Science Director

Are you ready to use your experience in public health, green chemistry, or toxicology to work for a leading environmental health nonprofit winning policies and corporate actions that are making people and the planet healthier?

Toxic-Free Future (TFF) is looking for a Science Director to join our dynamic, passionate, creative team that is changing the world!

As our Science Director working closely with the Executive Director and other key team leaders, you will spearhead the organization’s national science program, which is the backbone of our organization and integral to our success. Our research has had a major impact on issues like the “forever chemicals” PFAS, toxic chemicals in other products, and harmful plastics.

TFF is a growing team of scientists, advocates, and organizers who bring strong voices for bold government and corporate action to eliminate harmful chemicals and plastics and advance safer solutions across the United States.

Our core values include integrity, justice, accountability, empowerment, transparency, right to health, and collaboration. We have a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. You can read more here.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT IN THE SCIENCE DIRECTOR ROLE

In this role, you will:

• Spearhead and oversee the organization’s science program. Set measurable goals, objectives, and strategies to advance TFF’s mission and specific campaign goals.
• Plan and execute original scientific research that will advance public and corporate policy to transition to safer chemistry.
• Provide scientific expertise, data, and analysis to ground and guide the development of campaign priorities and plans.
• Publish results of original research in a variety of publications including peerreviewed journals.
• Work with communities that have been disproportionately impacted by toxic pollution to support their fights for safe drinking water, clean air, and healthy housing.
• Develop information and research that helps connect the dots between toxic chemical and pollution issues and climate change and environmental justice.
• Monitor and synthesize publicly available scientific reports and data regarding toxic chemicals and plastics for internal organizational education and analysis and for a variety of external audiences.
• Develop relationships and collaborations with leading scientists and global experts and represent TFF at scientific conferences.
• Research solutions that will support our efforts to transition companies to safer chemicals and materials using a hazard-based framework.
• Be a scientific expert, regularly representing the organization with news media, policymakers, retailers, and the general public on scientific matters related to toxic chemicals and plastics.
• Generate content to educate the public, policymakers, and companies, including letters, memos, articles, fact sheets, etc.
• Help generate support for the science program by assisting in writing grant proposals and reports, donor solicitations, and other fundraising activities as appropriate.
• Oversee the science and policy manager, and collaborate with the larger team and external partners.
• Be able to work remotely or, if based in Seattle, work in our office two days a week.

ABOUT TOXIC-FREE FUTURE

Toxic-Free Future (TFF) is a leading national environmental health organization that uses the power of science, education, and activism, to drive strong laws and corporate responsibility that protect the health of all people and the planet. TFF believes everyone has a right to a healthy environment free of toxic pollution. Year after year, we make strides in protecting people and communities from harmful chemicals that are contributing to rising rates of disease, from infertility to cancer. TFF has a 40-plus year track record of impact and has offices in Seattle, Washington, DC, and New York state.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Graduate-level degree in green chemistry, chemistry, toxicology, environmental health, biology, physiology, public health, or related field. Specific emphasis or coursework in toxicology preferred.
• Five to ten years experience conducting and reporting the results of original scientific research according to professional standards.
• Demonstrated experience effectively communicating complex scientific data to a broad range of audiences including government and corporate decision-makers.
• Commitment to the mission and vision of Toxic-Free Future.
• Strong written, verbal, presentation, and project management skills.
• Experience and comfort working with news media and appearing on camera are a plus.
• Understanding of policy and market advocacy campaign operations and strategies is a plus.
• Results-oriented, flexible, creative thinker able to work on a range of projects and meet deadlines.
• A demonstrated commitment to social equity and racial justice and an eagerness to understand how these issues play out in communities impacted by toxic chemical exposures.
• Curiosity and joy in learning, with a collaborative spirit that seeks to listen, give and receive feedback thoughtfully, and continually grow and improve.
• Demonstrated comfort with technology, familiarity with computer databases and MS Office software, and ability to utilize online social media and organizing resources effectively.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYMENT, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION

TFF is committed to providing an inclusive environment of mutual respect where equal employment opportunities are available to all applicants and teammates without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, political affiliation, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran, in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws. TFF believes that diversity and inclusion are critical to our success as an advocacy organization working to protect the health of all people from harmful chemicals. TFF seeks to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented people from a diverse candidate pool and foster an inclusive environment. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, leave of absence, compensation, and training.

COMPENSATION

This is a full time, exempt position with a starting salary of $100,000-$125,000 annually.

We offer a generous benefits package including employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance; monthly wellness benefit; generous vacation; paid holidays plus two personal days; and a SIMPLE IRA retirement plan with an annual employer contribution.

The position can either be remote or based in Seattle, WA.

TO APPLY

Please email a resume and cover letter in pdf format to jobs@toxicfreefuture.org.

• Please put Science Director in the subject line of the email and address the cover letter to Laurie Valeriano, Executive Director.
• Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis. The position is open until filled