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Full-time FAS staff
WASHINGTON, DC
$70,000 – $87,500
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Manager, Climate and Environment

Why FAS?  

Does FAS sound like an organization that you would be energized to join?  Is it aligned to your values?

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) takes quite seriously our role as a beacon and voice for the science community.  

FAS has a rich history: after the devastating bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki in 1945, a group of atomic researchers – deeply concerned about the use of science for malice – created an organization committed to using science and technology to benefit humanity.  

The group they created – the Federation of Atomic Scientists – soon became the Federation of American Scientists in recognition of the hundreds of scientists across diverse disciplines who joined together to speak with one voice for the betterment of the world.  

Today, we are a group of entrepreneurial, intrepid changemakers, forging a better future for all through the nexus of science, technology and talent. We value equity, inclusion, and transparency.  As a collective, we are building an organization focused on being impact-driven, customer-focused, and growth-oriented as a force for good in the world.

Skills And Expertise: Must Haves

What skills do you need to show proficiency (or higher) in order to be a strong candidate?

  • At least 3 years of experience cultivating professional relationships and strategic partnerships with stakeholders, practitioners, thought leaders, policymakers, and subject-matter experts, especially on climate and environmental topics.
  • Strong demonstrated project management skills, including:
    • Ability to break large and complex projects into manageable components and timelines, and to flexibly adjust project plans to changing circumstances.
    • Ability to track and provide quality control for multiple deliverables associated with a single project.
    • Ability to coordinate work energetically, enthusiastically, and successfully across diverse teams.
    • Ability to provide clear direction to project contributors at very different levels of seniority, including peers and managing up/across FAS.
  • Ability to set and track performance metrics, outputs, and outcomes.
  • Excellent written communication skills, especially with respect to project instructions, progress reports, grant applications, and policy briefs.
  • Ability to work independently without close oversight while also contributing as a team player.
  • A commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and pursuing it within the mission of FAS.
  • Willingness to learn, give, seek and implement feedback.

Nice to Haves (but not requirements):

  • Budget and/or grant management experience.
  • Conference and/or event planning experience.

To Sum It Up…

What’s the “elevator pitch” for the role?

The Federation of American Scientists is seeking a Manager, Climate and Environment. In this role, you will help manage projects, grants, and performance across FAS’ Climate and Environment team, on topics including lands and waters, climate and health, and climate tech and innovation. You will play a critical role in coordinating and contributing to a new body of work exploring how to build a better climate and environmental regulatory state in the United States, including by engaging with diverse stakeholders, partners, and teams; planning convenings designed to meaningfully advance policy dialogues; and contributing original research and writing. You will work closely with the Associate Director, Climate and Environment to ensure that the Climate and Environment team is as strategic and effective as possible in spurring progress on key climate and environmental issues consistent with FAS’ mission.

You should apply for this role if the following responsibilities match your strengths and sound like work that you would love to be doing: 

  • Providing direction, oversight, and accountability for a variety of complex, fast-moving projects.
  • Working with a variety of stakeholders in the climate and environmental space, including individuals from across the ideological spectrum, policymakers in the legislative and executive branches, and other stakeholders from the private sector, academia, non-governmental organizations, and non-federal government.
  • Working closely with FAS Climate and Environment leadership on overall strategy and goal-setting.
  • Further developing budget- and grant-management skills.
  • Gaining experience planning and facilitating high-impact convenings.
  • Supporting creative, impactful, and ambitious policy efforts to ensure a more stable climate and sustainable environment, carried out in partnership with the public sector. Interest in climate and environmental regulation is a plus.
  • Interest in researching and writing on diverse topics in climate and environmental policy, especially the rapidly changing nature of climate and environmental governance at the regional, state, and federal levels.

Work Environment 

Preference is given to applicants located in or willing to relocate to the Washington, DC area, though fully remote candidates will be considered. If located in Washington, DC, presence in person at FAS offices is expected at least 2 days/week. If fully remote, occasional travel to FAS offices and for stakeholder meetings in Washington, DC will be expected. FAS will cover approved business travel costs.

This position is included in a union-represented collective bargaining unit, and specific terms and conditions of employment are subject to collective bargaining.

Salary Range

$70,000 – $87,500

Hiring Statement

Don’t check off every box? Apply anyway! Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every listed qualification. At FAS we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace, and developing new voices. If you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly, we encourage you to apply anyway – you might just be the right candidate.

The Federation of American Scientists is an Equal Opportunity Employer. FAS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status. All hiring decisions are based on an individual’s qualifications and skills and FAS is committed to ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed. The Federation of American Scientists  prohibits discriminating against employees and job applicants who inquire about, discuss, or disclose the compensation of the employee or applicant or another employee or applicant.  Employment is contingent on successful verification of eligibility to work in the United States.

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