Overview

Program Director, Western States — Permanent position in Climate & Energy at the Union of Concerned Scientists. Remote – located near Berkeley, CA. Not in bargaining unit.

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 world where science guides policy decisions, reduces risks, and improves lives.

UCS’s Western States Program works to advance climate and energy goals in the western region, with a primary focus on California and secondary focus on Oregon and Washington.

UCS is an equal opportunity employer actively seeking to diversify its staff and foster an inclusive workplace culture.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Western States team, leveraging the experience and expertise of team members across areas of work.
• Engage in active problem solving around strategic questions, issues of substance, and resource prioritization.
• Communicate and collaborate with UCS executive and program leadership to develop and lead integrated campaign strategies and projects in annual program work plans.
• Oversee the development of the annual Western States operating budget and the preparation and timely completion of periodic program reports.
• Represent Western States before the UCS Board, Advisory Board, senior management, and donors.
• Oversee work planning and campaigns, fostering collaboration and balancing rigorous technical analysis with agility.
• Maintain knowledge of climate, energy, transportation, agriculture, water, and related policy initiatives in Western States, focusing on California with secondary focus on Oregon and Washington.
• Advise and coordinate policy positions and political strategies in California and the western region in consultation with western states staff and UCS leadership.
• Cultivate and maintain relationships with local groups, stakeholders, experts, government officials, researchers, NGOs, business leaders, and the public health community.
• Engage in collaborative activities to further UCS program and organizational goals in California and the region; identify and engage new allies and coalitions as appropriate.
• Work with Communications to increase visibility of UCS’s Western States work and serve as a key spokesperson.
• Collaborate with Development to identify and cultivate foundation and major donor support.
• Contribute to cross-program initiatives, deepen the organization’s anti-racist efforts, and foster a collaborative work environment.

Other Duties

• Up to 20% of duties may involve work not listed here, including professional development opportunities or organizational citizenship activities.

People Management Authority

Directly supervise the Western States Associate Director, Policy Manager, Scientists and Analysts. Oversee and mentor other program and campaign staff, and coordinate Western States activities with staff from other teams. Responsible for hiring, assigning work, performance management, and recommendations for promotion and pay raises.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

• Ten to fifteen years of relevant experience in the field and familiarity with California policy and political arenas.
• Strong technical and/or policy expertise in a relevant energy or climate discipline; ability to learn the technological and policy dimensions of the work.
• Experience in policy development and academic/research activities.
• Experience and enthusiasm for fundraising, especially with foundations, is a plus.
• Inclusive leadership and management skills; goal-oriented but flexible, with respect for staff independence.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills; project management and budgeting experience is required.
• A bachelor’s degree is required; a master’s or Ph.D. is a plus.

Comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.

Physical and Travel Requirements

Little or no exertion; may require extended periods at a computer. Some travel is required for meetings and events in the region.

Benefits and How to Apply

This is a full-time remote position based near UCS’s Berkeley, CA office. Salary: $191,940. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment. California residents may receive a 12% salary differential.

Information about the organization is available at http://www.ucsusa.org

To apply: Please upload a cover letter and resume in Word or PDF format. In the cover letter, please confirm that the listed salary meets your expectations. No phone calls, please. This position is NOT in the bargaining unit.

Covid-19 and Deadline

For in-office roles, UCS requires full vaccination as defined by the CDC. New hires reporting to an office location must provide vaccination documentation by the first day. For all others, vaccination is strongly encouraged. This position is open Until filled.