Specialist, Wildlife - Science and Innovation Programs

National Geographic•Washington, DC

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

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, exploration, 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 Programs team oversees the Society’s funding efforts in science, conservation, and technology, develops and manages major mission programs, and establishes programmatic partnerships with like-minded non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and corporate partners. Reporting to the Director, Science & Innovation Programs, Wildlife, the Specialist will support the programmatic, operational, logistical, and administrative duties for the Wildlife focus area. In this role, the Specialist leads assigned programmatic activity under the direction of the Director to ensure programmatic priorities are met while tracking and reporting on progress, indicators, and impact of programs. The Specialist will provide critical and tactical support that contributes to a well-functioning Science and Innovation division and portfolio, including administrative and organizational support, project management, budget coordination, stakeholder management, and data metrics and tracking. The successful candidate will be a versatile and motivated self-starter who has the ability to perform in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment both independently and in collaboration with the team. Your Impact Your Responsibilities Include Program Management Support (60%) The Specialist executes tactical and operational components of the Science & Innovation strategy under the guidance of leadership. This role applies specialized knowledge to support programs, data analysis, process improvement, and project coordination to ensure the effective execution of team initiatives. Including, but not limited to: Applies subject-matter expertise to identify and interpret internal and external issues where appropriate; recommends solutions, best practices, tools, and improvements needed; supports development and utilization of new/streamlined processes and refinement of current processes. Organizes data and implements data best practices, performs research, data validation, and manipulation; works with team members to create NGS forms, reports, campaigns, and dashboards to visualize program impact; summarizes data and metrics for use in divisional reporting and analysis. Under the direction of the Director of Wildlife, tracks projects and schedules, notifies relevant parties of approaching deadlines, updates schedules, project trackers, and other relevant documents. Provides technical and logistical support for the National Geographic Wildlife Programmatic Portfolio, including For Nature, and other current and future assigned programs. Funding and Grants Provides technical support for applications review and evaluation processes across the Society’s wildlife initiatives. Under the direction of the Director of Wildlife, contributes to work planning and program strategy discussions. Under the direction of the Director of Wildlife, monitors program metrics and evaluation in partnership with the Strategic Insights and Initiatives team. Develops a comprehensive understanding of the wildlife portfolio, including program goals, intended impact, key deliverables, and timelines. Contributes to effective program implementation by coordinating across teams, tracking progress, and ensuring alignment with organizational priorities. Administrative Support: (30%) Contributes to program operation needs using NGS systems such as Workday, Google Apps, Wrike, and Salesforce. Coordinates the contracts, presentations, invoices, mailings, travel, and logistics. Ensures program payments and invoices are distributed and paid on time. Tracks and reviews program materials and ensures websites and other program content are up to date in partnership with the NGS communications team. In partnership with the coordinator, works with internal teams to order program needs such as supplies, swag, materials, and gear. Under the direction of the Director of Wildlife, creates and distributes meeting agendas and ensures follow-through for collaborative meetings across the society. Ensures meeting information and decisions are captured, and follow-up occurs. Team, Divisional, and organizational Collaboration: (10%) Coordinates with the Director of Wildlife to maintain effective communication and relationship management with Explorers and the Explorer Engagement team. Liaise with Explorers on programmatic needs and contract deliverables. May serve on internal cross-platform workgroups where relevant expertise is needed. Liaises with the Director of Wildlife to maintain communication within the Wildlife/Land Programs team and serves as a liaison to support coordination and information-sharing with other NGS departments. Provide on-site event support at key convenings and meetings in partnership with team Coordinators.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in biological science, wildlife conservation, or related field required.
3+ years of relevant experience, preferably supporting non-profit programs.
Minimum 2 years of professional experience in wildlife research and conservation, wildlife management, ecology, or a related field.
Understanding of the scientific method.
Highly developed oral and written communication skills and ability to work with individuals and groups at all levels.
Ability to work on multiple projects, under deadlines, with changing priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
Ability to manage tasks and responsibilities that span multiple teams.
Coordinating and managing appointments, meetings, and multiple schedules.
Technical proficiency with Salesforce and Google-suite tools.
Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree preferred.
Hands-on experience in wildlife research or conservation projects preferred.
Experience preparing technical reports, research summaries, or grant proposals.
Presentation design a plus.
Prior field-based research or conservation experience, especially in wildlife-focused initiatives, is desirable but not required.

Responsibilities

Applies subject-matter expertise to identify and interpret internal and external issues where appropriate; recommends solutions, best practices, tools, and improvements needed; supports development and utilization of new/streamlined processes and refinement of current processes.
Organizes data and implements data best practices, performs research, data validation, and manipulation; works with team members to create NGS forms, reports, campaigns, and dashboards to visualize program impact; summarizes data and metrics for use in divisional reporting and analysis.
Under the direction of the Director of Wildlife, tracks projects and schedules, notifies relevant parties of approaching deadlines, updates schedules, project trackers, and other relevant documents.
Provides technical and logistical support for the National Geographic Wildlife Programmatic Portfolio, including For Nature, and other current and future assigned programs.
Provides technical support for applications review and evaluation processes across the Society’s wildlife initiatives.
Under the direction of the Director of Wildlife, contributes to work planning and program strategy discussions.
Under the direction of the Director of Wildlife, monitors program metrics and evaluation in partnership with the Strategic Insights and Initiatives team.
Develops a comprehensive understanding of the wildlife portfolio, including program goals, intended impact, key deliverables, and timelines.
Contributes to effective program implementation by coordinating across teams, tracking progress, and ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
Contributes to program operation needs using NGS systems such as Workday, Google Apps, Wrike, and Salesforce.
Coordinates the contracts, presentations, invoices, mailings, travel, and logistics.
Ensures program payments and invoices are distributed and paid on time.
Tracks and reviews program materials and ensures websites and other program content are up to date in partnership with the NGS communications team.
In partnership with the coordinator, works with internal teams to order program needs such as supplies, swag, materials, and gear.
Under the direction of the Director of Wildlife, creates and distributes meeting agendas and ensures follow-through for collaborative meetings across the society.
Ensures meeting information and decisions are captured, and follow-up occurs.
Coordinates with the Director of Wildlife to maintain effective communication and relationship management with Explorers and the Explorer Engagement team.
Liaise with Explorers on programmatic needs and contract deliverables.
May serve on internal cross-platform workgroups where relevant expertise is needed.
Liaises with the Director of Wildlife to maintain communication within the Wildlife/Land Programs team and serves as a liaison to support coordination and information-sharing with other NGS departments.
Provide on-site event support at key convenings and meetings in partnership with team Coordinators.

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