Melissa Varga

About Melissa Varga

As Senior Manager of the Science Network, I am applying my more than 10 years of experience in community management, network recruitment and cultivation, and managing partnerships to continuing to strengthen this crucial asset for the Union of Concerned Scientists. I provide leadership for the team for internal and external efforts, and ensure the Science Network is serving UCS programs as a key strategic resource. I am responsible for the vision, strategy, and overall management and functioning of the Science Network; representing and raising the visibility of UCS on scientist advocacy; and establishing and maintaining effective partnerships internally with programs and externally with other science organizations. One of the most important aspects of my job is managing my incredible team of organizers and outreach staff who are building the skills of our Science Network members and helping to build a culture of science advocacy in the STEM community. Key results I\'ve been able to move forward during my tenure- Manage the development of new Science Network programming such as Science Rising and our distributed organizing efforts- Develop Science Network Partnership Principles on equity, justice, and inclusion - Piloting a Science Advocacy Movement Building School to explore collective action in the STEM community- Launching and growing the Science Network social media presence, guest blog platform, and online training series- Creating clear processes for tracking, measurement, and evaluation across the Science Network and Programs, Policy, and Advocacy Office.

Experience

1. Associate Director, Scientist Organizing

   Union of Concerned Scientists

   Apr 2026 — Present

   As Associate Director of Scientist Organizing, I am designing a cohesive, organization-wide strategic vision and clear impact goals for scientist organizing across all aspects of UCS’ work. Elements include (1) support, training and tools for staff who engage in scientist organizing;(2) direct recruitment, training and retention work with Science Network experts;(3) coordination of organization-wide and cross-program projects focused on scientist organizing;(4) direct support for scientist advocates from partner organizations.I am also co-leading Science Rising, an organization-wide priority initiative mobilizing the scientific community as a coordinated force to defend independent science, reduce real-world harm from anti-science policies, and safeguard democratic institutions—both in moments of crisis and over the long term.

Education

• The George Washington University

  Master of Arts (MA), Political Management

  2011 — 2013

• Marietta College

  Bachelor of Arts (BA), English & Political Science

  2006 — 2010

Skills

• Microsoft Excel
• Powerpoint
• Strategic Communications
• Content Strategy
• Fundraising
• Program Management
• Event Planning
• Media Relations
• Grassroots Organizing
• Grassroots
• Photoshop
• Maptitude
• Public Speaking
• Policy Analysis
• Speech Writing
• Social Media
• Strategy
• Data Analysis
• Partner Management
• Research
• Politics
• Community Management
• Nonprofits
• Campaigns
• Political Campaigns
• Leadership Development
• Political Communication
• Event Management
• Digital Strategy
• Public Policy
• Training
• Volunteer Management
• Online Metrics
• Community Outreach
• Writing