Application Guide
How to Apply for Manager, Program Operations
at Union of Concerned Scientists
🏢 About Union of Concerned Scientists
The Union of Concerned Scientists is a unique nonprofit that leverages rigorous, independent science to develop practical solutions for pressing environmental and social challenges, focusing on sustainability, health, and equity. Working here means contributing to evidence-based advocacy that directly influences policy and public discourse, ideal for professionals who want their operational expertise to support meaningful, mission-driven work.
About This Role
As Manager, Program Operations, you will oversee financial and administrative functions for UCS programs, ensuring efficient budget management, expense tracking, and team supervision. This role is impactful because it directly enables scientists and advocates to focus on their core work by streamlining operations and maintaining financial integrity, crucial for advancing the organization's mission.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve reviewing and approving program expenditures in the accounts payable system, collaborating with team leads on budget updates using Martus, and addressing DC office facility issues remotely. You could also meet with leadership to discuss process improvements and supervise operations staff, ensuring smooth program workflows and financial compliance.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Union of Concerned Scientists Is Looking For
- Has 5-7 years of nonprofit financial management experience, specifically with budget development, tracking, and approval processes in a mission-driven environment.
- Is proficient with budget management software, ideally Martus, and can demonstrate hands-on experience with systems like accounts payable and expense tracking.
- Possesses supervisory experience, able to lead an office operations team and manage DC office facilities remotely or in a hybrid setting.
- Combines strong analytical skills with excellent communication abilities, enabling collaboration with leadership to optimize program operations and workflows.
📝 Tips for Applying to Union of Concerned Scientists
Highlight specific experience with nonprofit budget cycles, detailing how you've managed budgets of similar scale and complexity, as UCS prioritizes financial stewardship.
Mention any familiarity with Martus or similar budget management systems explicitly; if you lack Martus experience, emphasize transferable software skills and quick adaptability.
Tailor your resume to show supervisory roles where you supported remote or hybrid teams, as this role involves leading operations staff and managing DC office needs.
Demonstrate understanding of UCS's science-driven advocacy by referencing their campaigns (e.g., climate, clean energy) in your materials, showing alignment with their mission.
Provide concrete examples of streamlining operations or improving communication flows in past roles, as collaboration with leadership is a key responsibility.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Explain how your nonprofit financial management experience aligns with UCS's mission, citing specific achievements in budget oversight or cost-saving initiatives.", 'Detail your proficiency with budget management systems, especially if you have Martus experience, and how it supports efficient program operations.', 'Describe your supervisory approach, emphasizing team leadership, facility management, and fostering effective communication in a remote or hybrid context.', "Connect your skills to UCS's operational needs, such as streamlining processes or enhancing financial tracking, to show you understand the role's impact on their programs."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Explore UCS's recent campaigns and reports (e.g., on climate change, clean energy, or equity) to understand their science-driven advocacy approach.
- → Review their organizational structure and programs online to grasp how operations support their mission, noting any mentions of budget or management systems.
- → Look into their values and culture, such as commitment to diversity and evidence-based solutions, to tailor your application to their ethos.
- → Investigate their remote work policies and DC office operations, as the role involves hybrid management and facility support.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic application without mentioning UCS's mission or how your skills fit their science-driven, nonprofit context.
- Overlooking the requirement for hands-on budget system experience; failing to address Martus or similar software proficiency.
- Not providing specific examples of supervisory or financial management achievements, as this role demands concrete, results-oriented experience.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!
Ready to Apply?
Good luck with your application to Union of Concerned Scientists!