevant experience including: strategic planning; program development and implementation; team building; leading and supervising research/analytical staff; responsibility for staff recruitment and management; budgeting and cost control. At least 5 years of progressively responsible relevant experience working on food, nutrition, public health and/or agroecology issues and research, and a similar depth of experience working in the policymaking arena. Deep expertise in food, nutrition, public health and/or agricultural science and policy, and their social, economic, political and environmental ramifications. Must demonstrate a commitment to the application of science to public policy through a Diversity, Equity & Inclusion lens, especially in the arenas of food, nutrition, public health and/or sustainable agriculture issues. Candidates with experience in coalition building, mounting effective issue campaigns, engaging scientists and activists, and media relations strongly preferred.

5 Personal Attributes Strong and demonstrated management skills at a senior level are essential, as is the ability to lead, supervise and mentor staff, and inspire high-performing teams to achieve exceptional outcomes. Lead complex strategic processes; provide advice and guidance when required during all stages of planning and project execution Strong business acumen and ability to drive results; strives for continuous improvement, establishes goals, determines appropriate resource allocation, ensures skills and readiness of the team, and translates goals/initiatives into action. Demonstrates inclusive leadership; champions inclusion, demonstrates self-awareness, conveys respect and shows consideration for cultural concerns and expectations. Outstanding written and verbal communication skills. Education: PhD degree in a relevant field is required. Travel: Occasional travel is required. ** * How to Apply If you, or anyone you know, are interested in this opportunity, please your resume and cover letter to our search firm, Bridge Partners: janet.albert@bridgepartnersllc.com The Union of Concerned Scientists is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes and encourages diverse applicants.