The Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI) is a non-profit health-advocacy group based in Washington, D.C., that focuses on nutrition and food safety. CSPI publishes Nutrition Action Healthletter the nation's largest circulation nutrition newsletter. CSPI provides valuable, objective information to the public, represents citizens' interests before legislative, regulatory, and judicial bodies, and ensures that advances in science are used for the public's good. CSPI is supported largely by the 900,000 U.S. and Canadian subscribers to its Nutrition Action Healthletter and by foundation grants.
The Health Promotion Policy Project advocates for health promotion and prevention of disease at the local, state and federal levels, encourages the food industry to improve their products and practices, and engages health professionals, academics, and concerned citizens in supporting our efforts. The Biotechnology Project addresses scientific concerns, government policies, and corporate practices concerning genetically engineered plants, animals, and other organisms that are released into the environment or that may end up in our foods.
The Project Assistant provides administrative and research support to both CSPI projects and is directly supervised by the Deputy Director of Health Policy and the Director of Biotechnology.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide administrative support including answer phone calls, copy and fax materials, maintain paper and electronic files, handle incoming mail, prepare correspondence, and maintain and prepare invoices and expenses for payment.
- Assist with research on a variety of health promotion policy and biotechnology issues using online tools and library research.
- Assist the Deputy Director of Health Promotion Policy with lobbying activities, coalition building and grassroots organizing; assist with policy research and writing projects including drafting fact sheets and other advocacy materials; and attend conferences and meetings as requested.
- Help prepare materials for media and press conferences.
- Conduct docket research and FOIA requests.
- Help proofread and format documents.
- Assist with other health promotion policy and biotechnology project-related activities as needed.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university; and some office-related experience.
- Excellent organizational and interpersonal skills and strong attention to detail.
- Excellent research, writing and proofreading skills.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to speak effectively to individuals about on-going projects.
- Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment with multiple priorities and frequent deadlines.
- Computer proficiency with MSOffice applications and database programs, with an emphasis on Word, Excel and Powerpoint; and experience with Internet-based research tools.
- Ability to work independently and with supervision.
- Interest in CSPI’s work and mission; and public interest commitment.
Physical Demands
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee frequently is required to stand, walk, and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.
Work Environment
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Salary is commensurate with experience. CSPI offers a generous and comprehensive benefits package along with a healthy working environment. Please send a cover letter and résumé to:
|
