Baker Media Internship

The Union of Concerned Scientists puts rigorous, independent science to work to solve our planet's most pressing problems. Joining with citizens across the country, we combine technical analysis and effective advocacy to create innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future.

What began as a collaboration between students and faculty members at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1969 is now an alliance of more than 400,000 citizens and scientists. UCS members are people from all walks of life: parents and businesspeople, biologists and physicists, teachers and students.

Our members understand that scientific analysis-not political calculations or corporate hype-should guide our efforts to secure responsible changes in government policy, corporate practices, and consumer choices. Our experts work on some of the most complex and daunting problems in our history: stemming the tide of global warming, finding sustainable ways to feed, power and transport ourselves, and reducing the threat of catastrophic war. Our achievements over the decades show that thoughtful action based on the best available science can help safeguard our future and the future of our planet. 

The Position

Are you interested in a career in media relations
and issue advocacy? The changing media landscape presents many opportunities to
communicate about science, the environment and policy. The Union of Concerned
Scientists is looking for a motivated student or recent graduate for UCS's
"Baker Internship" in media relations. This paid opportunity will provide
participants with media experience working on exciting communication strategies
at a leading national advocacy organization.

The Baker Media Internship is funded through the
generous bequest of the late C. Edwin (Ed) Baker, Nicholas F. Gallicchio
Professor of Law and Communication at the University of Pennsylvania Law School
and one of the country's foremost authorities on free speech, the First
Amendment, and mass media policy. The internship is designed to help further
his interest in elevating science and policy issues for public consumption
through the media.

Individuals from demographic groups underrepresented in science and
environmental advocacy and from public universities are especially encouraged
to apply. Students and recent graduates are eligible to apply for this
competitive internship.  

Responsibilities

• Pitching
  editors and reporters on story ideas
• Monitoring
  science and policy media coverage
• Drafting
  pitch memos to bloggers
• Scheduling
  television appearances and radio interviews
• Building and
  maintaining media contact lists
• Assisting
  with event publicity, media training, and public relations logistics
• Evaluating
  UCS's public relations activities and making recommendations for
  improvements
• Providing
  media team with operational support
• Researching
  various topic to support media activities 

Qualifications: 

• Candidates should be able to demonstrate excellent organizational
  skills, attention to detail, strong oral and written communication skills, and
  proficiency with computers.
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite including Word,
  Excel and Outlook. Also needed are excellent interpersonal relations skills, as
  well as an ability to work both independently and in teams.
• Interest in
  science, the environment, or media issues strongly preferred. 

Compensation, Hours and
Location: This is a
one-year, benefits-eligible position based in UCS's
Washington, DC office. For candidates who meet all position
requirements, the pay is $15 per hour. UCS
offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment, and is an equal opportunity employer continually
seeking to diversify its staff and to broaden opportunities for individuals
from demographic groups that are historically underrepresented in the sciences
and in environmental advocacy. Information about the organization
is available on our website.

To Apply:

Please utilize the email address provided below to submit a cover letter, resume, writing sample, whether
you are available to work full-time or part-time and how you learned
about the position. Include "Baker
Internship" in the subject
line. Email materials in Word or PDF format only. No phone calls please.

Note: Deadline is October 14, 2013 or until filled. 

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