Campaigner & Scientist

Job Title: Campaigner & Scientist

Program: Oceans 

Employment Type: [  ] Salary   [X] Hourly (non-exempt – this position is eligible for over time) 

                                   [  ] Part-time [X] Full-time 

                                   [  ] Temporary [X] Regular 

Reports to: Oceans Program Director 

Direct Reports to this position: N/A 

Salary Range: $55,000 - $75,000 

Location: Remote (Hybrid available if near a Center office – DC, Asheville, Oakland, Portland, Tucson) 

Is this position in the Bargaining Unit?  [X] Yes   [   ] No 
*Because this position is in the Bargaining Unit, some fees may be required depending on where the candidate lives as a condition of employment. 

Application Instructions: 

Please apply online by submitting a cover letter, resume, writing sample (campaigning materials of 2-3 pages, scientific materials of 2-3 pages) and 3 references. No telephone calls, please. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted. 

 

ABOUT THE CENTER 
The Center for Biological Diversity, a national 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, believes the welfare of human beings is deeply linked to nature — to the existence of a vast diversity of wild animals, plants and people. Because diversity has intrinsic value, and because its loss impoverishes society, we work to secure a future for all species, great and small, hovering on the brink of extinction. We do so through science, law, activism and creative media, with a focus on protecting the lands, waters and climate that humans, other species and all communities need to survive and thrive.  

We want those who come after us to inherit a world where the wild is still alive. 
 

POSITION SUMMARY 
The Campaigner-Scientist is an experienced scientist and campaigner who will use their skills to plan,
execute,
and win strategic campaigns. An integral part of the position will be to build power with allies and the public to influence decision-makers on critical issues. Key aspects of this work include building and maintain strong coalitions, organizing protests and other creative pressure tactics.
Work will also include research and writing science and policy-based documents,
and developing and implementing
other bold conservation initiatives.
The Campaigner-Scientist will be working closely with a dedicated and passionate group of scientists, lawyers, organizers and media professionals within and outside of the Center. The successful candidate will have excellent interpersonal
and facilitation skills,
strong research skills, as well as oral and written communication skills with an ability to work collaboratively while also taking initiative to move work forward. 
 

 

 

ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

• Craft and execute campaign plans that advance the program’s strategic priorities, including legal, policy, and organizing initiatives. 

• Develop and run winning local, regional and state-level campaigns that produce positive change. 

• Consult and coordinate with program staff on campaigns to advance our goals 

• Build and maintain strong partnerships and coalitions with local communities, as well as state, national, and international organizations. 

• Organize meetings, facilitate difficult conversations, and lead from behind to maximize the engagement and sense of shared ownership. 

• Research and write science-based comments on administrative rules and projects and draft endangered species listing petitions on imperiled marine life. 

• Provide general scientific expertise and support for other staff. 

• Effectively communicate with the media, decision-makers, the public, allies and opinion leaders through writing, outreach and public speaking. 

• Organize and promote participation in hearings, protests, and other events. 

• Lobby and meet with policy makers. 

• Build relationships with scientists outside the Center. 

• Create compelling written campaign materials, ranging from comment letters and policy briefings to op-eds, action alerts, and digital organizing pieces. 

• Perform other job-related duties as assigned. 

 

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS  

• 1-5 years of campaign experience.  

• Completion of a master's degree and/or a Ph.D. in a relevant scientific field, or equivalent work experience in a relevant scientific role.  

• Proven experience in creating and implementing winning, strategic outreach, education and/or advocacy campaigns. 

• Demonstrate sound judgment in allocation resources and choice of tactics to have maximum impact. 

• Exceptional written and verbal communications skills.  

• Scientific literacy and familiarity with scientific literature on ocean wildlife and conservation. 

• Demonstrated skill in leading processes that represent our values and produce results, and flexibility to adapt and respond to changing circumstances. 

• Ability to balance multiple tasks and deadlines in a busy environment. 

• Experience working effectively within coalitions, including honoring best practices and competence in justice, equity, diversity, accessibility and inclusion. 

• Ability to work 40+ hours per week. 

 

WORKING CONDITIONS 

Periodic travel required, evening or weekend work may be required at times due to project deadlines. Frequently requires long hours on video calls, and periodically may require attending in-person events, actions, and meetings outside the office. Typical work schedule is Monday-Friday. Requires the use of typical office equipment including copiers, printers, etc. 

 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

The ideal candidate must be able to complete all physical requirements of this job with or without a reasonable accommodation.  

 

This is not a complete description of all workplace conditions, and conditions are subject to change per the Organization’s discretion. 

 

Cognitive 

Ability to process and analyze information: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [X] Frequently    

Exchange accurate information: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [X] Frequently    

Communicate and express oneself with others: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [X] Frequently    

Interaction with other colleagues: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [X] Frequently    

Interaction with the public/co-collaborators: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [X] Frequently    

Physical 

Reading (ingest data): [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [X] Frequently    

Working on a computer: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [X] Frequently    

Typing: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [X] Frequently    

Writing by hand: [X] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently    

Sitting: [  ] Rarely    [] Occasionally   [X] Frequently    

Walking: [  ] Rarely    [X] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently    

Standing: [  ] Rarely    [X] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently    

Lift/Carry 0-25 lbs: [] Rarely    [X] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently    

Lift/Carry 25-75 lbs: [] Rarely    [X] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently    

Hiking: [] Rarely    [X] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently    

Climbing up or down stairs: [  ] Rarely    [X] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently    

Bending: [] Rarely    [X] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently    

Squatting: [] Rarely    [X] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently    

Reaching overhead: [] Rarely    [X] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently    

Repetitive motions: [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [X] Frequently    

Ability to drive: [] Rarely    [X] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently    

 

Location Conditions 

In person required (versus remote work): [  ] Rarely    [X] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently    

Travel required:  [  ] Rarely    [X] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently    

Night or weekend work: [  ] Rarely    [X] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently    

Work in outdoor conditions: [  ] Rarely    [X] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently    

Other? _________________ [  ] Rarely    [  ] Occasionally   [  ] Frequently    

 

BENEFITS (Subject to change—see Handbook for more details) 
For regular staff working 30+ hours a week 

• Fully paid medical premiums for staff, and greatly discounted for families.  
• Fully paid dental and vision premiums for staff and their families. 
• Generous employer contribution to HSA and HRA’s. 
• Lifestyle Spending Account (LSA) provided for reimbursement of eligible wellness expenses. 
• Center paid premiums for Short Term and Long-Term Disability provided for all staff.  
• Center paid premiums for Basic Life Insurance for all staff. 
• Discounted premiums for pet discount program. 

For all regular staff 

• 403(b) plan with employer match and increasing employer paid contributions. 
• Generous time off policies, including 13 paid holidays per year and 5 “personal” days awarded each year.  
• Vacation accrual starts at a rate of 15 days annually, but it may be higher commensurate with experience, and paid sick days accrue at a rate of 10 days per year.  
• Center Paid Time Off for parental leave, personal leave, caretaker leave and even pet caretaker leave.  
• After 5 years of service, all employees receive a 12-week paid sabbatical.  
• Relaxed work atmosphere and dress code.  

 

JEDAI STATEMENT 

The Center for Biological Diversity deeply values, and is committed to sustaining and promoting, both biological and cultural diversity. We welcome, embrace and respect diversity of people, identities and cultures. We are committed to fostering an organizational culture of diversity and inclusion. The Center believes staff and board diversity is critical to saving life on Earth. 

 

We are an equal opportunity employer.  

 

The Center complies with all federal and local laws regarding work authorization for new hires. We welcome and encourage anyone interested to apply to any of our open positions. Everyone, regardless of current work authorization, will be considered. 

Application Instructions: 

Please apply online by submitting a cover letter, resume, writing sample (campaigning materials of 2-3 pages, scientific materials of 2-3 pages) and 3 references. No telephone calls, please. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.