How Youll Contribute

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include

Develop and implement strategic vision and execution plan for securing impact-driven, philanthropic foundation partnerships that advance the Societys mission and programs. (20%)

Lead cultivation and solicitation of major foundation partnerships, overseeing strategy, proposal development, deliverables, and budget creation in close coordination with Advancement and Program teams. Respond promptly and strategically to partner feedback, escalating issues as appropriate to leadership. (40%)

Provide strategic leadership and cross-departmental coordination to identify, cultivate, and secure transformative foundation partnerships. Oversee the full lifecycle of partnership development, from prospecting and proposal development to negotiation and stewardship. Manage a portfolio of complex, high-value grants supporting Society programs, collaborating closely with program leads and executive leadership. Serve as a senior leader within the organization to elevate the visibility, value, and rigor of philanthropic foundation partnerships. (20%)

Lead the Philanthropic Foundations team in developing actionable solicitation strategies, draft proposals, budgets, timelines, and deliverables. Oversee budget preparation and grant term negotiation in coordination with Finance and Legal. Partner with the Grants Manager to ensure exceptional stewardship of all open grants, including reporting, expenditure tracking, and site visits. Collaborate with Advancement Operations to support identifying and prioritizing new foundation opportunities and align them with institutional goals. Provide strategic counsel to team members on renewals, new initiatives, and long-term growth opportunities. (20%)

Other areas as required.

What Youll Bring

Educational Background

Masters degree preferred

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

12+ years of experience in a nonprofit or business development environment, with demonstrated success leading matrixed teams and creating and executing strategic growth plans.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

Demonstrated experience shaping and executing a strategic vision and plan for institutional or philanthropic partnerships.

Proven leadership and team management experience, including coaching and development of high-performing staff.

Track record of securing significant multi-million-dollar foundation grants (seven- and eight-figure preferred).

Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and persuasively.

Experience managing multiple, high-value partnerships simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.

Ability to translate technical and programmatic content into compelling donor materials.

Strong collaboration skills; adept at working across programmatic, financial, and operational teams.

Excellent organizational, project management, and problem-solving abilities.

Proficiency with grant management tools, CRM systems, and related technologies.

Highly detail-oriented, deadline-driven, and capable of managing competing priorities.

Desired Qualifications

Experience in science, environmental, conservation, or education-related nonprofit sectors is a plus.

Supervision

3+ 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.