Director, Program (The Future of Food) (Fixed-Term)
National Geographic, Washington, DC, United States
Director, Program (The Future of Food) (Fixed-Term)
How You’ll Contribute
The Storytelling team works to expand the organization’s impact through journalism, photography, film/video, web content, mapping, asset management, and data visualization. As one of the largest funders to individual storytellers in this work, it also identifies key grant making and fellowship opportunities with creative talent. Much of the team's programmatic activity is focused on identifying and building capacity for the next generation of diverse storytellers.
Through a robust 18-month pilot program from January 2025 through June 2026, we will launch an extraordinary partnership that invests in National Geographic Explorers and storytellers focused on sustainable agricultural practices. By amplifying our Explorer’s work we will help scale regenerative agriculture by supporting those leading the transition and illuminating their stories so that generations of farmers and agronomists — and their communities — receive the public support they need.
Reporting to the Deputy to the Chief Storytelling Officer & VP, Grants & Programs, the Director will play a leadership role in building this program from the ground up, with a focus on inclusive leadership toward this cross-divisional effort. They will convene all programmatic stakeholders, ensuring programmatic milestones are met in a timely manner.
This role is a fixed-term position through the summer of 2026.
Your Impact
Responsibilities Include
Program Strategy and Development (40%)
Develop and maintain high touch relationships with Explorers leading projects.
Develop and maintain detailed strategy, annual work plans, and budgets for programs/projects.
Work with Strategic Insights and Initiatives team and across multiple divisions to ensure program/project logic models, goals and impact objectives are calibrated, tracked, and evaluated.
Regularly track and report on progress, indicators, and impact for project. This includes communicating activities, achievements, and key outcomes through various distribution means.
Oversee repository of project information/resources for project team members to access and update as needed.
Program Management (20%)
Convene all relevant stakeholders to ensure the goals for this program are met on time and on budget.
Work in collaboration with science, storytelling and education colleagues to program a cross-divisional initiative, ensuring relevant expertise within and outside of the organization is represented.
Work with NGS legal, technology, communications, advancement, evaluation and operations teams to ensure programmatic needs are met.
Communicate successes and opportunities of the program within and outside National Geographic Society.
Serve as internal spokesperson for projects to clearly communicate project goals, objectives and milestones to ensure collaborative working groups and timely deliverables.
Internal Coordination & Communication (25%)
Liaise across departments on project-related content and timelines. Work with matrixed teams, Explorers, subject matter experts, and other key stakeholders to execute program needs.
Manage crosscutting meetings, and coordinate program activities across National Geographic.
Oversee information and communication to internal stakeholders to ensure that all activities align with program strategy and objectives. Includes running meetings and sharing post meeting notes and action items.
Work with legal to write and execute contracts with 3rd parties and explorers.
Collaborates with NG Communications to suggest, draft, and, as appropriate, deliver program content. Lead the updating and editing of project materials and websites as needed.
Support efforts to raise revenue through philanthropy, grants and other activities.
Provides feedback to internal operations teams on process and NG Next implementation in regard to programmatic work.
Identify programmatic opportunities for elevation and work with Communications and NGP teams to execute.
Organizational Collaboration (15%)
Develop and build strong working relationships with internal cross-disciplinary program teams.
Support and empower staff to elevate level of accountability and performance.
Create and maintain strong working relationships with NGP, external program partners, and talent (Explorers, Fellows, advisors, etc.).
Serves as an internal resource for sharing best practices, lessons learned and success stories.
Attend key events as a representative of the project, as required.
Support program talent at outreach and engagement events, as required.
Serve as the primary point of contact for Explorers leading programs and NGS staff.
Stay current and informed on emerging trends that are relevant to program and scan for gaps and opportunities.
What You’ll Bring
Educational Background
Bachelor’s degree in a scientific or editorial field preferred. Master’s Degree preferred.
Minimum Years and Type of Experience
3+ years of management and 10+ years demonstrated experience in project or program management. Experience working in diverse and matrixed teams.
Necessary Knowledge and Skills
Managing cross-divisional teams.
Understanding of, and respect for the value of storytelling to change the world.
Deep curiosity about the natural world and ideally, experience in a scientific field.
Desired Qualifications
Experience in, or knowledge of food systems and agricultural practices.
Proficiency in a language other than English is preferred.
Background in Earth sciences, geography, environmental sciences, or natural history.
Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Cloud platform (essential knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects).
Supervision
1 direct report.
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 is $127,000 - $134,000.
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; 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
Hybrid - At the Society, we believe in the advantages of coming together to build community, mentor and learn from colleagues, and connect more deeply with our mission. As a result, the majority of our staff are Hybrid. Our Hybrid category requires that staff work at Base Camp two days each week: every Tuesday and Wednesday. Hybrid staff are also always welcome to come in additional days each week if preferred.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.
We 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.
About Us
The National Geographic Society uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Our mission is only complete when our staff, explorers, educators, youth and partners are seen, valued, and heard. We embrace each person’s identity, experiences, and abilities, and we commit to cultivating an environment where everyone benefits from opportunity, mutual respect and a sense of belonging. We are committed to cultivating an environment that promotes diversity, equity and inclusion for our staff, explorers and educators and partners.
National Geographic's headquarters is located in the heart of Washington, D.C. We offer our employees a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental benefits, generous vacation and parental leave time, a 401(k) plan, flexible work options, career development, and a thriving Diversity, Equity and Inclusion program. In addition to our generous benefits, we also offer unique perks which include free museum admission, discount to our museum store, film screenings, world class events with visiting speakers, an employee volunteer day and a robust wellness program.
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