Strategic Communications Officer

About the role

Strategic Communications Officer Permanent Communications Union of Concerned Scientists Remote - EST working hours 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. The Position The Strategic Communications Officer develops and helps implement strategies and tactics to maximize communication impact and earned media for UCS issues, experts, and products. This position leads the coordination of program and campaign team communications; is responsible for ensuring a steady drumbeat of activities are completed that advance goals across a variety of channels including digital, print, and multimedia; and balances and prioritizes overall communications work in ways that best advance campaign goals and needs. UCS employees center their work on UCS's core values of racial equity and environmental justice. They work collaboratively to ensure the effective operations of the program/department, center anti-racism and equity in internal and external work, and foster a welcoming, inclusive, and transparent environment where all staff can thrive and grow. Responsibilities Strategic Communications and Project Management - In collaboration with program/campaign and communications team members, develops and implements communication/media strategies to ensure the right mix of analyses, publications, blogs, online resources, earned media, creative formats, engagement opportunities, and marketing channels are used to advance strategies, reach key audiences, create newsworthy products, and help achieve campaign goals. - Convenes quarterly strategy meetings to map out priority activities, analyses, and leverage points. Identifies and fills gaps, to ensure a regular drumbeat of campaign visibility/engagement. - Helps identify, scope, manage and deliver final communications projects in collaboration with the creative, digital, and editorial teams. - Collaborates with communications and program/campaign colleagues to co-create and ensure completion of messaging and other program/campaign communications documents. - Actively participates in annual program planning and provides feedback to inform communications strategy development and implementation. - Serves as primary communications department contact and liaison for campaign/program staff. Media Relations - Establishes relationships with journalists to garner coverage of UCS issues, experts and products in print, radio, TV, and podcast news outlets. - Pitches stories, promptly responds to interview requests, and identifies opportunities to insert UCS into the news cycle. - Ensures the writing, editing and distribution of media materials including alerts, press releases, statements, op-eds, letters to the editor, and talking points. - Represents UCS campaigns in coalitions, assisting with communications content and strategy. Writing and Editing - In collaboration with the editorial and web teams, writes, edits, publishes, and maintains accurate web content, ensuring it meets UCS standards. - Reviews digital, editorial, and creative team copy for social media posts, video scripts, and other projects. Tracking and Analysis - Tracks UCS press hits and impact of communications strategies. Contributes to ongoing metrics reporting to internal stakeholders. Other Duties as Assigned - Maintains understanding of UCS issues and positions, communication strategies, and editorial standards. - Maintains awareness of role as representative of UCS; ensures activities and statements enhance organization's reputation and credentials among press, public, funders, and private sectors; and advances organizational objectives. People Management Authority Manage communications consultants for specific projects as needed. Qualifications and Experience Required 5-7 years of experience in content creati

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