Associate Director, Science Policy

The Federation of American Scientists (FAS) is a nonprofit policy research and advocacy organization founded in 1945 to meet national security challenges with evidence-based, scientifically-driven, and nonpartisan policy, analysis, and research.  The organization advances progress on a broad suite of contemporary issues where science, technology, and innovation policy can deliver dramatic progress, and ensures that scientific and technical expertise has a seat at the policymaking table. We believe in embracing a growth-oriented and entrepreneurial mindset to drive impact for our colleagues, clients, and partners around the world.

Position Summary:

FAS is hiring an Associate Director, Science Policy to support the team lead in day-to-day management of the team, opportunity recognition and capture, and implementation of projects. Reporting to the Director, Science Policy, the Associate Director will provide project management expertise, as well as an understanding of policies ranging from evidence-based policy to environmental justice. 

The salary range for this position is $115,000-$160,000 annually. FAS offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance, employer match on 401k contributions, pre-tax transportation benefits, and paid holidays, vacation, sick, and volunteer time off.

What you’ll do:

• Support the Director in managing the team, including personnel, projects, budgets, and strategic programmatic thinking; as this role is onboarded, it will likely include direct reports
• Manage the day-to-day functions of specific portfolios, as needed
• Prepare a variety of external materials, including philanthropic requests, policy reports, and event white papers, to support the team’s strategic goals
• Develop and maintain a broad network of topical subject matter experts across the federal government, academia, and the social and private sectors
• Provide rapid review and drafting of time-sensitive materials
• Represent FAS at external conferences, events, and meetings
• Participate as an expert voice with Day One Project policy memo contributors

Qualifications you’ll need: The FAS team is seeking an entrepreneurial, ambitious, and resourceful individual who is comfortable in a lean and agile environment, and has previous job experience in a similar dynamic setting. Specifically, FAS seeks a candidate who:

• Has 10-15 years of project and stakeholder management, including knowledge of evidence-based policy and environmental justice issues. Work in the federal government, consulting, or a PhD on the topic area are a plus.
• Excellent written communication, with a strong sense for how to tailor writing for different audiences (e.g. funders and policymakers).
• Develops conceptual frameworks that guide analysis.
• Draws sound conclusions based upon a mixture of analysis and experience.
• Sets challenging goals for areas of responsibility in relation to business opportunities.
• Maintains a broad, strategic perspective while identifying and focusing on crucial details.
• Shares new ideas and perspectives to adjust business strategies.
• Promotes a shared understanding of the FAS’ needs and strategic direction to rally teams.
• Organizes teamwork to encourage cooperation and bring together complementary skills/expertise.
• Encourages others to see the positive outcome of doing things differently.
• Provides clear direction and priorities to teams.
• Encourages and values teams’ input.
• Mission-driven individual with strong judgment, interpersonal skills and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment required.

Hiring Statement:

The Federation of American Scientists is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws. 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.

FAS looking to fill this position quickly. Applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Early submission will ensure your application receives full consideration.

To apply, please click the “Apply for this position” button and fill out all of the required details. Please ensure to attach a resume and cover letter in the associated boxes.

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.Apply for this position