Chief of Staff Union of Concerned Scientists

Location: Remote
Job Type: Full-time

About the Organization

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent nonprofit dedicated to putting science into action to build a healthier, safer, and more just world. For over 50 years, UCS has been a trusted voice in shaping solutions to global challenges ranging from climate change and clean energy to disinformation, racial equity, and nuclear security.

Our work is guided by six key values:

• Science in service of people and the planet
• Justice and equity for all communities
• Courage to stand up for evidence-based truth
• Integrity in research and action
• Democracy with a voice for everyone
• Collective action to create real change

About the Role – Chief of Staff

As Chief of Staff, you will serve as a strategic partner to the President, coordinate executive decision-making, and align organizational priorities with UCS’s mission. This role requires an experienced leader with exceptional judgment, strategic insight, and the ability to foster collaboration across diverse teams.

You’ll guide the Executive Team, support the Board, and act as a key connector between leadership, programs, and stakeholders. This is a high-impact executive role with direct influence on organizational direction.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Coordination & Strategic Alignment

• Lead Executive Team and Leadership Team coordination—set agendas, facilitate decision-making, and ensure accountability.
• Anticipate issues, manage priorities, and ensure alignment across multi-year, quarterly, and weekly goals.
• Represent the President and ET in meetings as needed.
• Oversee special strategic projects and cross-functional initiatives.

Presidential & Political Support

• Prepare the President for high-level meetings and briefings.
• Identify opportunities to amplify UCS leadership in the public and policy arenas.
• Provide insights into federal policy, advocacy landscapes, and coalition dynamics.
• Integrate UCS’s scientific expertise into external engagements.

Board Relations

• Plan and manage Board meeting agendas, speakers, and logistics.
• Support the Governance Committee and Board Secretary.
• Coordinate with Development leadership on Board strategy and engagement.

Internal Communications

• Ensure staff are informed of organizational updates and priorities.
• Lead monthly all-staff meetings, internal newsletters, and communication channels in partnership with Communications leadership.
• Streamline cross-departmental updates to minimize staff burden.

Department Oversight

• Manage Executive Department budget and supervise coordinators and assistants.
• Serve as point of contact for UCS legal counsel on programmatic legal matters.
• Organize executive retreats and strategic planning sessions.

Leadership & Culture

• Champion an anti-racist, inclusive organizational culture.
• Mentor and empower a small, high-performing executive support team.
• Model integrity, transparency, and trust-building at the highest levels

Education & Experience Requirements

• Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, Environmental Studies, Nonprofit Management, or related field.
• Preferred: Master’s degree in Public Administration, Policy, Environmental Science, or Executive Leadership.
• Experience:
• 10+ years of management experience in nonprofit, academic, NGO, or government environments.
• Proven success in executive-level coordination, strategy execution, and cross-functional leadership.
• Strong understanding of U.S. science and policy-making processes at federal and state levels.
• Exceptional communication skills written, verbal, and strategic.
• Demonstrated commitment to racial equity and inclusive decision-making.
• Experience managing teams, budgets, and complex political or advocacy landscapes.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Executive Leadership & Strategic Planning
• Organizational & Political Acumen
• Board Engagement & Governance
• Advocacy & Policy Navigation
• Budget & Resource Management
• High-level Communication & Diplomacy
• Crisis Management & Problem Solving
• Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

Work Conditions & Travel

• Regular office hours with occasional evening/weekend work.
• Occasional travel for President support, Board meetings, or leadership retreats (approx. 5–10 overnights per year).
• Must be accessible via email/phone/text outside regular hours during critical events

Equal Opportunity Employer

UCS is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace where individuals of all backgrounds can thrive. We actively encourage applications from historically underrepresented communities in science and advocacy.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, gender, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected characteristic.

How to Apply

If you’re interested in this position, please register on our portal and submit your application through the link below:

👉 Register & Apply at TeezJobs.com