The NGS Internal Communications team supports the Society by building an informed, engaged and inclusive community of employees that are stewards of the Society’s work, understand the role they play in achieving the organization’s strategic ambition of a planet in balance, and are proud ambassadors for the brand.
The Specialist, Internal Communications is a key player and contributes greatly to the team’s success. The Specialist, Internal Communications is the editorial driving force behind ngconnect, National Geographic’s award-winning intranet. This person ensures that dynamic editorial content is posted in a timely manner and that it reflects the diversity of the organization, its people, products, experiences, organizational values and priorities. He/she also produces the weekly employee e-newsletter. The Specialist, Internal Communications works with the intranet maintenance team (external consultants) on day-to-day technology issues and fields general employee queries related to Internal Communications.
In addition to ngconnect, this role ensures important company announcements reach all Nat Geo staffers, including satellite offices, via the appropriate channels, such as all-employee e-mails. The Specialist, Internal Communications develops and manages a number of high-profile events, including a staff talent show, volunteer efforts and other employee-engagement opportunities. The role is also critical to the Society’s emergency preparedness efforts. The Specialist, Internal Communications serves as project lead and key system administrator for NatGeo Alerts, the Society’s mass notification system.
- Develop, write and publish editorial content on a daily basis for ngconnect (content ranges from feature stories and photo galleries to Q&As and memos covering National Geographic initiatives, community events, strategic announcements, history, employees and products). Curate weekly ngconnect newsletter and oversee its production in MailChimp or Salesforce Marketing Cloud. Produce monthly ngconnect and newsletter engagement report. Edit content from staff contributors and work closely with National Geographic Partners contributors. Ensure content contributors follow ngconnect editorial guidelines and provide training as required. Provide writing and editing feedback and mentoring to coworkers and colleagues throughout the organization. (50%)
- Plan and execute internal events, including joint gatherings/meetings for National Geographic Society and National Geographic Partners staff as well as Society-only events. Assemble a committee to help produce certain internal events, including the staff talent show, volunteer efforts and other employee-engagement opportunities. Manage the group’s involvement throughout the event planning and execution process. Coordinate monthly lunches with the CEO and a small group of NGS staff to provide an opportunity for an open dialogue and allow employees to share feedback directly with the CEO. (30%)
- Develop strategy and execute internal awareness campaigns. Examples of an internal campaign include featuring specific departments or priorities at the Society, highlighting operational updates, and promoting a culture of information security. (10%)
- Draft, edit and distribute internal company announcements to all staff in concert with Director, Corporate Communications and VP, Marketing & Engagement (when applicable). (5%)
- Serve as Project Lead for National Geographic’s emergency alerts system, NatGeo Alerts, and chair Communications subcommittee for National Geographic’s Emergency Preparedness Committee. Act as point for dissemination of messages to staff in emergency situations, including during early mornings, late nights and weekends as necessary. (5%)
- 3+ years of experience with a combination of at least two of the following: journalism, corporate communications and event planning.
- Experience writing for print and website a necessity. Internal communications experience a plus.
- Experience using a content management system and email marketing software such as MailChimp or Salesforce Marketing Cloud also beneficial.
Knowledge and Skills Required
- Stellar reporting, writing and editing skills – knowledge of AP Style preferred
- Ability to get along well with others and be able to work diplomatically at all levels
- Ability to work well under pressure and juggle a large number of assignments and stories simultaneously
- Strong project management and prioritization skills
- Event management skills
- Visual/creative skills and some knowledge of picture editing, including experience in Adobe Photoshop
- Knowledge of video production programs such as Final Cut Pro
- Content management system experience and social media savvy
- Proficiency with email marketing software such as MailChimp or Salesforce Marketing Cloud
- Experience using Google Analytics
- Solid news judgment and understanding of sensitivities related to internal communications
- Strong interpersonal and mentoring skills