Director, Project Ceti- Science And Innovation Programs

How You'll Contribute

The National Geographic Society invests in a diverse, global community of National Geographic Explorers who are leading a new age of exploration in support of our mission to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world through science, education, and storytelling. These bold individuals represent more than 140 countries and their vast array of backgrounds, perspectives, and fields bring us to the far reaches of the globe.

The Science & Innovation team oversees the Society's funding efforts in research, conservation and technology, develops and manages major mission programs, and establishes programmatic partnerships with like-minded non-governmental organizations.

NGS is preparing to deepen our relationship with Project CETI, a research project that is using machine learning and AI to decode sperm whale communication. Reporting to the Vice President, Science and Innovation Programs, the Director supports and coordinates Project CETI across the National Geographic Society. The Director works collaboratively with individuals and teams across the Division and organization and directly with Explorers and partners.

The Director should be a high-functioning professional with excellent interpersonal skills, a proactive and collaborative mindset, that can lead and follow-through on projects. Experience in conservation and/or scientific research, fundraising and partnerships, project management, and knowledge of current trends in relevant disciplines is required. In addition, experience working in a matrixed organization, with academic and funding partners is strongly preferred.

The ideal candidate is flexible, analytical, able to work independently and collaborate with a team, and has prior experience working on impact-driven programs and with scientists, partners and funders. Candidates should also be organized, conscientious, passionate about research for a purpose, and possess strong interpersonal skills.

This is a fixed-term position with an end date of 03/15/28, with potential to extend.

Your Impact

Please note, submission of a cover letter is required.

Responsibilities Include

Project Development & Management (50%)

• Serve as the primary lead for Project CETI activities at National Geographic, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration across National Geographic departments, including but not limited to Science, Storytelling, Education, Advancement, Explorer Engagement, and Strategic Communications

• Serve as National Geographic's primary point of contact with Project CETI team, including Project CETI Founder and Chief Strategy Officer

• Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, timelines, and budgets for various CETI initiatives, tracking progress and reporting on key milestones. Facilitate regular meetings with internal stakeholders to align on objectives, share updates, and resolve challenges

• Identify and mitigate potential risks to project timelines and deliverables

• Together with the Storytelling, Education, Advancement, and Communications teams, identify key opportunities for amplifying program objectives. Support efforts to increase awareness of assigned programs and associated outcomes

• Develop programmatic materials in collaboration with internal teams that includes key messaging, assets and other materials that can be used for programmatic promotion and proposals. Maintain a repository of these materials and ensure they are up to date

• Serve as internal resource on programmatic legal documents, in close coordination with the legal team

• Coordinate with Project CETI team to maintain a calendar of upcoming CETI-related events, engagements, speaking opportunities, and travel as appropriate and relevant

Partnerships (40%)

• Work closely with the National Geographic Advancement team to contribute content to compelling donor proposals and presentations for Project CETI

• Provide general support as needed on fundraising activities with Advancement team to ensure next steps and timelines are met and coordinated with Project CETI team

• In collaboration with the NGS Advancement team, prepare reports and updates for donors and internal stakeholders on the impact and progress of donor-funded CETI initiatives

• Represent Project CETI in external meetings and events as required

• Review and facilitate approval of partnership materials for Project CETI

Team, Divisional and Organization Collaboration (10%)

• Supports, mentors, and empowers staff to elevate their level of accountability and performance in a matrixed and dynamic work environment

• On behalf of Science & Innovation, develops strong and positive working relationships with internal team, other NGS divisions and external teams to maximize impact and reach

• Represents Science & Innovation at meetings with other NGS divisions, Disney, outside funders/entities and makes program decisions

• Identifies, cultivates, and manages strategic partnerships and high-impact communities and stakeholders to support initiatives and maximize impact

Educational Background

Bachelor's degree required; Masters or equivalent experience in project management is preferred

Minimum Years and Types of Experience

10+ years work experience; Demonstrated experience in project or program management; Experience working in diverse and matrixed teams and with academic partners

Knowledge and Skills Required

• Flexibility, attention to detail and proactive positive demeanor are extremely important

• Ability to maintain confidentiality

• The ability to communicate clearly and persuasively in written documents and oral presentations

• Excellent organizational skills, creative thinking and responsive problem-solving

• Ability to work with individuals across an organization and at multiple organizational levels

• Experience working with marketing and outreach teams and managing marketing assets and materials

• Eagerness to work closely with a highly energetic, detail-oriented and passionate leadership team; Extremely versatile, dedicated to efficient productivity

• Superior ability to adapt, be flexible, and rearrange priorities to serve changing organizational needs

• Able to remain calm and productive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment

• Cross disciplinary knowledge of science, communication, storytelling and media platforms to support project objectives

• Experience overseeing large, complex programs

• Experience dealing with political, business and thought leaders

• Must have ability to work with scientific communities, journalists, photographers, business partners and international stakeholders to create innovative public-facing programs

• Ability to manage multiple work streams while balancing competing priorities with attention to detail

Desired Qualifications

• Ability to manage projects with high attention to detail

• Reputation for high ethical standards and integrity, displaying diplomacy and tact in difficult or sensitive situations

• Experience speaking in front of small and large audiences and putting together presentations and reports for different types of audiences

• Willingness to travel

Supervision

No direct reports

Salary Information

The National Geographic Society offers a competitive and holistic total rewards package. Our compensation structure and transparent pay philosophy are based on industry-specific market data for similar-sized nonprofit organizations.

The salary range for this position accounts for a wide range of factors including but not limited to organizational need; specific skill sets; experience and training; certifications; and more. At the National Geographic Society, individuals are typically hired at or near the starting point of the salary range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

The salary range for this position is $137,750.00 - $145,000.00.

In addition, the National Geographic Society offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance; engaging and comprehensive wellness program; 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment; flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year) and 10 days of sick leave; 12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31 (May not apply to all roles that are required to work during high volume seasons or essential workers. Please check with the hiring manager for confirmation.); paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility benefits; learning and development opportunities; Lifestyle Spending Account; pet adoption assistance and insurance; pre-tax transportation benefits with a generous employer subsidy; employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit; and a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks.

Job Designation

Hybrid - At the Society, we believe in the advantages of coming together to build community, mentor and learn from colleagues, and connect more deeply with our mission. As a result, the majority of our staff are Hybrid. Our Hybrid category requires that staff work at Base Camp two days each week: every Tuesday and Wednesday. Hybrid staff are also always welcome to come in additional days each week if preferred.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization.