The National Geographic Society is an impact-driven global nonprofit organization that pushes the boundaries of exploration to further our understanding of our planet and empower us all to generate solutions for a more sustainable future.
For 130 years, we’ve funded groundbreaking scientists and explorers and shared their findings with the world. We sponsored Hiram Bingham as he brought back stories from Machu Picchu, documented Robert Ballard’s quest to find the Titanic, and supported Jane Goodall’s study of chimpanzee behavior.
The National Geographic Society is initiating a new flagship initiative, Life at the Extremes, which will include a series of scientific expeditions to some of the most extreme and inaccessible environments on Earth. Extreme environments, from the highest mountain peaks to the deepest parts of the ocean, to the coldest and the hottest places on Earth, are poorly understood, yet they are expected to be the most affected by global environmental and climate change. Exploration and monitoring of these extreme environments will be critical to improve our understanding of our global vulnerability and inform ways to mitigate risks.
Reporting to the VP, Operating Programs, the Senior Program Manager will oversee the development and execution of projects in the Life at the Extremes flagship program, starting with a scientific expedition to a high-altitude environment. In close collaboration with the Expeditions Director and VP Operating Programs, s/he is responsible for project development including development and management of the project strategy, budget, workplan, and impact measurement/tracking. S/he will work closely with NG departments to support relationships with external partners, scientific experts, sponsors, and other third parties, and will keep abreast of current and emerging work on the issues associated with extreme environments. The Senior Program Manager will also be responsible for day-to-day activities to progress Life at the Extremes, including administrative, logistical, partnership, organizing/convening, and reporting.
The successful candidate will have experience managing multi-stakeholder initiatives, a good grasp of effective conservation strategies, and a proven ability to work with a matrixed team to deliver the desired outcomes.
Program Development and Management. (45%)
- Work with Program Director, other program managers, team members, Explorers/Fellows, subject matter experts, and other key experts to execute Life at the Extreme program needs and ensure alignment with broader NGS strategy and targets.
- Develop and maintain detailed program strategy, annual workplans and associated budgets for individual projects and Life at the Extremes as a whole, in collaboration with the VP of Operating Programs. Ensure accurate budget development, including cash flow projections, and ensure consistent and timely spend down.
- Work with Measurement, Evaluation & Research team to develop and maintain a project logic model to inform project workplan. Ensure project is designed to meet organizational objectives/targets, identifying clear measures of success and clear timelines for deliverables.
- Regularly track and report on progress, indicators, and impact for the project. Communicate relevant information across the organization.
- Maintain repository of project information/resources for team members to access and update as needed.
- Manage across departments for ongoing coordinated strategy across National Geographic Society, including Partnerships/Development, Grants, Marketing & Engagement, NatGeo Labs, Education, Digital, and Operating Programs.
- Assist and oversee other projects as assigned.
Internal Coordination and Communication (20%)
- In partnership with the Impact Media team, coordinate between NGS and NGP for greatest project impact. Liaise across departments on project-related content and timelines, including but not limited to: NGP Brand Marketing, NGM, NG Channels, NG International, NG Digital & Social, etc.
- Oversee information and communication to internal stakeholders across the organization and ensure that activities align with program strategy and outcomes.
- Ensure alignment and consistency with scientific findings from research expeditions (informing messaging, inform/alignment with NGP, promotion, media, content use, etc.).
- Regularly present project status to members of the NGS Senior Team to ensure consistent understanding and to obtain approvals as necessary for the project to advance.
Internal Administration (20%)
- Provide logistical and strategy support for the program (assist and facilitate process of expedition planning and execution, collaborate with scientific experts to develop research plan, etc.), and elevate when/how additional support is needed.
- Manage agenda, scheduling, and coordination for regular internal cross-functional meetings. Disseminate notes and next steps as needed. Manage ongoing project calendar.
- Schedule external meetings and convening events.
- Assist with contracts, legal, presentation preparation, invoicing, mailing, travel and logistics as needed.
Representation and Relationship Management (15%)
- Create and maintain strong working relationships with internal cross-disciplinary team, including National Geographic staff (NGS+NGP) and talent (Explorers, Fellows, advisors).
- Create and maintain strong working relationships with external experts and partners for the project. Coordinate and convene with external experts on technical inputs.
- Attend key events as a representative of the project as required.
- Support other departments and teams for external partnership relationship management (sponsors, corporate partners, media, etc.).
- A minimum of 5 years demonstrated experience within middle to upper management positions. Background in climate science or related is required; knowledge of high attitude environments a plus.
Knowledge and Skill Requirements (to include software, licenses, certifications, etc.)
- Excellent coordination, communication, problem-solving, organizational, leadership, coaching and supervisor skills. Strong writing and oral communication skills. Exceptional professionalism and ability to remain calm under pressure. Demonstrate ability to anticipate problems and find creative solutions to challenging situations. Candidate needs to have the ability to perform in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and work with individuals and groups at all levels. It is imperative to work as part of a team. Focused on quality, and detail-oriented. High analytical skills, be able to see patterns, be a fast thinker and a good decision maker.
- Must have strong institutional knowledge of National Geographic and experience in supporting cross-platform programs.