Open Vacancies at National Geographic

Your Impact 

Responsibilities Include:

Strategy Development and Execution (30%): Provide strategic insight and intelligence from across the Africa region to inform Society-wide strategy, goal development, and workplans.  Directly contribute to the development of departmental and divisional mission and strategy. Develop and execute annual workplans, while maintaining a flexible approach that allows for adaptation as context shifts.  

• Responsible for developing the annual workplan for the region, including explorer engagement activities, institutional partnerships and individualized explorer support plans for a portfolio of targeted explorers of high potential value to the Society.
• Lead strategy to adapt global NGS priorities to the Africa science, education and storytelling landscape. Ability to keep abreast of and quickly synthesize current events, important historical context, and relevant priorities facing the region in order to identify opportunities to leverage National Geographic engagement (Exhibits, Events, Communications, Explorer Engagement) to advance goals.
• Represent National Geographic Society in Africa with key scientific, conservation, education and storytelling constituencies, including academic conferences, thought-leader events and forums. Partner with Science and Innovation, Storytelling, Education, Exhibits and Events, Advancement, Communications, and other teams in DC to advance NGS priorities in explorer recruitment, programmatic outcomes, fundraising, and NGS brand representation in Africa.

Disney/NGP Relationship (30%): Serve as Regional Representative for NGS with Disney in Africa.  Identify priority departments in Disney, to effectively manage the relationship with the different teams that work with the brand. 

• Develop and execute strategy for elevation of key Explorers and program priorities across Disney platforms to deliver on NGS’s mission to use the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world.  Lead relationship management with key, high-level Disney executives and stakeholders.  Spearhead coordination around NGS enterprise moment planning, Focus Area prioritization, and other key initiatives to surface regional perspectives and share best practices to create impact in the region and to grow understanding at NGS headquarters of African current events and contexts.
• Continuously promote NGS’s mission and goals to inform, educate and collaborate with regional Disney stakeholders.
• Develop effective NGS engagement strategies with the priority Disney departments and facilitate relationship development between relevant NGS HQ staff and Disney staff.  These Disney teams may include Leadership, Marketing, Ad Sales + Branding, Digital Editorial + Social Media, Communications/PR, Programing, Original productions, Travel/Expeditions, Live Events & Experiences (Exhibitions), NG Kids, Social Corporate Responsibility, among others.
• Explorer Recruitment, Relations and Management (30%):  Deliver on our ambition to engage and strengthen National Geographic relationships with the most talented scientists, conservationists, educators and storytellers in Africa. 
• Build and execute recruitment strategies in partnership with International, Program, and DEI teams.  Monitor recruitment tactics in Salesforce to inform continued adaptation, delivering on our goals of diversifying our Explorer community.
• Lead regional reviews for NGS grants and awards and in coordination with Explorer Elevation for select external awards.
• Represent National Geographic Society in Africa with key scientific, conservation, education and storytelling constituencies, including academic conferences, thought-leader events and forums.
• Serve as a point of contact and advocate for a growing portfolio of Africa Explorers, accelerating their professional growth and project impact by stewarding opportunities for leadership development and enhanced connectivity with both National Geographic Society and regional media platforms.
• Steward the portfolio of explorer relationships in the region, in direct coordination with the Explorer Engagement and appropriate Program teams in DC and with Disney in Africa.

Administration and Management (10%)

• Identify and contract hotel, catering, and other vendors for in-region events, in coordination with NGS Finance and Legal teams in DC, and in alignment with NGS policies
• Manage regional expenses and budget, in coordination with Finance and Accounting
• May include up to one supervisory role to manage (after successful first year)

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

• 12+ years of work experience, preference in international grant-making organizations or NGOs serving science and/or storytelling communities in Africa.  
• Experience working with subject-matter experts in Africa as part of grant-making, award or other institutional affiliation programs.
• Experience working with associations or other collaborative engagement models desired.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrated collaborative ability to work in team settings across cultures and internally within a diverse and dynamic institution
• Strong interpersonal skills, presence, and ability to effectively build strong relationships both internally and externally
• Able to manage multiple projects in both lead and supporting roles within a matrix-based organization
• Expertise in working with subject-matter experts and networks of experts
• Public speaking, presentation development and communication skills to a variety of audiences
• Reputation for high ethical standards and integrity, displaying diplomacy and tact at all times
• Microsoft Office, Google Suite, and experience or interest to learn CRM or other database management tools
• Experience working with or in at least 2 sub-regions across the continent
• English proficiency

Desired Qualifications

• Proficiency in another language other than English (especially French, Portuguese, or Swahili)
• Experience working for or with international NGOs or organizations with a global footprint

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Responsibilities Include:

Operations Planning (50%)

• Lead all field gear, medical, supplies, and equipment shipping and movement to the Argo and across the Pacific for the Global Expedition
• Co-manage Pristine Seas warehouse space in collaboration with Nuvair;
• Lead “home” point-of-contact for expeditions communications from the field
• Proactively maintain and repair expedition equipment to ensure consistent usability in the field;
• Assist with all pre-planning activities for expeditions, including but not limited to:
• Coordinate field logistics, in collaboration with Expedition Leader;
• Act as main liaison between Field Operations and NG HQ team;
• Onboard new expedition members, including visiting scientists and policy personnel, to PS culture and expectations during the expedition.
• Work alongside Expeditions Manager on staffing, permitting, event logistics, and travel requirements for expeditions
• Certification and safety support 
• Maintain trainings and certifications, including but not limited to:
• Advanced First Aid;
• Dive Medic Technician
• Recompression Chamber Operator;
• Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping.

Expeditions Field Ops (30%)

• Drive and maintain rigid inflatable boats as needed;
• Oversee expedition safety and equipment
• All PS boat operations and maintenance 
• Procure materials and supplies to be used in the field,
• Support technology and communications in the field (Iridium and Starlink);
• Operate and maintain air compressor on expedition vessel;
• Supplemental communications and social media support in the field
• Participate in community support activities as needed under the direction of the Expedition Leader

Expeditions First Aid (20%)

• Provide medical/first-aid support in the field, and support of the onboard MD with Health and COVID treatment protocol and management
• Operate and maintain hyperbaric chamber on board expedition vessel;
• Telemedicine liaison and primary field point of contact for MSOS;

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background

• Bachelor's Degree required

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

• 5-7 years in marine science, professional diving, professional boating and/or or marine field science support.
• Necessary Knowledge and Skills
• Significant and relevant field experience.  Prior experience on expedition ships strongly preferred.
• PADI Advanced Open Water certification or equivalent
• Demonstrated interpersonal, oral, and written communications skills
• Outboard Motor Operator training
• Dive compressor operations

Desired Qualifications

Certifications:

• Advanced First Aid
• Recompression Chamber Operator
• Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping.
• Understanding of and passion for natural history and/or history & culture
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment
• Ability to successfully work within a highly collaborative team environment

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Responsibilities Include:

Expedition Field Ops (50%)

• Lead all expedition safety and equipment requirements
• All PS boat operations and maintenance 
• All small boat, safety, and communication equipment
• Procure materials and supplies to be used in the field on expedition,
• Operate and maintain hyperbaric chamber on board expedition vessel;
• Operate and maintain air compressor on expedition vessel;
• Support technology and communications in the field (Iridium and Starlink);
• Participate in community support activities as needed under the direction of the Expedition Leader

Operations Planning (30%)

• Assist with all pre-planning activities for expeditions, including but not limited to:
• Coordinate field logistics and procure consumables, in collaboration with Expedition Leader;
• Facilitate and plan communications support for expeditions, including onboard internet, SAT phone, and other forms of field communications;
• Proactively maintain and repair all expedition equipment to ensure consistent usability in the field;
• Manage Pristine Seas warehouse space in collaboration with Nuvair;
• Dive training, certification and safety support 
• Maintain trainings and certifications, including but not limited to:
• Advanced First Aid;
• Recompression Chamber Operator;
• Compressor Operator;
• Outboard Motor Operator;
• Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping.

Expeditions Medical Care (15%)

• Provide medical/first-aid support in the field, and medical lead on some expeditions;
• Primary support of the onboard MD with Health and COVID treatment protocol and management
• Telemedicine liaison and primary field point of contact for MSOS;
• Oversee all Safety and Health protocols for PS Expeditions
• Coordinate and co-produce Medical & Safety plan for each expedition, in collaboration with Expedition Leader and NGS Nurse

Science Support (5%)

• Provide science support as needed, including data collection while on expedition and post-expedition. This may include SCUBA surveys, scientific diver support, eDNA data collection, and remote camera deployment, if needed. 

Educational Background

• Bachelor's Degree in relevant field required

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

• 10 years in marine science, professional diving, professional boating and/or or marine field science support 
• Necessary Knowledge and Skills
• Significant and relevant field experience. Prior experience on expedition ships strongly preferred.
• Extensive small boat handling and maintenance experience, emphasis on diving operations
• Experience with dive compressor operation
• PADI DiveMaster certification or equivalent
• Outboard Motor Operator training
• Demonstrated interpersonal, oral, and written communications skills

Desired Qualifications

Certifications:

• Advanced First Aid training
• Dive Medic Technician
• Dive Master level
• Recompression Chamber Operator
• Standards of Training Certification and Watchkeeping.
• USCG Captain’s license
• Understanding of and passion for natural history and/or history & culture
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment
• Ability to successfully work within a highly collaborative team environment

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Responsibilities Include:

Fundraising (80%):   

• Move a portfolio of 125 donors and prospects through quality, strategic contacts and face-to-face visits to identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward donors to successfully close gifts ranging from $25K to $1M+;
• Work with the Director of Major Gifts to meet or exceed dollar and visit goals, with a focus on new, increased and multi-year gifts;
• Develop, execute, evaluate, and refine strategies for the organization’s priority projects;
• Work with donors, and organizational leaders to position Advancement to take full advantage of related organizational events and networks;
• Plan and execute at least one regional event in each assigned market annually in partnership with the Global Special Events team;
• Collaborate with the Major Gift Team, Annual Giving Team, Principal Gifts Team, Campaign Team, and Global Special Events Team to engage donors and prospects regionally through pipeline movement, special events and other engagement opportunities.

Administration (20%):

• Develop and maintain a thorough and accurate understanding of NGS programs and funding priorities in order to effectively connect donors and prospects to NGS priorities and content;
• Effectively communicate NGS priorities and successfully match donor’s philanthropic interests to funding needs;
• Provide and/or review written materials, including briefings, solicitations, and acknowledgements in a quality consistent with NGS and Advancement team standards;
• Serve as a Point of Contact for the Advancement team with one or more programs, initiatives, or teams at NGS;
• Utilize and update the Raiser’s Edge database by recording activities, contacts, and strategies on an on-going basis consistent with department policies.

What You’ll Bring 

Educational Background

• Bachelor’s degree required.

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

• 5+ years of development experience with donor/donor candidate management and gift solicitation, including a proven track record of closing gifts $25,000+ and stewarding donor relationships.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills 

• Sophisticated communication skills and demonstrated ability to increase current donor support, and to attract new donors.
• Success managing high-visibility projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated and capable of working proactively and independently.
• Strong oral and written communication skills are necessary with a demonstrated ability to write effectively for business/philanthropic communication purposes.
• Strong computer skills including Microsoft Office.
• Must be detail-oriented, organized, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to maintain high standards of confidentiality. 
• Proactive and professional demeanor when interacting with NGS staff, senior executives, high net worth individuals, and donors.