Reporting to the VP of National Geographic Labs (“Labs”), the Senior Director of Geographic Visualization leads research, strategy, development, and execution of a portfolio of breakthrough initiatives and products in advanced data analysis, data visualization, and information graphics, as well as artificial intelligence applied to remote sensing and in-situ images, videos and signals datasets.
The Senior Director is responsible for identifying, securing, and or creating data sets and related partnerships that will support the development and visualization of indices about the state and trends of the Planet’s “vital signs” and contribute to communicating the importance of biological and cultural diversity globally in support of National Geographic Society mission to create “A Planet in Balance.”
Geographic Visualization (50%)
- Conceptualize, direct, or create advanced data visualizations as needed for National Geographic Labs. This includes identifying partners and hiring outside firms or contractors with a heavy emphasis on art direction.
- Lead and oversee research efforts in identifying, securing, and/or creating geospatial time-series data sets, analyses and dynamic visualizations that communicate the importance of cultural and biological diversity globally.
- Lead the development and visualization of indices about the state and trends of the Planet’s “vital signs”
- Work with the Media Innovation team to identify data-driven storytelling requirements, outputs, and talent for National Geographic initiatives.
Program Strategy and Development (20%)
- Supervise, build, and lead high impact projects for the Geographic Visualization Lab. Responsible for the execution of programs and budgets across the Lab and to meet outputs, outcomes and impacts within stated timeframes.
- Work with the VP of Labs to develop detailed multi-year program and project work plans - including cross-divisional budgets - with monthly reporting mechanisms. Make strategic and tactical recommendations for setting or changing programmatic direction. Ensure projects are being designed to meet organizational objectives, identifying clear measures of success and ambitious, attainable timelines for deliverables. Evaluate priorities based on strategic goals, impact potential and probability of success.
Leadership (20%)
- Provide advice to National Geographic leadership on breakthrough capabilities in artificial intelligence, data visualization, in data analysis, data visualization, and information graphic and remote sensing science applied to global-scale image, video and signals datasets supporting NG mission and programs.
- Lead and mentor a high functioning team of programmatic staff, creating a culture of empowerment and accountability. Lead cross-departmental team and develop strong working relationships across National Geographic Partners and National Geographic Society to create a dynamic network that cultivates innovation and team development.
Outreach and Partnerships (10%)
- Identify, contract, manage and cultivate high-impact external partners and stakeholders, such as technology companies, nonprofits, research institutions and others, to collaborate with and amplify the objectives Geographic Visualization Lab programs and projects.
- Oversee communication and information flow to internal stakeholders including Marketing, Communications, Partnerships, Education Digital and National Geographic Partners.
10+ years demonstrated experience in developing and managing of complex projects in the areas of data analysis, advanced data visualization, graphic editing, with experience working with diverse and matrixed teams.
Knowledge and Skills Required
- Experience in creating data visualizations, information graphics, or thematic maps across multiple platforms including print and digital.
- Experience art directing and managing outside contractors and design firms.
- Knowledge of multiple geospatial software platforms.
- Knowledge of artificial intelligence and machine learning, including deep learning, algorithms applied to remote sensing satellite and aerial datasets.
- Knowledge of data visualization technology and approaches, including visualization of VR, AR and 360 datasets.
- Knowledge of range of publicly available remote sensing datasets (e.g., Landsat, Sentinel, MODIS) and capabilities of Earth observation sensor systems (multispectral imaging, SAR, LIDAR).
- ArcGIS, SQL knowledge prefered
- Ability to manage a high functioning team and oversee diverse activities while meeting deadlines and delivering quality results.
- Must have ability to work with scientific communities, journalists, photographers, business partners and international stakeholders to create innovative public-facing programs.
- Ability to manage multiple work streams while balancing competing priorities with attention to detail.
- Experience overseeing large, complex programs with multimillion-dollar budgets.
- Strong interpersonal skills to deal positively and productively with a wide range of personalities are required. Superior organization skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks under the pressure of tight deadlines.