Director, Strategic Communications (Blue Boundaries)

How You’ll Contribute

Reporting to the Vice President, Strategic Communications, the Director, Communications is responsible for raising the visibility of the Society’s new program called Blue Boundaries that will focus on research and conservation efforts in freshwater wetlands, coastlands and reefs. Working closely with the Society's program and Advancement teams, this position requires the ability not only to think and plan strategically, but to execute on those plans and deliver earned and owned media. The Director, Communications Blue Boundaries will have an entrepreneurial spirit, is highly collaborative, a savvy professional who has solid experience in developing and executing communication strategies. In addition, experience working in a matrixed organization, with academic and corporate partners and scientists is strongly preferred. The Director, Communications Blue Boundaries also plays a key role in message development, reputational communications and crisis communications.
This is a fixed-term position with an end date of 12/31/31.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include:

• In collaboration with the Vice President, Strategic Communications, the Director will launch the Blue Boundaries program and each ecosystem phase: freshwater wetlands, coastlines and reefs. Develop and oversee the execution of annual strategic communications plans that secures visibility — proactively and reactively — for Blue Boundaries across a variety of earned and owned media channels. Actively engage, cultivate and manage internal and external relationships — including with press — to ensure high-quality coverage and amplification of major announcements and opportunistic elevation of newsworthy milestones from the Explorer-led programs. Collaborate closely with the Advancement division on partnership communications with our philanthropic partners. (50%)

• Lead the development of all external positioning and messaging strategies for the new Blue Boundaries program. Create and implement a messaging platform to be leveraged across narrative-building activities and external outreach. Draft, review and approve external-facing communications, including talking points, speeches, press releases, blog posts and social media posts. (25%)

• Advise on all matters related to reputational and crisis communications for the Blue Boundaries program and develop mitigation strategies for challenges and emerging issues. (15%)

• Create and lead media training sessions for National Geographic spokespeople, including executives and Explorers. Oversee the development of media training materials that highlight the Explorer-led programs and Society’s overarching narrative. (10%)

 

What You’ll Bring

 

Educational Background

Bachelor's degree required.

 

Minimum Years and Type of Experience   

10+ years of communications and/or PR experience at an agency or in-house communications with 3+ years of project and/or people management experience

 

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to identify compelling narratives, develop clear messaging and tell stories that demonstrate impact.

• Excellent news judgment, media relations skills and crisis communications skills.

• Excellent understanding of the changing media landscape, including media relations.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills; ability to work with a variety of constituents ranging from executives and Explorers to government officials and corporate partners.

• Ability to handle sensitive information confidentially and exercise good professional judgement.

• Strong leadership and management skills.

• Ability to work some late nights and weekends and periodic national and international travel.

 

Desired Qualifications

• Background in environmental/science communications.

• Proven track record of securing earned media.

• PR agency experience and/or managing a PR agency a plus.

• Strong relationships with journalists — especially those covering science, the environment, education and/or nonprofits, within the U.S. and internationally — a plus.

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.

The salary range for this position is $140,600.00 - $148,000.00.

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

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.