New job Government Relations Specialist in Colorado

Government Relations Specialist

Company : University Corporation for Atmospheric Research
Salary : $84,287 - $105,358 a year
Location : Colorado

Full Description

Application Deadline: This position will be posted until July 12, 2021.

Relocation: Relocation assistance is not available for this position.

Work Authorization: UCAR/NCAR will not sponsor a work visa to fill this position.

Location: This is a remote position in the Washington, DC area with the potential for hoteling office space in the future.

Hiring Salary Range: $84,287 - $105,358
Full Salary Range: $84,287 - $136,966

Benefits: UCAR affirms its continuing commitment to developing, providing, and administering its employee benefit programs with due consideration for equal employment opportunity and diversity guidelines.
UCAR's rich package of employee benefits includes medical, dental, vision, education assistance, retirement, and life insurance. UCAR offers a variety of programs designed to assist with work-life balance including flexible work alternatives, paid time off and 14 weeks of paid parental leave.

Where You Will Work:

The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) manages the National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR) and various UCAR Cooperative Programs (UCP) – all in service of advancing knowledge, providing community-based resources, and building human capacity in atmospheric and related sciences.

In the Office of Government Relations, we bring science to bear on the policy and legislative issues of the day, focusing on key investment priorities critical to our nation and planet, and advocating for the role of science in formulating weather, water, climate, space weather, and associated Earth system research policies.

We serve the atmospheric and Earth system science community by:

  • highlighting the value and implications of our science for policy and legislative issues;

  • identifying and advocating for research priorities critical to our nation and planet;

  • acting as a neutral, fact-based voice on Earth system research policies;

  • helping scientists effectively engage in the policy process; and

  • building consensus for initiatives that enhance the community's success and standing in Washington.

What You Need:

The Government Relations Specialist facilitates connections and relationships with Congressional offices including personal offices and committee offices; utilize connections to educate members of Congress and their staffs on University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR), National Center for Atmospheric Research (NCAR), and UCAR Community Program (UCP) capabilities, research, and programmatic applicability to their issue areas and

constituents’ needs; leverage network to strategically advocate for UCAR/NCAR funding.

This position will also work closely with UCAR Communications, Business Development staff as well as other teams within the UCAR President’s Office and may supervise directly and/or mentor staff or student fellows in the Government Relations office.

Responsibilities:

Convey the value of scientific programs to legislative audience

  • Partner with the Director of Government Relations to develop programs, events and / or communication strategies designed to inform Congressional and Federal entities of UCAR/NCAR programs, activities, policies, and practices.
  • Represent the interests of UCAR, NCAR, UCP, and the larger earth system science community in front of Members of Congress, federal officials, and key committee and agency staff.
  • Facilitate and arrange interactions between UCAR, NCAR, and UCP staff, key members of the University community and Members of Congress, federal officials, and key committee and agency staff to elevate awareness of UCAR/NCAR resources and services provided to the region, state, nation, and world.
  • Manage the process of UCAR appropriations request forms submitted to Congressional offices. Work with UCAR/NCAR scientists to complete and submit required forms by the deadline, e.g. translate scientific language into layman terms for Members of Congress and their staff. Prepare and send formal correspondence to Members of Congress for UCAR’s project and programmatic appropriations priorities.
  • Identify and implement ways to promote, and improve UCAR programs such as congressional briefings, board briefings, member representative briefings, UASC presentations, events at community gatherings (e.g. AGU Fall Annual meeting, AMS annual meeting, etc.), the Next Generation Policy Fellowship; Lead efforts to implement such changes.
  • Cultivate awareness, support and advocacy for UCAR/NCAR research and education initiatives among key federal decision-makers and funders.
  • Work with federal agency officials, and key Congressional and agency staff to advance UCAR/NCAR interests by updating individuals on relevant UCAR/NCAR research and discussing funding opportunities.
  • Monitor and track legislation, news, and relevant intel from Congress, NSF, NOAA, and other relevant government entities on issues related to UCAR/NCAR interests.

Support UCAR initiatives

  • Work closely and effectively with the Director of Government Relations in development of Office goals each year, and continually report on progress.
  • Represent the Government Relations Office on strategic projects and initiatives as well as relevant boards and commissions, as assigned by the Director of Government Relations.
  • Work with other entities within the UCAR President’s Office to maintain UCAR science policy presence and information through UCAR website, social media, and direct emails.

Support UCAR engagement of the broader science advocacy community in Washington, DC

  • Cultivate awareness, support and advocacy for UCAR/NCAR’s research and initiatives among interest groups, community leaders and policy makers at the federal level.
  • Promote, and improve UCAR programs such as congressional briefings, board briefings, member representative briefings, UASC presentations, events at community gatherings (e.g. AGU Fall Annual meeting, AMS annual meeting, etc.), the Next Generation Policy Fellowship

What You Need:

Education and Years of Experience

  • Bachelor Degree and 3-5 years of experience working in a Congressional office or in a government relations role where work with Congressional offices was a primary function
  • Preferred:
  • Master's Degree or background in earth system science, or science policy experience

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Knowledge of earth system science policy in the Washington, D.C. environment.
  • Advanced skill in working with congress and federal agencies.
  • Broad familiarity with legislative processes and actors.
  • Skill in translating scientific concepts and ideas to a congressional audience in written form.
  • Ability to communicate priorities, via written product and in-person, to a wide variety of stakeholders, both internal and external, in a clear and effective fashion.
  • Ability to work effectively with a diverse staff to accomplish goals.
  • Ability to identify creative solutions and function in high pressure situations.

Applicant Notes:

  • An Inclusion Statement will be required for all applicants applying to this position. This statement should address past efforts, as well as future vision and plans to advocate for and advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in the organization and/or field of work.
  • Pre-employment screenings and background checks are conducted in conjunction with an offer for employment into risk-based positions. This screening may involve verifying or reviewing any of the following relevant information: restricted parties screening, employment verification, education verification, reference checks, verification of professional licenses, certifications, and Motor Vehicle Records. Risk-based positions require pre-employment screening, a criminal background check, and Sex Offender Registry screening (for positions working with vulnerable populations). UCAR complies with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).
  • Please note that while the position description details both minimum requirements as well as desired skills and experience, we want to remind applicants that you do not need to have all the desired skills and experience to be considered for this role. If you have the passion for the work along with experience in a related field, you are encouraged to apply. We can provide on-the-job training for the rest.
  • For more information about our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, h ere is the link to the Office of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Strategic Plan and to the ODEI landing page .

The University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR) is an equal opportunity/equal access/affirmative action employer that strives to develop and maintain a diverse workforce. UCAR is committed to providing equal opportunity for all employees and applicants for employment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, age, creed, color, religion, national origin or ancestry, sex, gender, disability, veteran status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or pregnancy.

Whatever your intersection of identities, you are welcome at the University Corporation for Atmospheric Research (UCAR). We are committed to inclusivity and promoting an equitable environment that values and respects the uniqueness of all members of our organization.


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