Chief Communications Officer

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Chief Communications Officer

🔹 Company: Union of Concerned Scientists

🔹 Location: Remote (United States)

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Communications

🔹 Date Posted: April 16, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: Remote Solely

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading a communications team to advance UCS's mission and campaigns
• Managing communications strategies, creative, editorial, digital marketing, and media teams
• Collaborating with development to enhance fundraising efforts
• Ensuring brand consistency and crisis management
• Promoting a culture of effective communications, equity, and inclusion

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and experience in nonprofit communications to drive UCS's mission and campaigns effectively.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Manage communications team to achieve organizational goals and campaign successes

✅ Collaborate with development to enhance fundraising efforts

✅ Ensure brand consistency and crisis management

✅ Promote a culture of effective communications, equity, and inclusion

✅ Provide input and advice on organization-wide matters as a member of the Executive Team

ASSUMPTION: This role involves managing multiple teams, collaborating with various departments, and making strategic decisions to advance UCS's mission and campaigns.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, or a related field (or equivalent experience)

Experience: At least 10-15 years of comparable experience in nonprofit communications, with a breadth of experience in online/offline content creation, issue messaging, digital engagement/marketing, and earned media

Required Skills:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Proven ability in strategic planning and project management
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills
• Experience in crisis management and brand auditing
• Familiarity with 501(3)c standards and regulations

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working with a diverse team and promoting equity and inclusion
• Fluency in multiple languages

ASSUMPTION: Given the nature of this role, candidates should have extensive experience in nonprofit communications, with a strong background in strategic planning, leadership, and crisis management.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $230,000 to $240,000 per year (USD)

Benefits:

• Excellent benefits package

Working Hours: Full-time, with some work on weekends, nights, or holidays to meet deadlines or contend with urgent issues

ASSUMPTION: The salary range is based on the provided information and industry standards for similar roles in nonprofit organizations.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Non-profit Organizations, focusing on science-based advocacy and policy research

Company Size: 201-500 employees

Founded: 1969

Company Description:

• UCS uses rigorous, independent science to solve our planet's most pressing problems
• Joins with people across the country to combine technical analysis and effective advocacy
• Creates innovative, practical solutions for a healthy, safe, and sustainable future

Company Specialties:

• Climate
• Clean Vehicles
• Clean Energy
• Science and Democracy
• Global Security
• Food and Agriculture

Company Website: http://www.ucsusa.org

ASSUMPTION: UCS is a well-established nonprofit organization with a strong focus on science-based advocacy and policy research, making it an ideal fit for candidates passionate about making a positive impact on the world.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Executive/Leadership

Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the UCS President and serves as a member of the Executive Team

Work Arrangement: Remote solely, with moderate travel required (5-10%)

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to shape UCS's communications strategy and advance its mission
• Opportunity to work with a diverse team of scientists, advocates, and campaigners
• Possibility to grow within the organization as UCS continues to expand its impact

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth opportunities for the right candidate, allowing them to make a substantial impact on UCS's mission and campaigns.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Remote (no physical office location)

Office Location(s): United States

Geographic Context:

• UCS has multiple office locations across the United States
• Remote work allows for flexibility and a better work-life balance
• UCS encourages a diverse and inclusive work environment

Work Schedule: Full-time, with some flexibility for remote work

ASSUMPTION: The remote work arrangement provides flexibility and a better work-life balance, making it an attractive option for candidates seeking a more flexible work environment.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
• In-depth interview with the Executive Team
• Final interview with the UCS President
• Background check and reference checks

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills and strategic thinking
• Leadership and management abilities
• Cultural fit and alignment with UCS's mission and values
• Problem-solving skills and crisis management experience

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
• Be prepared to discuss your experience with crisis management and brand auditing
• Demonstrate your understanding of UCS's mission and values during the interview process

ATS Keywords: Chief Communications Officer, Communications Director, Strategic Planning, Crisis Management, Brand Auditing, Nonprofit Communications, Advocacy, Science-based Policy, Leadership, Management

ASSUMPTION: The interview process will focus on assessing the candidate's communication skills, strategic thinking, leadership abilities, and cultural fit with UCS's mission and values.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, or similar)
• CMS and website management tools (e.g., WordPress, Drupal, or similar)
• Social media management tools (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer, or similar)

ASSUMPTION: The required tools and technologies for this role are standard in the communications industry and should be familiar to experienced candidates.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Science in the service of people and the planet
• Justice and Equity for people of all races and incomes
• Courage to take principled, science-based stands in the public arena
• Integrity to always examine evidence critically, openly, and honestly
• Democracy to promote a voice for all in government decisions
• Action inspiring and mobilizing people to build a healthier, safer, and more just world

Work Style:

• Collaborative and team-oriented
• Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities and deadlines
• Committed to promoting equity and inclusion in all aspects of work

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do you align with UCS's mission and values?
• How have you demonstrated your commitment to promoting equity and inclusion in your previous roles?
• How do you approach crisis management and brand auditing in a nonprofit context?

ASSUMPTION: UCS places a strong emphasis on cultural fit, with a focus on candidates who align with its mission, values, and commitment to promoting equity and inclusion.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a large, diverse communications team with varying expertise and experience levels
• Balancing the demands of multiple stakeholders, including program staff, development, and the Executive Team
• Navigating the complexities of nonprofit communications and fundraising in a dynamic political and advocacy landscape
• Adapting to changes in UCS's mission, priorities, and organizational structure

ASSUMPTION: This role presents unique challenges that require a high level of strategic thinking, leadership, and adaptability to succeed.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Chief Communications Officer vs. Communications Director: The Chief Communications Officer role is more senior, with broader responsibilities and a focus on strategic leadership and organizational impact
• Nonprofit Communications vs. Corporate Communications: Nonprofit communications requires a strong focus on advocacy, policy research, and mission-driven storytelling, while corporate communications prioritizes brand management, marketing, and investor relations
• Chief Communications Officer vs. Chief Marketing Officer: The Chief Communications Officer role emphasizes external communications, advocacy, and public affairs, while the Chief Marketing Officer role focuses on marketing, branding, and customer engagement

ASSUMPTION: This role is distinct from other communications roles, requiring a unique blend of strategic leadership, advocacy, and nonprofit communications expertise.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing and implementing a comprehensive communications strategy to advance UCS's mission and campaigns
• Managing a team to create and distribute engaging, on-brand content across multiple channels, including social media, email, and the UCS website
• Collaborating with development to create compelling fundraising materials and campaigns
• Leading crisis management efforts in response to emerging issues and challenges

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the breadth and depth of responsibilities for the Chief Communications Officer role at UCS.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does this role fit into UCS's long-term strategic plan?
• What are the biggest challenges facing UCS's communications efforts, and how can this role address them?
• How does UCS support the professional development and growth of its communications team members?
• What is the expected timeline for this role to make a significant impact on UCS's mission and campaigns?
• How does UCS measure the success of its communications efforts, and how can this role contribute to improving those metrics?

ASSUMPTION: These key questions help candidates better understand the role's context, expectations, and opportunities for growth and impact.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills
• Prepare for interview questions related to your experience with crisis management, brand auditing, and strategic planning
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.