Reporting to the Director of the Back from the Brink initiative, the Manager of Back from the Brink will be responsible for overseeing and managing a number of projects within the initiative.
National Geographic Society is committed to exploring, protecting and promoting species diversity. The Back from the Brink Initiative contains a multi-million dollar portfolio of programs that combines impact-oriented conservation and research with public engagement. Back from Brink will protect the amazing diversity of life by filling biodiversity data gaps; developing capacity and support for early-career conservationists; advancing the science of effectively communicating species; and launching large-scale global campaigns to promote the diversity of life.
The “Back from the Brink” portfolio includes the following projects: National Geographic Photo Ark, Illegal Wildlife Trade, Saving the Sumatran Rhino, the Big Cats Initiative and Making the Case for Nature.
The Manager, Back from the Brink is expected to oversee and execute select projects within the portfolio and will provide general support across all projects. This includes working with a cross organizational team, Explorers and subject matter experts to ensure all program activities stay on track and are aligned with program outcomes and targets. The position will liaise and lead meetings with with internal project teams including Marketing & Engagement, Education, Partnerships, International, Digital and Grants. The position will lead, and be responsible for, specific components of the projects, such as the Nat Geo Photo Ark EDGE Fellows, Wildlife Watch investigative reporting and the Big Cats Initiative. Working closely with the Director, Back from the Brink and the Metrics and Evaluation team, the position will also be responsible for monthly reporting on program outcomes and targets.
Program Management (50%)
- Manage the day to day needs of projects. Work with team members, Explorers, subject matter experts and other key stakeholders to execute program needs.
- 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.
- Work closely with the legal team to draft and execute contracts with third party partners and consultants
- Oversee project line item budgets and ensure project activities fall within budget and on time
- Support Director of Back from the Brink across all aspects of program management to ensure institutional priorities are met. Includes assisting in workplan development and budget planning and projections.
- Lead specific components of programs from start to finish, like the Photo Ark Edge Fellows. Includes execution from strategic planning phase and ensuring related activities and outcomes are aligned with program workplan and objectives.
Workplan Development and Monitoring (30%)
- Develop and monitor annual project workplans
- 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
Marketing, Communications, Education and Social Engagement (10%)
- Collaborate with marketing, communications, digital and education teams to draft and review 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
Team, Divisional and Organization Collaboration (10%)
- Schedule and lead external and internal meetings. Assist with 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 wildlife conservation project management a plus.
- 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 communications
- Experience developing project workplans
- 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.
- Background in conservation biology or species conservation a plus. Knowledge of research databases, Google analytics and marketing research helpful.