Staff Writer

Staff Writer

Permanent

Communications

Union of Concerned Scientists

Remote or Hybrid – located near Cambridge, MA

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 Communications

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is seeking a great writer, creative thinker, and all-around fantastic communicator to join the busy and collegial UCS Communications department.

The Position

You’ll be producing many thousands of words on behalf of your scientist colleagues, who want to get their research into the world in compelling, understandable, engaging ways. You’ll be writing and editing for multiple audiences and across many channels: web pages, print magazine articles, emails and newsletters, fundraising appeals, social media posts, video scripts, and more. Your writing should draw attention, clicks, donations, and engagement with UCS communications—while reflecting the nuance and rigor of UCS research. Your skills will be in demand across a range of UCS programs and campaigns, and you’ll be in great company as part of a team of strategists, writers, and editors who share the same goals.

Responsibilities

• Research, interview for, write, and edit a range of content and formats including web pages, magazine articles, emails/newsletters, fundraising collateral, social media posts, multimedia projects, and more.
• Deliver copy on deadline and ensure it meets UCS’s editorial standards.
• Participate in editorial team meetings, contribute to pitch meetings, take general assignments, and serve as back-up writer/editor as needed.
• Create, manage, and maintain assigned areas of the UCS website, and regularly contribute ideas for improving its content.
• May serve as beat writer for one campaign; this includes creating content for a variety of audiences and channels, tracking relevant webpage pageviews, and working with program staff to ensure content is technically accurate, and aligns with established messaging.
• Collaborate with editorial team, take ad hoc writing assignments, and serve as back-up writer/editor as needed.

Requirements

Qualifications and Experience

• Five to seven years of relevant experience.
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Journalism or English. At UCS, comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.
• Excellent communication skills, including exceptional command of written language that reflects understanding of a variety of target audiences and requirements of multiple communication channels.
• Strong writing and editing skills, with a demonstrated ability to translate technical concepts and policy approaches into pithy, personal, and compelling copy.
• Demonstrated ability to quickly generate high-quality written material under deadline.
• Must have excellent attention to detail, and the ability to work independently and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to take direction.
• Knowledge of SEO best practices, and familiarity with Drupal and WordPress is preferred.
• Experience in advocacy or fundraising a plus.
• Experience with marketing writing/copywriting a plus.
• Spanish language writing ability a plus.

May spend extended periods at computer. You may travel/stay overnight at department and/or program retreats, no more than eight to ten days per year.

UCS is an equal opportunity employer actively seeking to diversify its staff. We’re dedicated to broadening opportunities for individuals from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences and in environmental advocacy. We’re also committed to building an inclusive workplace culture where talented people of widely diverse backgrounds can thrive. We believe the inclusion of culturally diverse perspectives will improve our work and produce better societal and environmental outcomes for all, including historically disenfranchised communities.

Benefits

Details:

This is a full-time remote position. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary range is $80,531 to $90,600. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment. *CA Resident Only, we offer a 12% salary differential*

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

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

More about the team:

Our team is made up of a dedicated group of researchers, scientists, communicators, campaigners, and advocates from wide-ranging backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and a collaborative and supportive work environment where all staff can thrive. We continually strive to create an environment which is a welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, parents, empty-nesters, and people with a wide variety of interests and backgrounds.

To Apply: We know there are great candidates who won’t check all of these boxes, and we also know you might bring important skills that we haven’t considered. If that’s you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself.

Please upload a cover letter and resume. In the cover letter, please confirm that the listed salary meets your expectations. Upload all materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls, please.

This position is in the bargaining unit.

Covid Mandate for New Hires:

For in office roles, UCS employees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Employees are considered fully vaccinated as defined by the CDC. All new hires who will be reporting to an office location must provide notice of their vaccination status and vaccination documentation, on or before their first day of work. For all others, UCS strongly encourages full vaccinations among its employees, up to and including booster shots, even if working remotely.

All new employees must comply with the mandatory vaccination requirements outlined in UCS policies as soon as practicable. The Union of Concerned Scientists will notify candidates for employment of the requirements of this policy before the start of employment.

Deadline: Until filled.