Reporting to the Director of Wildlife Programs, the Manager of Wildlife Programs will be responsible for overseeing and managing a number of projects within the three program areas of the Wildlife thematic lens.
National Geographic Society is committed to exploring, protecting and promoting species diversity. The Wildlife lens contains a multi-million dollar portfolio of programs that combine impact-oriented conservation and research with public engagement. The “Back from the Brink” program leverages the flagship project of this lens, the National Geographic Photo Ark, to promote and protect poorly known species. The “Threats to the Diversity of Life” program includes the “Ending Illegal Wildlife Trade” project, which combines investigative journalism and research in demand reduction to curb the trade of poorly known species. This program also includes the Coexisting with Wildlife project, which works to understand and implement incentives for living with wildlife. The Big Cats Initiative and Beyond Yellowstone are core components of this project.
The Manager, Wildlife Projects is expected to oversee and execute components of the Living with Wildlife project and provide additional support across all Wildlife programs. 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 internal project teams including Marketing & Engagement, Education, Partnerships, International, Digital and Grants to assist in metrics and reporting. The position will lead, and be responsible for, specific components of the projects, such as the Living with Wildlife Symposium and the Nat Geo Photo Ark EDGE Fellows. Working closely with the Director, Wildlife Programs and the Metrics and Evaluation team, the position will also be responsible for monthly reporting on program outcomes and targets.
Program Management (55%)
- Manage the day to day needs of the Living with Wildlife 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.
- Support Director of Wildlife Programs 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.
Metric Reporting (25%)
- 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 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 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 wildlife conservation and human wildlife conflict projects a plus.
Knowledge and Skills Requirements
- 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.
- Background in conservation biology or species conservation a plus. Knowledge of research databases, Google analytics and marketing research helpful.
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