Director: Center for Science and Democracy : Cambridge, United States

Director
Center for Science and Democracy
Union of Concerned Scientists

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) seeks an inaugural Director for its Center for Science and Democracy (CSD). An ambitious nonpartisan initiative, the Center is being launched to uphold the integrity of science and guarantee that evidence-based knowledge and constructive debate remain at the heart of the U.S. policymaking process, thereby strengthening American democracy.

Established in 1969, UCS seeks to ensure that all people have clean air, energy, and transportation, as well as food that is produced in a safe and sustainable manner. UCS strives for a future that is free from the threats of global warming and nuclear war, and a planet that supports a rich diversity of life. Sound science guides UCS’s efforts to secure changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices that will protect and improve the health of our environment globally, nationally, and in communities throughout the United States. UCS is headquartered in Harvard Square in Cambridge, Massachusetts, with offices in Washington, D.C., Berkeley, CA, and Chicago, IL (www.ucsusa.org).

Reporting to the President of UCS, the Director provides scientific, strategic and managerial leadership for the Center for Science and Democracy. The Director draws upon the advice and guidance of the President, the UCS Board of Directors, Program Directors and the CSD Steering Committee, which when fully formed will consist of six to ten leaders across disciplines at the nexus of science and democracy.

The ideal candidate will require a variety of specialized qualifications and talents: from a deep understanding (or appreciation) of science broadly speaking, to personally engaging, persuasive and strategic convening skills. The Center Director must be a collaborative and nationally recognized leader with a Ph.D., preferably in the sciences, social sciences or policy realm. While he or she does not need to possess direct experience in policy or working in a nongovernmental organization, such background will be advantageous to this role, as well as a demonstrated commitment to upholding the integrity of evidence-based scientific knowledge and research. The Director must be an articulate, thoughtful and persuasive spokesperson on behalf UCS and representing science excellence in policy matters. While not a prerequisite, fundraising experience and skills are desirable.

A full leadership profile, outlining the responsibilities, challenges and leadership opportunities, is available at: http://wittkeifer.com/file/N09126UCS_DirectorCenterforScienceAndDemocracy_Spec.pdf.

This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic and intellectual leader to make significant and meaningful contributions to the nexus of scientific research, governmental policy and corporate practices while working in close partnership with UCS’s senior leadership, distinguished scientists and policy makers around the nation.

This search will be conducted with great respect for the confidentiality of candidates, and the recruitment will continue until the position is filled. Interested individuals should provide a letter describing their interest in and qualifications for the position along with a resume or curriculum vitae. Nominations, inquiries and expressions of interest should be submitted via email to ucsdirector@wittkieffer.com.

Director, Center for Science and Democracy
Union of Concerned Scientists
c/o Witt/Kieffer
Attention: Manny Berger and Brian Bloomfield

Confidential inquiries and questions concerning this search may be directed to Manny Berger at (781) 272-8899 or Brian Bloomfield at (949) 351-7811.

UCS unequivocally supports the principle and spirit of equal employment opportunity for all persons based solely on each individual’s qualifications. UCS administers its employment and personnel policies without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, sexual preference, age, national origin, legally recognized handicap, or veteran status. This policy regarding equal employment opportunity applies to all aspects of employment, including but not limited to recruitment, benefits, wage and salary administration, scheduling, disciplinary action, termination, and social, educational, and recreational programs. This policy is administered so as to comply with existing legal requirements.

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