Director, Project CETI- Science and Innovation Programs

National Geographic•Washington, DC

9d•$137,750 - $145,000•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required; Masters or equivalent experience in project management is preferred
10+ years work experience; Demonstrated experience in project or program management
Experience working in diverse and matrixed teams and with academic partners
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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

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

Benefits

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
a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks