Chief Science Officer

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

This is a founding role.  Do you have the unique set of attributes we need?

People Skills

What leadership skills do you need to possess to be a strong candidate?

A talent magnet with management expertise that led to strong results for a team and/or organization, including:

• Coaching and/or developing staff with evidence to support success
• Creating and iterating on structures and systems to effectively support talent development, including selection, onboarding and expectation setting, coaching, and career development
• Articulating what excellent performance looks like, and establishing clear metrics to celebrate growth and ensure accountability
• Tracking data consistently and being able to produce evidence over time that proves a demonstrable commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion 

Transformational culture building that shifted what people imagined was possible, including:

• Building a psychologically safe environment where evidence of belonging exists among all team members
• Creating and investing others in an aspirational, strategic vision that is ambitious and bold, challenging the status quo in ways that are audacious and impactful
• The ability to successfully lead a change management process, including investing all stakeholders, even among those who are resistant 
• Evidence of prior success leading teams where risk-taking and continuous learning were championed

Expertise

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

• Demonstrated ability to build and scale a successful multi-million dollar initiative
• Subject matter expertise in federal science or technology policy with deep knowledge in at least one specific area, and a robust set of policy leadership connections 
• PhD in a STEM field
• Effective and compelling communicator who can adjust messages and style to influence a broad range of audiences, including:
  • Speaking to science and technology policy experts on panels, convenings, and/or conferences, and being featured in news and social media 
  • Testifying on Capitol Hill or speaking to legislative or executive staff about science or technology policy
  • Building and cultivating relationships with FAS donors, foundations, and high net worth individuals 
• A visionary thinker with proven strategic and adaptive thinking capabilities, combined with the ability to take large-scale projects and/or organizational initiatives from theory to lasting impact 
• A model of an organizational leader, including demonstrable experience in the following areas:
  • Communicates with the appropriate mixture of transparency and discretion, and modeling tact and diplomacy when doing so
  • Self-aware and engages in self-reflection (focuses on what’s within their locus of control instead of externalizing)
  • Perspective taking (can imagine and see varying points of view)
  • Inclusive in decision-making
  • Awareness of different leadership styles and when to use them (e.g., collaborative, directive, supportive, consensus building)

To Sum It Up…

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

The Chief Science Officer will be tenacious and action-oriented with the ability to position FAS as a change agent to deploy cutting-edge science, technology, ideas and talent to solve the biggest challenges of our time. You are well-respected and renowned with the policy world, and have a roster of policy leaders on whom you can call upon across relevant science and technology issues. You will lead through ambiguity, managing multiple science and technology portfolios of diverse topics. You will be a prolific fundraiser, expanding FAS’ depth and breadth of funding sources and revenue. You are a community builder and will unite people with diverse or seemingly divergent interests towards a common goal, even when one doesn’t immediately exist. You are able to “see around corners” and inspire people both within and outside of FAS to do more than what we thought is possible to build a healthy, safe, prosperous and equitable society.  

Work Environment 

This position will be a hybrid role, meaning that both remote and in-person work can be accommodated, generally two to three days per week on-site, and two to three days per week remote.  

Salary Range

$250,000 – $300,000

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. 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.  Employment is contingent on successful verification of eligibility to work in the United States.