Liaison with other science organizations is an important component of this position. The Director helps make ASA an effective and visible partner with other science organizations-including the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the National Academy of Sciences-and actively inserts ASA in science policy issues on Capitol Hill and in federal science agencies. Responsibilities include keeping ASA engaged in science and federal policy arenas such as K-12 STEM education, U.S. Census, and support of research at the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, and the National Endowment for the Humanities. The Director inserts ASA and sociologists into opportunities to influence national-level policymaking discussions and activities (e.g., Senate and House committee hearings, White House Office of Science and Technology Policy activities) by providing hearing witnesses, coordinating congressional briefings, or writing public comments in response to official requests for such, and writing letters to federal agency leadership.
To promote sociology and the social sciences generally, the Director works closely with sister social and behavioral science organizations (e.g., the Consortium of Social Science Associations (COSSA), Coalition for National Science Funding, National Humanities Alliance, Coalition to Protect Research, Collaborative for Enhancing Diversity in Science). This includes supporting efforts to increase the number of sociologists elected as AAAS fellows and to the National Academies.
Other responsibilities include:
-- Cultivating positive and increased coverage of sociology in the science press (e.g., Science magazine, science sections of national newspapers).
-- Collaborating with other ASA senior staff in managing ASA's main homepage, especially developing a constant stream of news blurbs for the WHAT'S NEW feature.
-- Developing content for the Advocacy webpage to keep the ASA website dynamic and useful to members, potential members, policymakers, and ASA leadership.
-- Providing material for the ASA Member News & Notes mailing and maintains the "Former News" webpage.
-- Managing the annual competitive ASA small grants program (Community Action Research Initiative) and the ASA Congressional Fellowship.
Applicants for this position should have a minimum of five years of experience in federal science policy advocacy and related efforts including speech writing, public speaking, report writing, opinion writing, and policy analysis. Skills needed include clear writing and strong editing ability, policy analytical and interpretive skills, excellent management and supervisory skills, experience in budget planning and management, committee liaison skills, ability to work with eminent academic and other constituents.
Bachelor's degree required, preferably in communications, journalism, or public/media relations, along with a background in social science (e.g., sociology, psychology, anthropology, economics, political science, science policy).
The position is available immediately. Salary commensurate with experience. Located in downtown DC near McPherson Square, ASA has a 30-person staff, a friendly work environment, and a competitive salary and benefits package that includes coverage for domestic partners. Equal Opportunity employer.
To apply, send cover letter indicating salary requirement, a copy of your full resume, and two writing samples to jobs@asanet.org. No calls please; no search or placement firms; direct applicants only. Apply immediately; search will close whenever the right candidate is found.
American Sociological
Association
1430 K Street NW, Suite 600
Washington, DC
SOURCE: PUBLIC AFFAIRS COUNCIL 09/20/10
