Working closely with the VP of Impact Media and other senior leadership on the Storytelling team, the Director of Content Development is responsible for developing and overseeing execution of the overall storytelling strategy for each major Sci Ex operating program. The Director leads day-today content development and planning for flagship programs, working with the team to develop program narratives, blogs, exhibits, webpages, video, and photography coverage that delivers on NGS commitments to program partners and creates momentum for impact. S/he will also help manage on a day-to-day level joint NGS/NGP story development projects between NGS and NGP. The Director will develop a deep understanding of each major program and its story potential and work with other members of the Content Strategy team to ensure collaboration with a variety of editorial units at National Geographic Partners. The Director acts as a resource and liaison between internal departments regarding programmatic storytelling.
- Program Strategy: Establish the content strategy for each operating program. Work with Digital Team, Video Team, NGP, M&E, Partnerships, and other program directors and managers involved in SciEx on timelines, dependencies, asset-build priorities, and budgets to maximize efficiency and success of storytelling outputs. Work with Monitoring & Evaluation team to develop appropriate evaluation protocols. (30%)
- Program Management: Direct the content and editorial processes for SciEx operating programsand oversee day-to-day operations and strategy of joint NGS/NGP projects that are focused on storytelling and editorial outputs. Manage freelancers to ensure the programmatic storytelling assets meet National Geographic standards of quality and creativity. Create teams, budgets, timelines, and ensure program goals are met for each product within stated timeframes. Maintain working knowledge of media and storytelling trends. (30%)
- Team, Divisional and Organizational Collaboration: Collaborate and communicate with colleagues from other National Geographic Society and National Geographic Partners divisions to maximize efficiencies, use of media and other assets, and assure consistency across programs. Foster innovation and team development. Lead monthly project-level meetings and coordinate story timing, long-range planning, and asset development across Society and act as resource to Science & Exploration team and other internal stakeholders on story development. (30%)
- Communication and Partnerships: Manage relationships with key internal and external partners and funders. Identify potential partners for distribution of storytelling assets. (10%)
- 10 years of varied editorial experience, preferably as a working journalist, producer or editor.
- Experience managing teams, budgets, and projects while working cross-functionally.
- Excellent multitasking and interpersonal skills essential;
- Oral and written communication skills are a necessity;
- Knowledge of modern media business, including editorial trends and opportunities;
- Keen understanding of the process and power of storytelling - both text and visual;
- Strong understanding of journalism practices as well as knowledge of current trends in storytelling, are required;
- Highly developed oral and written communication skills and ability to work with individuals and groups at all levels; strongly honed leadership/people skills.
- Ability to manage a high-functioning team and work on multiple projects, under deadlines, with changing priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced, environment.
- A demonstrated interest in science and conservation of the earth's cultural and natural resources.