The National Geographic Society invests in a global community of National Geographic Explorers leading a new age of exploration in support of its mission to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world through science, education, and storytelling. The Science & Innovation team oversees the Society's funding in research, conservation and technology, manages major mission programs, and builds partnerships with NGOs. Within it, the Perpetual Planet Expeditions (PPE) program supports critical scientific fieldwork across Earth's vital life-support systems, advancing conservation outcomes and scalable, sustainable solutions led by Explorers.
Reporting to the Vice President, Science & Innovation Programs, the Sr Director provides programmatic science direction and oversight for PPE, leads all grantmaking strategies for the program, and oversees a team of subject matter experts. The role covers project development across all science expeditions, project workplans, Explorer partnership and development, policy oversight, and monitoring, evaluation and impact measurement. This is a fixed-term role of 7 years, contingent on grant funding, with 15-20% travel to remote global locations. Hybrid: Washington, DC (Base Camp on Tuesdays and Wednesdays).
Key responsibilities:
- Science strategy and execution (60%): finalize and execute the PPE program impact framework; lead landscape and gap analysis for each continent; develop RFPs and the overarching grantmaking strategy; support program recruiting; mentor and support Explorers; provide scientific guidance on mapping and spatial data analysis; lead cohort convenings and thought leadership symposia; stay current with climate science and provide input on policy goals and UN/CSO engagement.
- Leadership and collaboration (30%): oversee a team of 3 subject matter experts; oversee the science grantmaking budget; serve as spokesperson for PPE science; oversee the post-expedition scientific publications process; grow recognition of NGS among UN/CSO audiences.
- Team, divisional and organizational collaboration (10%): build cross-disciplinary relationships, support external partnerships, and share methodologies, M&E processes and lessons learned.
Requirements: PhD in a relevant scientific discipline (or equivalent credential reflecting extensive scientific background); 5+ years of people management and 12+ years of experience with an environmental or related NGO; background in climate or environmental science; demonstrated management, communication, coordination and leadership skills; ability to convey complex science to executive and media audiences; experience in a matrixed organization and with academic and corporate partners preferred. Salary range: $161,500-$170,000.
HOW TO APPLY:
Apply online via the National Geographic Society careers site (Workday). Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States; the position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
https://ngs.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/ngs_external_career_site/job/Washington-DC/Sr-Director--Science--Perpetual-Planet-Expeditions-_R2206-2/apply