The Vice President, Impact Initiatives has overall strategic and operational oversight responsibility for projects that fall under five of the Impact Initiatives: Being Human, Back from the Brink, Last Wild Places, Life at the Extremes, and Reducing the Human Footprint. Reporting to the Chief Scientist & Executive Vice President, Science & Exploration, the VP will oversee program management and will direct the ongoing operations of the teams including development of annual plans, impact evaluation, budget oversight, and partner management. The VP is expected to collaborate with other teams throughout the organization to maximize outcomes, and s/he will work closely with the Society’s Partnerships team to ensure the initiatives are adequately resourced. The position will also work with the VP of Grants and her/his team to develop new projects that will deliver on the organization’s goals within these thematic lenses, and to ensure that program-related grants and grantees contribute directly to the programs’ impact metrics and goals.
Program Leadership and Management: (50%)
- Ensure programs are being designed to meet organizational objectives, identifying clear measures of success and ambitious, attainable timelines for deliverables.
- Demonstrate consistent quality of budgeting, reporting, communications, systems, and recommend timelines and resources needed to achieve organizational goals.
- Manage and mentor high functioning teams of programmatic staff.
- Work with staff to ensure consistent, high-quality program management, including development, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
- Provide leadership in the development of intra-team communication and cohesiveness, supporting staff and cultivating a culture of empowerment and accountability.
- Represent Impact Initiatives with internal executive leadership, as well as externally at conferences and events.
Strategy: (30%)
- Build and lead strategy for high-impact projects across the Impact Initiatives. Oversee the assessment, development, and operations of all programs within the Initiatives, and regularly evaluate each of the portfolios to meet and exceed quantitative targets.
- Provide thought leadership and support in the design of programmatic strategies and leverage expertise and knowledge base of teams of experts. Provide clear communication and data to support all recommendations.
- Stay abreast of trends and competitors in relevant fields making strategic and tactical recommendations for setting or changing programmatic direction.
- Identify key opportunities for amplifying program objectives. Oversee efforts to increase awareness of program and associated outcomes.
Partnership: (20%)
- Work closely with National Geographic Society’s Partnerships team to expand revenue generation and fundraising activities to support the development and implementation of Impact Initiatives, cultivating existing relationships and developing new funder relationships.
- Develop strong working relationships across National Geographic Partners (NGP), the media platforms of National Geographic, and NGS to create a dynamic network that cultivates innovation and team development.
- Work across Society divisions and external teams to maximize program impact and reach.
- Identify, cultivate and maintain productive, ongoing relationships with high-impact communities and partners, building trust, credibility, and goodwill both internally and externally.
- Identify key opportunities for amplifying both Impact Initiative objectives; and oversee efforts to increase awareness of programs and associated outcomes.
- 10+ years demonstrated project management, with a strong background in science, and experience in managing teams in highly strategic roles; 7+ years of management experience. Conservation experience required.
Knowledge and Skills Required
- Highly developed oral and written communications skills and ability to work with groups at all levels; budget management and planning experience; international knowledge and experience working with NGOs and government organizations.
- Must have strong scientific credentials, be an excellent communicator. Experienced at managing projects on time and on budget.