Director, Global Security Program

The Union of Concerned Scientists seeks a creative and forward-thinking leader with a visionary, broad, and interdisciplinary approach to serving as the next director of the Global Security Program.

Since its founding in 1969, the Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) has advanced its mission of using rigorous, independent science to solve some of our planet's most pressing problems and improve people's lives. Joining with people across the country and leading with science, UCS's staff of nearly 225 dedicated professionals – including scientists, analysts, policy, outreach, and communication experts – combine science, technical analysis, and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical, and equitable solutions for a healthy, safe and sustainable future. Central to that mission is addressing one of the most serious and existential threats to life on Earth – nuclear weapons.

UCS’s Global Security Program (GSP) has a unique role in fundamentally reforming U.S. policy at a time when the risks posed by nuclear weapons are real and increasing. With its unique combination of science, technical analysis, advocacy, outreach, and communications capacity, UCS and the next director of GSP can help shape discussion and advance policies that limit the threat of nuclear war, curtail dangerous and unnecessary spending on the nuclear arsenal, build public support for policies that reduce these risks, address the environmental, health and cultural harms of nuclear weapons activities and profoundly change a system that puts the fate of the world in the hands of a few.

The new director of the GSP will have the opportunity to re-envision the program's work, strategies, and staffing resources and engage in the advocacy needed to make a change in U.S. nuclear weapons policy, serving as a subject matter expert in arms control and nuclear weapons policy. The new director will be expected to champion and integrate efforts around justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion in program mission-focused work externally and within internal operations. In addition, the director will inspire financial support by proactively creating and sharing a compelling vision for the Global Security Program to engage funders of all types.

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 candidates who bring diverse backgrounds and perspectives to join us in this work.

The ideal candidate will bring a broad knowledge of nuclear arms control and international security issues, including U.S. legislative and policy-making processes, and familiarity with the role of various agencies in the national security policy arena. In addition to subject matter expertise, candidates will bring a strong interest in and demonstrated experience in program and staff management. They will be a strong collaborator and work with other UCS programs that engage on issues related to nuclear power. A thorough understanding of how to engage in issue advocacy is also required. As an external face for this work, the ideal candidate will have demonstrated the ability to interact with a broad array of audiences, particularly in the scientific, arms control, and policy communities, and the credibility that comes with a substantial track record of achievement. The new director must bring a strong commitment to fully incorporating justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) goals and strategies into UCS’s global security work and to supporting and engaging constituencies whose voices and perspectives have been absent or marginalized in national security policy debates, as well as those who are directly impacted by nuclear activities and policies.

All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in the leadership profile, available at www.wittkieffer.com.

WittKieffer is assisting the Union of Concerned Scientists in this search. For fullest consideration, candidate materials should be received by November 15, 2021. Application materials should be submitted using WittKieffer’s candidate portal. Nominations and inquiries can be directed to Suzanne Teer and Lauren Bruce-Stets at UCSDirectorGSP@wittkieffer.com.