The Senior Director, Communications (Education), is an integral member of the Communications and Marketing team at the National Geographic Society. The Senior Director, Communications (Education) is responsible for developing and directing an integrated and comprehensive communications strategy for the National Geographic Society’s Education team. The Senior Director also works closely with the events team to manage large-scale events that highlight educator-focused initiatives and experiences. This role reports to the Vice President, Communications and Marketing.
- Strategy and Plan Development: Work closely with the Vice President, Marketing and Communications to develop an integrated communications and events strategy to drive the Education team’s goals and to increase the visibility of the strategic imperatives across key stakeholder audiences. (30%)
- Brand Awareness and Marketing Support: Devise a marketing plan that ensures measurement, cohesion, and maximal engagement. Manages the marketing team’s input and responsibility for design materials, newsletters, image use and related impact initiative shaping and approval. Works with the partnership and program teams to position donor communication. Contributes to methodology by which to measure the impact of the team’s work and gathers and reports engagement metrics. (25%)
- Educator Events Lead: Serves as lead for event management and conferences that focus on Education. Seeks new opportunities and evaluates the Return on Investment (ROI) on new and existing conferences. Develops the events strategy, assists the events team in execution, and with the creation of related outreach, marketing and briefing materials. Attends key events and manages onsite as needed. Helps with planning of National Geographic priority events and advises and approves follow-up engagement to event attendees for key partnership events. (20%)
- Team Development and Management: Recruit, manage and mentor the communications (Education) team. Promote a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality. Mentor and develop staff using a supportive and collaborative approach on a consistent basis. Establish and monitor staff performance and development goals, assign accountabilities, set objectives, establish priorities, conduct annual performance appraisals, and administer salary adjustments. (15%)
- Budget Oversight: Oversee budgeting, forecasting and resources management for areas of responsibility. (10%)
- 10+ years in communications with heavy emphasis on educational programs and at least 3+ years of management experience required.
- Strong leader and creative and strategic communicator.
- Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to work with a variety of constituents ranging from educators to scientists and explorers and corporate partners.
- Excellent news judgment, including media relations, crisis communications and social media.
- Deep understanding of the education industry is critical.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
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