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 Society’s ultimate goal is a planet in balance, and NGS believes that advancing understanding through education and empowerment provides the greatest hope for addressing the enormous challenges of the 21st century. In the upcoming years, NGS will focus the full complement of the organization’s assets and strengths on six impact-driving priorities. The Impact Initiatives focus on understanding who we are; the impact we are having on the planet; the importance of valuing and protecting species and ecosystems; the accelerating threat of climate change; and the need to lower human consumption.
One of these six initiative is Reducing the Human Footprint, which began in 2018 with the launch of the largest campaign to date dedicated to stemming the tide of single-use plastic polluting our oceans. The media campaign led by National Geographic Partners will be supported by a series of Society-sponsored expeditions to better understand and highlight the impact of plastics flowing into our oceans through major rivers. These efforts will be supported by global challenges to accelerate efforts to reduce plastics from entering the oceans. In future years, the focus of the initiative will turn to other efforts that help reduce consumption and the impact people have on the planet, such as sustainable cities, food, and/or freshwater.
Reporting to the Executive Vice President & Chief Scientist, the Vice President has strategic and operational oversight for projects that fall under the Reducing the Human Footprint initiative, including leading research and exploration of future focus areas for the initiative, directing the development of annual plans, impact evaluation, budget oversight and partner management. The Vice President is expected to play a leadership role across the organization to maximize outcomes, and s/he will work with all departments of the organization to build collaborative workplans that leverage the organization’s full complement of strengths.
Initiative Leadership and Management: (50%)
- Ensure projects 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 Reducing the Human Footprint with internal executive leadership, as well as externally at conferences and events.
Strategy: (30%)
- Build and lead strategy for high-impact projects within the Reducing the Human Footprint portfolio. Oversee the development, assessment, and operations of all projects within the Initiative, and regularly evaluate the portfolio to meet and exceed organization and partner objectives.
- Provide thought leadership and support in the design of programmatic strategy and leverage expertise and knowledge base of teams of experts both internal and external to the organization. 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 ensure regular and consistent communication with the primary funding partner.
- 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 Reducing the Human Footprint objectives, and oversee efforts to increase awareness of programs and associated outcomes.
- 10+ years with a strong background in science and experience managing teams in highly strategic roles.
- Background in areas of human impact on the planet and/or sustainability is required.
- 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.
- Demonstrated 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.
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