Federation of American Scientists is Hiring an Associate for Climate and Health Program in Washington, D.C

Federation of American Scientists is hiring a full-time Associate, Climate and Health to support its expanding Climate and Environment team.

The position is based in Washington, D.C., with a hybrid work structure that combines remote and in-office collaboration.

The role offers an opportunity for early- to mid-career professionals interested in climate policy, public health, coalition building, and environmental advocacy to contribute to high-impact initiatives addressing climate-related health challenges.

About the Role

The Associate, Climate and Health will primarily support FAS’s Climate and Health sub-program while also contributing to related initiatives involving:

• Climate technology and innovation
• Lands and waters policy
• Regulatory innovation
• Environmental resilience

The position focuses on mobilizing experts, organizations, and policymakers around climate-health policy solutions that improve public health outcomes and strengthen climate resilience systems.

The successful candidate will report directly to the Senior Manager, Climate and Health.

Key Areas of Focus

Climate and Health Policy

The role supports initiatives addressing climate-driven health challenges, including:

• Extreme heat
• Wildfires
• Climate-related public health risks
• Community resilience and adaptation

One highlighted initiative is the organization’s Heat Policy Agendas, which brings together stakeholders to develop policy solutions at local, state, and national levels.

Coalition and Network Building

The Associate will help strengthen collaboration between policymakers, researchers, nonprofits, and advocacy groups by:

• Building and managing stakeholder networks
• Coordinating working groups and meetings
• Supporting outreach and engagement strategies
• Facilitating collaboration around shared policy goals

Core Responsibilities

Stakeholder Engagement and Coordination

The selected candidate will:

• Develop relationships with organizations, experts, practitioners, and policymakers
• Support coalition-building activities
• Coordinate meetings, agendas, and action items
• Identify opportunities for policy engagement and advocacy

Climate Policy Research and Support

Responsibilities also include:

• Tracking climate and environmental policy developments
• Monitoring state and local policy trends
• Supporting policy analysis and technical assistance efforts
• Contributing research to inform public debate and policymaking

Communications and Thought Leadership

The Associate will contribute to:

• Blogs and policy briefs
• Reports and public-facing content
• Research summaries and issue analyses
• Communication strategies around climate-health topics

Required Qualifications

Federation of American Scientists is seeking candidates with strong organizational, communication, and collaboration skills.

Required Skills

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Academic or professional experience in:
  • Climate and environmental issues
  • Public health
  • Public policy
• Excellent writing and communication skills
• Strong project management abilities
• Experience coordinating stakeholders and partnerships
• Ability to work collaboratively toward shared goals
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion principles

Preferred Qualifications

Additional advantages include:

• Experience in community organizing or coalition management
• Familiarity with state-level policy systems and legislatures
• Knowledge of climate-health issues such as extreme heat and wildfires
• Experience supporting policy campaigns or advocacy initiatives

Work Environment

The role follows a hybrid work structure with:

• Two to three days per week in-office
• Two to three days remote work

The position is initially guaranteed for 12 months, with potential extension depending on organizational needs and performance.

The role is also part of a union-represented collective bargaining unit.

Salary and Benefits

Salary Range

• $60,000 – $65,000 annually

Benefits Package

FAS offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• 403(b) retirement plan
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Disability and life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts (FSAs)
• Commuter benefits
• Employee assistance support

About the Federation of American Scientists

Federation of American Scientists was founded after World War II by scientists committed to ensuring science and technology are used for the benefit of humanity.

Today, the organization works at the intersection of:

• Science
• Technology
• Public policy
• National and global challenges

FAS focuses on evidence-based policymaking, innovation, and building a more equitable and sustainable future.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

FAS encourages applications from candidates of diverse backgrounds and emphasizes equal opportunity employment practices.

The organization specifically notes that applicants do not need to meet every listed qualification to apply and encourages women and underrepresented groups to submit applications.

How to Apply

Interested candidates can learn more and apply through the official Federation of American Scientists careers page.

The Associate, Climate and Health position at Federation of American Scientists offers a meaningful opportunity for professionals passionate about climate resilience, public health, and policy innovation.

With responsibilities spanning coalition-building, policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and climate advocacy, the role is ideal for individuals seeking to contribute to impactful environmental and health policy solutions in the United States.

Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.