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PAID -- Full-time -- Legislative Assistant -- 9 Month Internship-- Climate & Energy Program

Union of Concerned Scientists


Union of Concerned Scientists has a new opportunity for a paid, full time, nine-month internship supporting work on federal climate and clean energy policy. You will track legislation and relevant events, represent UCS at certain coalition meetings, attend hearings, briefings, and meetings on Capitol Hill, research and prepare informational materials, do outreach, and communicate with Hill offices. You'll also provide general support with report production, research, or event logistics. This internship is under the supervision of the Director of Government Affairs of the Climate and Energy Program, and requires a working knowledge of the legislative process, as well as good research, writing, outreach, and communication skills.

The Position -- The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent national nonprofit whose scientists and engineers work to solve some of our planet's most pressing environmental and safety problems. UCS combines technical analysis and effective organizing and advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for stemming the tide of global warming, sustainable food policy and agriculture, energy and transportation, fighting misinformation and reducing the threat of catastrophic nuclear war.

Under the supervision and mentorship of the C&E Director of Government Affairs this full time, nine-month internship supports work on climate preparedness and federal clean energy policy. You will track legislation and relevant events, represent UCS at certain coalition meetings, attend hearings and briefings on Capitol Hill, research and prepare informational materials, do outreach, and communicate with Hill offices. You'll also provide general support with report production, research, or event logistics.

Responsibilities
  • Help organize and publicize briefings on Capitol Hill and meetings with partners.
  • Assist with event planning, logistics and outreach
  • Prepare background information about new members of key Senate and House committees
  • Help prepare briefing memos and help fact-check and proof materials sent to Hill staff
  • Summarize and compare the policy approaches taken by relevant legislation
  • Help write, fact-check and develop advocacy emails. Research and write memos analyzing issues that intersect with our climate and energy campaign work.
  • Track legislation, represent UCS at certain coalition meetings and attend meetings on Capitol Hill
  • Help draft sign-on letters, and communicate with key Hill staff
  • Monitor daily print media and blogs for pertinent coverage of legislative issues
  • Maintains spreadsheet tracking letters of support, testimony, policy recommendations

Qualifications and experience
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
  • Knowledge of office and administrative support procedures, including Microsoft Office Suite, Google Docs, research and database and graphic manipulation software preferred.
  • Understanding of legislative process
  • Ability to work in fast-paced environment and a positive, team-oriented attitude
  • Strong web research skills preferred
  • Strong outreach and organizing skills highly desirable
  • Interest in and/or experience working on public interest advocacy campaigns and climate and energy issues is a plus
  • Bachelor's degree preferred. 

This job entails extended periods at a computer. Some late hours and/or weekends may be required in connection with events or critical deadlines. Little or no exertion. May occasionally lift and carry boxes of supplies or publications. No travel.

UCS is an equal opportunity employer continually seeking to diversify its staff. In particular, 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've adopted this commitment because 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. We are actively seeking people who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us in this work.

Compensation, Hours and Location: This is a full-time, nine-month internship (January- September 2016) based in UCS's Washington, DC office. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary is the equivalent of $15 per hour, $31,200 annually. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment. Information about the organization is available at http://www.ucsusa.org

To Apply: Please submit a cover letter, resume, salary requirements, how you learned about the position via email to jobs@ucsusa.org and include "Legislative Assistant" in the subject line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please. 

Deadline: Sunday, Dec. 4, or until filled