Senior Director, Edulab (Education & Community Engagement) at National Geographic Society – United States
Recruiter: National Geographic Society
About National Geographic Society
The National Geographic Society is one of the world’s largest nonprofit scientific and educational institutions, founded in 1888. It supports exploration, conservation, research, and education through grants, fellowships, and partnerships. The Society uses the power of science, exploration, education, and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world, funding over 3,000 explorers, scientists, and educators globally.
Job Summary
This position offers an opportunity to contribute to international cooperation and sustainable development within National Geographic Society’s important work in international cooperation and sustainable development. Working in United States, you will collaborate with international colleagues and partners to address global challenges and promote sustainable development. This role provides an excellent opportunity for professional growth while making a meaningful contribution to international cooperation and global peace and security.
Full Job Description
How Youll Contribute
Your Impact
Please note that submission of a cover letter is required.
Program Strategy and Development: (30%)
Leads and runs the NGS EDULab in close partnership with the VP, Content Dissemination & Explorer Experience, ensuring that the Lab works in support of Explorer-led and Explorer centered programs. Implements relevant processes, methods, and high impact initiatives, in coordination with leadership. Provides partnership and support to Explorer projects, ECE strategic initiatives, and internal and external audiences in alignment with ECEs tiered service model and intake process.
Utilizes ECEss Learning Design for Global Impact (LDGI) approach to ensure ideation, launch, testing and feedback while identifying and following promising practices.
Program Management: (20%)
At the direction of the VP, provides direction and progress monitoring for EDULab team initiatives in support of ECE strategy and Explorer projects.
Facilitates product ideation, operationalization of consultative services for Explorers, in alignment with cross-division work within ECE and the Society more broadly.
Supports ECE content strategy, focusing cycles for continuous improvement testing, impact research, monitoring and evaluation and scale where appropriate.
Contributes to the design and implementation of EDULab budgets and deliverables.
Skills Concentration: (25%)
Ideates and collaborates on the development and use of Explorer-focused resources across ECE and key collaborators Includes accessing strong field-based geographic, innovative education technology, content delivery, and immersive learning experts to ensure ECE delivers on media rich innovative and accessible learning.
Team, Divisional and Organizational Collaboration: (25%)
Manages and mentors a high functioning team of 6 programmatic staff. In alignment with VP, leads integrated and collaborative working relationships with other NGS divisions and external teams including strong relationships with the other programmatic areas and Labs.
Ensures education and community engagement opportunities are integrated into other NGS processes such as capacity development support for Explorers, grant and grantee options and opportunities, and use of Explorers work in educational and community resources.
In alignment with VP, works to ensure dissemination, platform development, testing and evaluation, and full integration of ECE products and services.
What Youll Bring
Educational Background
Bachelors degree in Education technology, Learning Design Solutions, Geography, Science, Social Science, Education, English, Communications, Journalism or related field required.
Masters degree in Education Technology, Education, English, Communications, Learning Design, Global Education, Educational Leadership, Geography, Environmental Science, History, or similar field strongly preferred.
Minimum Years and Types of Experience
12+ years of experience in education, educational leadership or systems, learning design, professional development, curriculum writing and design, or similar. 5+ years of management experience .
The ideal candidate will have a background in Ed Tech or similar experience to lead a team of learning design professionals.
Necessary Knowledge and Skills
Strong understanding of educational systems, systems change, global education, strategy to action, teaching and learning.
Experience designing innovative education content and curriculum using inclusive design principles.
Experience in continuous improvement, impact research, and evaluation.
Reputation for high ethical standards and integrity, displaying diplomacy and tact in difficult or sensitive situations.
Strong 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 dive deeply into the technical requirements and details of relationship management at all levels along with taking direction for execution of a set strategy.
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in teams that span organizations and cultures, and internally within a diverse and dynamic institution.
Familiarity with understanding target audiences and integrating user requirements to maximize tool usefulness in learning settings.
Experience in K-16 education–formal and informal teaching and learning.
Related project or program management experience.
Experience in writing, publishing, instructional design, curriculum development or related fields preferred.
Supervision
5+ 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.
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
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
W e 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.
Key Details
- Job Title: Senior Director, EDULab (Education & Community Engagement)
- Grade: N/A
- Location: Washington, D.C., United States
- Department: National Geographic Society
- Contract Type: Professional Staff
- Estimated Salary Range:$96,600 – $165,600 USD annually
Qualifications
- Strong understanding of educational systems, systems change, global education, strategy to action, teaching and learning.
- Experience designing innovative education content and curriculum using inclusive design principles.
- Experience in continuous improvement, impact research, and evaluation.
- Reputation for high ethical standards and integrity, displaying diplomacy and tact in difficult or sensitive situations.
- Strong 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 dive deeply into the technical requirements and details of relationship management at all levels along with taking direction for execution of a set strategy.
- Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in teams that span organizations and cultures, and internally within a diverse and dynamic institution.
- Familiarity with understanding target audiences and integrating user requirements to maximize tool usefulness in learning settings.
- Experience in K-16 education–formal and informal teaching and learning.
- Related project or program management experience.
- Experience in writing, publishing, instructional design, curriculum development or related fields preferred.
Skills
- Not specified in the official posting
Benefits
- Competitive compensation package
- Professional development opportunities
- Comprehensive health and wellness benefits
- Inclusive and collaborative work environment
How to Apply
Applications must be submitted through the official UN careers portal. Female candidates and candidates from underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.