National Geographic Society is committed to exploring, protecting and promoting Earth’s natural systems through the Changing Planet thematic lens. The lens is comprised of three programs: Planetary Health, Emerging System Level Threats and Securing Critical Ecosystems. The programs work to 1) define status and trends for the world’s ecosystems and protected areas; 2) make new discoveries to understand earth systems and reduce our negative impacts on these systems; and 3) contribute to protecting the world’s last terrestrial and marine wild places by scaling up effective conservation approaches and improving management.
The Manager, Changing Planet Programs is expected to oversee and execute components of the Last Wild Places program (securing critical ecosystems) and provide additional support across all Changing Planet programs as they develop. Specifically, the role will have responsibility for discrete deliverables working with global partners in the field and communicating project content, updates and news with internal project teams including Marketing & Engagement, Education, Partnerships, International, Digital and Grants to assist in metrics and reporting. The Manager will also drive projects at various development stages in support of programmatic areas such as an online training course and an external collaboration in support of early career conservationists.
As one of the primary points of contact for the Changing Planet lens, the Manager will coordinate across departments at National Geographic Society and National Geographic Partners to ensure that all platforms align in support of outcomes. He/she will work closely with NG departments to support relationships with external partners, scientific experts, sponsors, and other third-parties, and will keep abreast of current and emerging work on relevant issues. The Manager will also be responsible for day to day activities to progress projects, including administrative, logistical, partnership, organizing/convening, and reporting. The position reports to the Program Director.
Program Management (55%)
- Under the Supervision of the Program Director, manage the day to day needs of the Last Wild Places program. Work with team members, Explorers, subject matter experts and other key stakeholders to execute program needs including writing program documents, leading technical aspects of discrete projects, mobilizing professionals, executing contracts for services, arranging travel and executing events against work plans.
- Create and maintain strong working relationships with internal cross-disciplinary program team. Serve as day to day contact with internal divisions on program related content and needs.
- Support Director of Changing Planet Programs across all aspects of program management to ensure institutional priorities are met. Includes assisting in work plan development and budget planning and projections.
- Lead specific components of programs from start to finish, such as the grant and training program for early conservation professionals. Includes execution from strategic planning phase and ensuring related activities and outcomes are aligned with program work plan and objectives.
Marketing, Communications, Education and Social Engagement (20%)
- Collaborate with marketing, communications, digital and education teams to draft program content for newsletters, blog postings, digital materials, marketing and outreach materials. Update and edit project materials and websites as needed.
- Review project related marketing materials and provide approval on behalf of program to external partners, NGP and internal divisions.
- Liaise with project related talent and Explorers on related marketing materials that feature them to ensure their final approval.
Metric Reporting (15%)
- Work with Metrics and Evaluations team and across multiple divisions to help compile, track and distribute monthly reporting on programmatic activities, achievements and outcomes.
- Distribute metrics reports with key learnings to inform future project decisions and activities
- Monitor project progress and outcomes and map to institutional priorities and targets
Team, Divisional and Organization Collaboration (10%)
- Schedule and lead external and internal meetings. Assist with contracts, legal, presentation preparation, invoices, mailings, travel and logistics.
- Assist in planning and execution of program related events in coordination with the Marketing and Engagement team.
- Manage program calendars. Generate schedules and payments for program talent and contractors.
- 5+ years demonstrated experience in project or program management. Experience working in diverse and matrixed teams. Experience and/or education in conservation required. Science communication required.
Knowledge and Skills Requirements
- Background in conservation biology or protected area management
- Various aspects of project management
- Highly effective written and oral communications skills essential.
- Ability to work with individuals at across organization at multiple organizational levels.
- Experience managing events and working with marketing and outreach.
- 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.
- Should demonstrate high-level computer skills along with presentation creation and social media monitoring and posting.
- Cross disciplinary knowledge of science, communication, storytelling and media platforms to support project objectives.