The goal of the National Geographic Society’s Explorer Programs team is to empower our global network of leaders – our Explorers – and accelerate our collective impact towards securing a diverse and healthy planet. We empower our Explorers by elevating them and their work and by developing capacity through leadership training, skills-based training, access to tools and technology and other professional development opportunities.
Reporting to the VP, Explorer Programs, this position develops strategies and opportunities for explorer engagement, activation, relationship management and elevation across multiple affiliations/relationships (Explorers-at-Large, Explorers-in-Residence, Fellows, Emerging Explorers, Early Career leaders, Grantees, etc.) with a focus on long-term relationship development, engagement and management based on organizational priorities and goals. Directs the identification, selection process and development/cultivation of up-and-coming Explorer talent. Oversees the overall management and deployment of explorer talent and Explorer community engagement as well as Explorer recognition.
Strategy development and implementation (25%)
- Work with VP, Explorer Programs and other senior team members to develop and implement the strategic plan for elevated Explorer programs (Explorers at Large, Fellows, Emerging Explorers and other designations).
- Direct team in planning and implementing Explorer-focused components of yearly Explorers Festival.
- Curate and oversee planning of the event and coordinate with divisions around the Society.
- Support and promote additional Explorer projects and initiatives as needed. Identify and track metrics to continuously monitor and evaluate program effectiveness and impact.
Explorer Recruitment and Elevation (25%)
- Direct strategy and execution of key recruitment programs such as National Geographic Fellows, Emerging Explorers (EE) Program and Early Career leaders.
- Lead selection and recruitment process to identify new explorers to elevate and develop in coordination with grant program officers, operating program leads, relationship managers and other Science and Exploration team members.
- Engage all divisions around the Society and the broader explorer network to identify potential up-and-coming talent; identify future areas of NGS interest and seek diverse candidates that represent emerging disciplines and trends as well as global geographic regions.
- Work with the Sr. Director of Leadership Training and Development and other teams around the society and partners to provide development and growth opportunities for key talent through training and professional development.
- Oversee and integrate the Society awards, including the Hubbard, Explorer of the Year, Further, etc. into the overall Explorer elevation, engagement and management process. Manage the overall Awards program working closely with Marketing & Engagement and other key stakeholders.
- Integrate awardees into the broader Explorer community.
Explorer Relationship/Talent Management (25%)
- Oversee all Explorer relationships, representing the interests of explorer constituents across Society and NG.
- Identify, solicit and help develop Explorer ideas and projects with long term potential impact.
- In close coordination with the Impact Media team, oversee the talent management and representation process
- Work closely with Impact Media, Media Innovation, Education as well as Marketing and Engagement teams on pitching of Explorer talent to NGP units, NGS divisions, and external media outlets.
- Oversee the request process for Explorer representation. Proactively identify Explorer deployment opportunities and optimize Explorer presence at strategic events including key internal and external symposia, festivals, university campuses and academic conferences.
Explorer Community (25%)
- Oversee the Sr. Manager, Explorer Community, in the activation of the Society’s science and exploration network across multiple affiliations (grantees, Explorers, awardees, reviewers, committee members, etc.).
- Support the exploration network with outreach, live convenings / experiences / interaction, digital platforms, training and other resources and opportunities intended to connect the NGS exploration community to the Society and to each other.
- Develop strategy with other NGS departments to build the Explorer network both technically and socially with explorers and other constituents.
- 10+ years demonstrated project management and 5+ years experience managing diverse and matrixed teams. Talent management experience important.
- Excellent organizational skills required. Flexibility, attention to detail and proactive demeanor extremely important.
- Creative thinking and responsive problem-solving a must.
- Knowledge of and passion for exploration, adventure, science and culture. Excellent oral and written communication skills.
- Cross disciplinary knowledge of science, communication, storytelling and media
- platforms to support project objectives.
- Prior experience with research, editing, event programming, and production of promotional materials helpful. Entertainment experience helpful.
- Experience managing needs of VIPs; strong interpersonal skills and diplomacy necessary. Ability to work with individuals at across organization at multiple organizational levels.
- 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.
- Background in conservation biology or species conservation a plus.