The Program Assistant helps with many aspects of UCS’s work on invasive species and climate change. These include research; outreach to activists, scientists, Capitol Hill, and the public; creating and preparing materials for the website and other audiences; database management; and other special projects as needed. The Program Assistant also provides administrative support, and specific support for the scientific staff, as needed. 

Research:  Conducts web, database, library, and other research on selected issues to support the work of both the tropical forest and climate and the invasive species work. May regularly monitor a range of publications for events, news, and recent research on related issues, disseminating these as appropriate. Researches and drafts short articles for UCS’s website and internal and external UCS publications.

Activist, Scientist, Congressional, and Public Outreach: Assists in the development, production, and distribution of action alerts, sign-on letters, and calls-to-action for scientists, activists, key constituencies, allies, members and committees of Congress, and the general public. Provides logistical support for – and participates in – events such as Washington, DC, Education Days and skill-building workshops. Creates fact sheets and other materials to distribute to congressional offices. Tracks relevant legislation and provides updates as necessary.

Administrative Support
Provides general administrative assistance as needed, including: scheduling meetings; taking and disseminating minutes of meetings; maintaining contacts lists; budget tracking; renewing and monitoring journal subscriptions; making travel arrangements; copying; filing; sending mailings; etc. Responds to information requests and correspondence to UCS. Maintains familiarity with other UCS programs and coordinates with the work of other departments.  Provides back up to DC front desk as necessary.

Writing and Communications: Drafts fact sheets, web pages, email updates/announcements, figures and tables for publication. Works with internal communications, web staff, and contractors to ensure web site content and links are up-to-date. Monitors web pages, suggesting and coordinating the posting of updates and new materials and graphics. The ability to multi-task among the three projects is essential. Coordinates among three supervisors and keeps everyone informed about program assistant activities.

Database and Spreadsheet Maintenance:  Tasks include data entry and analysis, maintaining the integrity of the data, and producing queries, reports, email lists, , and other output. Analyzes and reports on website and action alert usage statistics. Works to further develop the effectiveness of databases for research, outreach, and advocacy.

Performs other duties and tasks, as assigned.

BASIC KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS
A bachelor's degree or equivalent training and experience are required.

Applicants should have demonstrated strong administrative, organizational, and multi-tasking skills and have the ability to work independently as well as be an integral part of a team. The position requires self-motivation; good research and interpersonal skills; attention to detail and commitment to accuracy; familiarity with office operations; intermediate level skills in word processing, Internet browsers, spreadsheets, and database use/maintenance. Demonstrably excellent written communication skills are essential.

EXPERIENCE:
A demonstrated interest in and passion for work that serves the public interest and the specific mission of UCS. A minimum of two years of relevant experience as a program, administrative, or research assistant, preferably in a non-profit setting. Understanding of web-based, library, and other research techniques plus website and database maintenance. Education in climate science, ecology, and/or invasion biology is strongly preferred. Familiarity with advocacy, outreach, and the US legislative process, is helpful, but not required. Knowledge of Portuguese, Spanish, or French helpful, but not required.  On-the-job training of six months is needed to become familiar with UCS personnel, programs, and procedures.

To Apply:  Please submit cover letter, referencing where you first learned of this job opening, and resume to climatejobs@ucsusa.org by November 23, 2007.