Communications and Program Associate – Center for Genetics and Society – Berkeley, CA

BACKGROUND: For 15 years, the Center for Genetics and Society (CGS) has led the way in public interest efforts to reclaim human biotechnologies for the common good. We bring a social justice, human rights and public interest perspective to our work on human genetic and assisted reproductive technologies and practices, supporting those that are beneficial and opposing those that threaten to exacerbate inequality, discrimination and conflict.

CGS is a nonprofit organization based in Berkeley, CA. We work with a growing network of scholars across a range of disciplines; with scientists, health professionals, legal experts and policy analysts; and with advocates across a range of civil society sectors (reproductive health, rights and justice; racial justice; disability rights; environmentalism and others). Our work includes building collaborative relationships within this network, a comprehensive communications program, policy advocacy and advocacy-oriented research.

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Communications and Program Associate will be responsible for the smooth operation and expansion of CGS’s strategic communications program, and for working in support of the full range of CGS program activities. Duties will include, but not be limited to, overall responsibility for CGS’s online operations (posting to the website, writing blogs, preparing the newsletter, organizing a webinar series, maintaining social media accounts, etc.); coordination of CGS’s media relations (writing press releases, assisting in placement of articles and op-eds, etc.); and key assistance with policy and public awareness campaigns related to the most consequential human biotechnologies. In addition, the Communications and Program Associate will assist with organizational and campaign planning and message development; writing and production of materials including reports and policy memos; and other support of CGS’s policy and program work. S/he will work with staff, fellows, interns and colleagues, and report to the Executive Director.

ACTIVITIES MAY INCLUDE

Write blog posts for CGS and articles for publication.
Post news articles and other materials on the CGS website and take lead responsibility for social media.
Organize and promote CGS’s Talking Biopolitics series of online conversations and interviews.
Analyze trends in media coverage of CGS and our issues.
Work closely with the Program Director to support campaigns and policy efforts through online and traditional media, with the Director of Finance and Administration on planning CGS’s new website, and with the Executive Director on planning and implementing communications strategy and on other tasks as requested.

IDEAL QUALIFICATIONS

Passion for CGS’s mission and commitment to social justice and the public interest
Familiarity with or strong interest in the politics and social implications of human genetic and assisted reproductive technologies, and basic scientific understanding of them
Demonstrated experience and superior skills in research, writing, and editing, including published articles and/or blog posts
Experience with social media and online communications
Ability to take initiative, self-manage, and work with a small fast-paced team within CGS and across organizations, and to manage multiple and shifting priorities
Ability to self-manage, take initiative and work with a small fast-paced team within CGS and across organizations; to organize collaborative responses to complex issues; and to manage multiple and shifting priorities
Aptitude for addressing cutting-edge political and intellectual challenges, and for strategic thinking about translating new challenges into media and communications activities
Willingness to do occasional travel
Bachelors’ degree or equivalent

This is a non-exempt position. CGS offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits program.

The Center for Genetics and Society, a project of Tides Center, is an “at-will” and equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage and seek applications from women, people of color, people with disabilities, and members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender communities. Applicants shall not be discriminated against because of race, religion, sex, national origin, ethnicity, age, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, marital status, or medical condition. Reasonable accommodation will be made so that qualified disabled applicants may participate in the application process. Please advise in writing of special needs at the time of application.

To apply, send cover letter and resume by COB May 15 to Emily Galpern at jobs@geneticsandsociety.org, with the job title in the subject line.

Only candidates invited to interview will be contacted.

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