The Director of Media Innovation, Grantmaking works in close collaboration with the VP, Media Innovation, and the Senior Director of Operations with the primary responsibility of administrating and developing the innovative grant making of the Media Innovation. The Director is responsible for monitoring and overseeing the daily operations of grants in the disciplines of Photography, Journalism, Cartography, Data Visualization, and Art. The Director ensures consistency and timely grant processing and recruits new explorers and projects from the disciplines mentioned above. The Director prepares reports of grant making activities, disseminates the results of these grants to interested parties, and is the liaison between researchers, committee members, grantees, professional and conservation organizations, and internal NGS and NGP divisions.
- Reviews requests for funding within storytelling disciplines. Identifies qualified requests based on eligibility, timeliness, project plan accuracy, currency and significance of the topic, and talent of the applicant. Provides feedback to applicants before grant proposal submission, including improvements for project planning and design. (45%)
- Supports VP, Media Innovation in designing strategic priorities, planning of new initiatives, and adaptively managing overall mission and metrics of grant portfolio (35%)
- Recruits potential explorers and projects through domestic and international professional conferences, meetings, special events, and site visits (10%)
- From the general grantee pool, works with VP, Media Innovation to identify potential impact grant applicants and scale projects, especially those that align within the current programmatic strategic framework (10%)
Minimum Years and Type of Experience
- 10+ years of related experience, preferably a mix of editorial and grant-making.
Knowledge and Skill Requirements
- Excellent multitasking and interpersonal skills essential. Oral and written communication skills are a necessity. Knowledge of, Microedge GIFTS, and databases preferred. Strong understanding of journalism ethics and practices as well as knowledge of current trends in storytelling, are required along with a demonstrated interest in the conservation of the earth's cultural and natural resources.
National Geographic's headquarters is located in the heart of Washington, D.C. In addition to a unique and dynamic work environment, National Geographic offers its employees a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental benefits, generous vacation and leave time, a 401(k) plan, and flexible work options. National Geographic is an Equal Opportunity Employer