Environment and Health Program Director

[Job Focus: Climate, Energy & Health]

NOTE: Applicants MUST apply by visiting: https://psr.org/about/careers/

About Physicians for Social Responsibility

Physicians for Social Responsibility (PSR) is an independent 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization working to create a more healthy, just, and peaceful world. Throughout its history, PSR has provided a strong health-focused voice against the development and use of nuclear weapons. Our other major programmatic focus is climate change—another catastrophic disaster that threatens human health and survival. PSR is a co-founder and U.S. affiliate of the International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War, and as the U.S. affiliate of this global network, PSR shared in the 1985 Nobel Peace Prize. PSR is also a partner organization in the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons, which won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2017. PSR has a national office in Washington, D.C. with chapters across the United States.

The Program

PSR’s Environment and Health (E&H) program amplifies the voices of health professionals and other advocates on the catastrophic health consequences of climate change and energy policy. We work by supporting efforts at the local, state, and federal level to end U.S. reliance on fossil fuels and fossil fuel exports; promoting the transition to clean, safe renewable energy and energy efficiency; protecting federal policies and programs that safeguard clean air and our climate; and educating and mobilizing health professionals to speak about climate change as a health crisis.

Areas of Responsibility

Program and Policy

• Develops PSR program strategies and policy positions on climate change, energy and related environmental health issues in consultation with PSR chapters and the Environment & Health Committee.
• Undertakes issue and policy analysis and writes reports, comments, briefing papers, public and policy-maker educational materials, and articles for PSR’s publications and website.
• Advises PSR chapters, Board leadership and key advocates on policy and programs on environmental health-related issues. Promotes their active engagement in the E&H program as appropriate.
• Collaborates with allies in the environment and health communities. Represents PSR and speaks at internal and external educational programs and conferences.
• Participates in appropriate national working groups to stay abreast of policy issues, contribute the health focus to these meetings, and build collaboration between PSR and allies.
• Supports the Executive Director and other spokespeople with communication guidance and policy information for public discussion.

Education and Advocacy

• Oversees design and implementation of national projects and campaigns. Involves Board members, chapters and e-activists in PSR’s work to educate and advocate on climate change, energy, and related environmental health issues. Creates or commissions educational and advocacy materials as needed. 
• Provides policy and technical expertise to Board members, chapters, members and e-activists for education, advocacy and activist training to strengthen PSR’s medical voice.
• Uses multi-channel communications – online, phone, email, social media and media outreach -- to build and mobilize projects and campaigns.
• Fields media inquiries and seeks to promote PSR in the media.

Fundraising

• Works with the Executive Director and Director of Philanthropy to identify fundraising opportunities and develop grant proposals for existing and potential funders. Takes primary responsibility for writing Environment & Health Program funding proposals.
• Cultivates relationships with foundation program officers, provides updates and written reports to funders.
• Seeks partnerships with colleagues and other NGOs to attract funding.
• Coordinates with the development team to engage with major donors through phone calls, events and personal contacts.

Management

• Develops the vision and strategy for the Environment and Health Program and devises processes for evaluating progress.
• Supervises other Environment and Health Program staff and interns.
• Co-chairs the Environment and Health Committee together with a member of the Board of Directors.
• Co-develops the Committee’s goals and work plan and participates in all Committee meetings.
• Together with the Executive Director and Director of Administration, Operations & Finance, develops and manages the Environment and Health Program budget.

Skills and Experience

Required Experience

• Five years or more experience in environmental advocacy, public health, public policy or similar.
• Demonstrated expertise in environmental health-related issues, especially regarding climate change and energy.
• Demonstrated success with grant writing and other fundraising activities.
• Demonstrated knowledge of legislative and policymaking processes.
• Commitment to engaging and supporting PSR chapters in developing priorities and implementing strategy.

Required Personal Attributes

• Enthusiastic and dynamic leader with strong interpersonal and team skills who can work in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills.
• Extraordinary attention to detail.
• A proven track record of effective project management and completion.
• Self-starter and independent worker; demonstrates creative ideas and approaches.
• Flexible and results-oriented.
• Passion for PSR’s mission.
• Ability to lead by example, with transparency and integrity that motivate staff and constituents.
• Dependable execution; ability to manage aggressive deadlines while maintaining meticulous attention to detail.
• Highly disciplined and reliable.
• Strong backbone; ability to stand on the strength of their judgment and decisions.
• Strong sense of responsibility and accountability; team player and partner mentality. 

Terms 

• This is a full-time position with occasional evening and weekend hours required.
• Occasional travel.
• Reports to the Executive Director.
• Annual Salary Range: $100,000 - $130,000. Compensation offered will depend on several factors including but not limited to: geographic location, work experience, education, skill level, and/or other business and organizational needs.
• This position is based in the United States. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship. 

Benefits 

PSR believes taking care of our people aligns with our commitment to social responsibility and is committed to creating a workplace that supports our staff to do their best work and develop professionally. While regulations differ from place to place, we strive to have parity of benefits across regions. The following benefits are offered:

• Health, dental and vision insurance premiums covered in full for employee, spouse, and eligible dependents.
• Life and long-term disability insurance premiums covered for employee.
• 403b tax-advantaged retirement savings plan.
• Paid time off includes holidays, vacation, sick leave, and personal time.
• Up to 40 hours paid time off each year to use toward volunteering.
• Laptop computer and accessories.
• Internet and telephone subsidy.
• Commitment to supporting professional development.
• PSR promotes and supports a healthy work/life balance for its employees, including flexible work schedules and a hybrid work model.
• Coaching and management support with regular 1:1 meetings.
• Performance reviews and feedback to support you and the team, helping all to reflect and grow. 

Flexible Work Environment

For this position, residency in the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area is desirable but not required. Position is required to be US-based. Please note that all PSR National staff are generally working remotely, but our DC-based staff are expected to be available to work at times on-site at our national office when it is deemed necessary, provided that public health officials have deemed it safe to do so.     

Public Health Awareness

PSR requires that any employee who is required to conduct in-person activities for their job must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Accommodations may be sought and approved in accordance with applicable laws by contacting human resources at employment@psr.org.

How to Apply

Please submit:

1. A cover letter directly describing your qualifications relevant to the skills and experience outlined above;
2. Resume;
3. A minimum of three references (name, title, organization, phone, and email). Please note that references will not be contacted without prior approval from the applicant.

NOTE: Applications will not be considered complete and will not be reviewed until all of the items requested above have been submitted.

Applicants MUST apply by visiting: https://psr.org/about/careers/

No telephone inquiries, please.

Job open until filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. To ensure optimal consideration, applications should be submitted no later than March 8, 2024. Applications will continue to be accepted and reviewed after this date until the position is filled.

 

PSR is deeply committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, belonging, and justice, and believes social change happens when people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and identities come together with a common purpose.

To that end, PSR is committed to employment practices that ensure employees and applicants for employment are provided with equal opportunities without regard to, and prohibits discrimination based on race (including traits that are historically associated with race, such as hair texture and hairstyles), color, national or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, related medical conditions, or reproductive health decisions), age, religion, creed, disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, marital status, status as a victim of domestic violence,  sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

PSR encourages candidates from all backgrounds to apply for open positions. If you require reasonable accommodation(s) to participate in the application or interview process, please contact employment@psr.org.