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 Senior Director, Campaign for Nature. The Campaign Director will assist the Senior Director in executing a strategy intended to achieve the campaign goal. The Director will coordinate across departments at National Geographic Society and National Geographic Partners to ensure that all platforms align in support of outcomes. They will work closely with National Geographic departments to support and maintain relationships with external partners, scientific experts, sponsors, and other third parties, and will keep abreast of current and emerging trends that affect the campaign. The Director will be responsible for day-to-day management of the campaign activities, including, logistics, partnerships, organizing/convening, and reporting. The ideal candidate will have proven experience working for a successful national or (preferably) global campaign, with a special focus on inter-institutional, and international collaboration.
The position reports to the Senior Director, Campaign for Nature.
Directing the Campaign for Nature (40%)
- Under the Supervision of the Sr. Director, manage the day-to-day needs of the Campaign for Nature.
- Manage the campaign budget in close coordination with the Sr. Director, Campaign for Nature and the Sr. Director of Operations and Expeditions, Last Wild Places.
- Work with team members, subject matter experts, and other key stakeholders to execute program needs.
- Create and maintain strong working relationships with the internal cross-disciplinary program team. Serve as day-to-day contact with internal divisions on program-related content and needs.
- Support Sr. Director across all aspects of program management to ensure program priorities are met, including assisting in work plan development, budget planning, and management and projections.
- Lead specific components of programs from start to finish. Includes execution from the strategic planning phase and ensuring related activities and outcomes are aligned with the program work plan and objectives.
- Lead parts of programs including coordinating with stakeholders, cultivating their engagement and creating meaningful partners for pushing the final agenda.
Marketing, Communications, Education, and Social Engagement (20%)
- Collaborate with Marketing & Engagement Manager and Communications Manager to draft program content. Lead the updating and editing of project materials and websites as needed.
- Review and provide direction on project-related marketing materials and provide approval on behalf of program to external partners, NGP and internal divisions.
Metric Reporting (20%)
- Regularly track and report on progress, indicators, and impact for the project to Sr. Director. This includes distribution of a monthly report on programmatic activities, achievements, and key outcomes.
- Distribute metrics reports with key learnings to inform future campaign decisions and activities
- Monitor campaign progress and outcomes and map to institutional priorities and targets.
Team, Divisional and Organization Collaboration (20%)
- Manage and schedule external and internal meetings. Manage contracts, legal, presentation preparation, invoices, mailings, travel, and logistics.
- Plan program-related events in coordination with the Marketing and Engagement team.
- Manage program calendars and relationships with contractors, generating schedules and payments.
- 8+ years demonstrated experience in project or program management. Experience working in diverse and matrixed teams.
- 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
- Excellent organizational skills.
- Ability to work with individuals across an organization and at multiple organizational levels.
- Experience working with marketing and outreach teams and managing marketing assets and materials.
- Creative thinking and responsive problem-solving a must.
- Flexibility, attention to detail and proactive demeanor extremely important.
- Should be an excellent multi-tasker and a self-starter.
- Eagerness to work closely with a highly energetic, detail-oriented and passionate leadership team. Extremely versatile, dedicated to efficient productivity.
- Should demonstrate high-level computer skills along with presentation creation and social media monitoring and posting.
- Poised and able to remain calm and productive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
- Cross disciplinary knowledge of science, communication, storytelling and media platforms to support project objectives.
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