The National Geographic Society is an impact-driven global nonprofit organization that pushes the boundaries of exploration to further our understanding of our planet and empower us all to generate solutions for a more sustainable future. For 130 years, we’ve funded groundbreaking scientists and explorers and shared their findings with the world. We sponsored Hiram Bingham as he brought back stories from Machu Picchu, documented Robert Ballard’s quest to find the Titanic, and supported Jane Goodall’s study of chimpanzee behavior. We have also been instrumental in the creation of protected areas since 1915, both on land and at sea, where our Pristine Seas initiative has inspired the protection of over 5 million square kilometers of ocean.
The Campaign for Nature is the first (2020) milestone of National Geographic’s Last Wild Places, a global initiative that envisions a world with intact large wilderness that contain the bulk of biodiversity on our planet, are resilient to climate change and help us to mitigate it, and continue to provide for humanity. The main goal of the Campaign for Nature is to inspire country leaders – by October 2020 – to agree to a global conservation target of 30% of the planet protected by 2030.
We’re searching for a highly qualified Campaign Director to work closely with the Executive Director (ED) and core team of Last Wild Places and the Campaign for Nature. The Campaign Director will help develop and execute a strategy intended to achieve the campaign goal. The person in this position will focus on international policy and political landscapes, and oversee the use of strategic communications for impact, with the ability to see – and seize – opportunities to advance the campaign’s policy goals. He/she will join and manage members of a dynamic and committed team and will work closely with internal and external stakeholders, including government agencies, non-profits, and international organizations. The ideal candidate will have proven experience in a leadership role of a successful national or (preferably) global campaign, with a special focus on inter-institutional, and international collaboration.
Directing the Campaign for Nature (70%)
- Work with Executive Director, the Director of Public Policy, Sr. Director of Operations and Expeditions and other key staff to create and continually refine the Campaign for Nature’s strategic plan
- Provide day-to-day management for overseeing the campaign plan
- Manage the campaign budget in close coordination with the Sr. Director of Operations and Expeditions, Last Wild Places.
- Develop relationships with and facilitate the engagement of partners, advocates and influencers at the national and international levels.
- Initiate, help develop and disseminate high-impact outreach and engagement materials for all key stakeholders, and work with staff to develop reports, issue briefs and other policy- and research-based products to advance the campaign’s policy goals.
- Lead activities of the Campaign for Nature, advise partners on strategic opportunities and represent the Campaign in other coalitions (or oversee staff who are doing so).
- Supervise activities of staff who manage day-to-day work on the Campaign
Internal and External Coordination and Communication (20%)
- Identify, cultivate and maintain productive, ongoing relationships with high-impact partners.
- Oversee efforts to increase awareness of program and associated outcomes. Identify key opportunities for amplifying the program objectives.
- Regularly track and report on progress, indicators, and impact for the project. Communicate relevant information across the organization.
Representation and Relationship Management (10%)
- Support other departments and teams for external partnership relationship management (sponsors, partners, media, etc.).
- Build and develop relationships with all employees for increased efficiency and effective responsiveness.
- Eight or more years of progressively responsible work experience in political or non-profit campaigns, or both – or significant experience in a large state that has provided exposure to national political dynamics.
- Prior experience leading or co-leading a campaign – or strong working relationships with a range of advocacy organizations – and a genuine desire to work in close partnership with other organizations and allies to achieve a global agreement for conservation of nature.
- Experience working in racially diverse teams and coalitions, and creating equitable and inclusive environments, with an ability to build strong, trusting relationships that include seeking and adapting to perspectives from all parties.
Knowledge and Skills Required
- Sophisticated understanding of international agreements and experience working with national policymakers, influencers and grasstops at all levels.
- Sophisticated understanding of the inter-related nature and political dynamics of a range of economic, social, and environmental domestic policies that impact international agreements.
- The ability to communicate clearly and persuasively in written documents and oral presentations – leveraging data, narrative and your intrinsic passion to motivate, persuade and mobilize a diverse range of stakeholders.
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Demonstrated skill and comfort managing mid- and junior-level staff and pride in fostering respectful team dynamics.
- Eagerness to work closely with a highly energetic, detail-oriented and passionate leadership team. Extremely versatile, dedicated to efficient productivity
- Poised and able to remain calm and productive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.