Director, Project Ceti- Science and Innovation Programs 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 public information and communications 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. Your key responsibility will be: 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, 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, 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 Geographics 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
Bachelors 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.
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: Director, Project CETI- Science and Innovation Programs
- Grade: N/A
- Location: Washington, D.C., United States
- Department: National Geographic Society
- Contract Type: Permanent (Part-Time)
- Estimated Salary Range:$84,000 – $144,000 USD annually
Qualifications
- 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
- 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
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.