Academic Coordinator of Sociology
University of California Santa Barbara
United States

Application Window

Through the UCSB Institute for Energy Efficiency, the 2035 Initiative is seeking an Academic Coordinator I (Deputy Director) who will work closely with the 2035 Initiative’s Director, Principal Investigators, and researchers working on domestic and international projects. The 2035 Initiative is a collaboration between environmental policy and politics research labs at the University of California Santa Barbara. The Initiative uses cutting-edge empirical research, policy development, and media engagement to support transformational policy change in the United States and across the planet.

Approximately 50% of the Academic Coordinator’s time will be focused on providing administrative, operational, communications, and fundraising support and the other 50% will be focused on assisting in the management and execution of specific research projects. We are looking for a detail-oriented team player with the ability and willingness to juggle a broad spectrum of responsibilities to fill this dynamic role.

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Lead policy development activities, including conducting policy research, drafting policy memos and whitepapers, and collaborating with nonprofit and public-sector partners, creating dynamic policy interventions based on empirical research;
• Lead outreach and engagement activities with community members, community-based organizations, and nonprofit partners;
• Lead fundraising efforts, including managing extramural grant applications, grant writing, and developing reports and presentations;
• Collaborate with Initiative faculty to identify high-impact research opportunities and support applied research projects;
• Engage with coalition partners and the broader climate advocacy community to bring empirical findings into conversation with advocates and policymakers;
• Support communications and outreach efforts, including drafting public-facing materials to reach broad public audiences;
• Support management of the Initiative, including providing project management support, facilitating the Initiative’s student mentorship programs, tracking project deliverables, and following up on next steps from meetings and workshops;
• Broadly lend support to the Initiative team where needed and tackle special projects where appropriate.

The University is especially interested in candidates who can contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community through research, teaching, and service as appropriate to the position.

Program: https://www.2035initiative.com/

A Bachelor’s degree in political science, sociology, economics, environmental studies, environmental science, public policy, public administration, communications, or a related field.

• Master’s degree
• Excellent writing skills;
• At least 1-3 years of policy development and/or community engagement experience, preferably in climate, energy, or environmental fields;
• At least 1-3 years of administrative support or project coordination experience and a proven track record of excellence in administrative and logistical support;
• Knowledge of environmental politics, policy, and institutions;
• Ability to handle a diverse portfolio of responsibilities simultaneously, with speed, accuracy and courtesy;
• Ability to plan and sequence tasks and projects;
• Ability to efficiently and accurately analyze problems, gather relevant information, propose and implement practical solutions with varying levels of input from senior staff;
• Experience working with interdisciplinary teams and adapting to support multiple work styles;
• Experience supporting fundraising efforts, including writing and formatting proposals, reports to funders and other written materials;
• Experience using project management or collaboration platforms such as Slack, Asana, Basecamp, etc.;
• Experience tracking milestones and deliverables to keep projects on track;
• Excellent computer skills, such as fluency in MS Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Google Docs, Gmail and Google Calendar.
• Experience developing systems and processes to increase organizational efficiency;
• Strong work ethic—highly motivated to go above and beyond a job description to support the team as needed, including a willingness to take on any task or to take the initiative to develop a deeper understanding of policies or protocol in areas that will clearly benefit the organization’s operations.

• 3-5 required (contact information only)

Please provide the names and complete contact information for at least 3 references. In the event an applicant is selected as the finalist, the department will conduct a reference check before extending an offer. Only the finalist's references will be contacted.

The University of California is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age or protected veteran status. For the University of California’s Affirmative Action Policy please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/4010393/PPSM-20. For the University of California’s Anti-Discrimination Policy, please visit: https://policy.ucop.edu/doc/1001004/Anti-Discrimination.

As a condition of employment, you will be required to comply with the University of California Policy on Vaccination Programs, as may be amended or revised from time to time. Federal, state, or local public health directives may impose additional requirements.