Manager, Advancement Communications & Proposal Development

How You’ll Contribute

The Campaign Engagement and Marketing team drives the strategy, development, and execution of a major, multiyear comprehensive fundraising campaign, encompassing all donor engagement activities, including stewardship, recognition, and volunteer leadership. This is achieved through three key functions working seamlessly. Advancement Marketing converts brand awareness into philanthropic growth by inspiring donors with compelling content, innovative strategies, and stewardship that highlights impact. Campaign Engagement oversees all campaign initiatives including donor recognition and events, while Partnership Communications develops high-impact proposals and executes deliverables for donors and partners.
Reporting to the Director, Advancement Communications & Proposal Development, the Manager of Advancement Communications & Proposal Development will support the growth and health of National Geographic Society’s Advancement program by producing high-quality materials and strategic communications for donor audiences. This role will be a key member of the proposal development team, providing project management, writing, editing, and design support for proposals at a range of levels. The incumbent will also work with the Director to develop executive communications on behalf of the Chief Advancement Officer and other Society leadership for donor audiences (such as remarks, meeting talking points, invitations, letters, etc.).
NOTE: Applicants are asked to please submit a cover letter, resume and writing sample.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include: 

Proposal Production and Development (60%)

• Supports development of low- and mid-level proposals in partnership with RMs from across Advancement (simple proposals up to $5M).

• Provides design support for Advancement materials including proposals and meeting and event decks.

• Manages workflow for all proposals in project management platform, including intake, task assignments, project schedules, and tracking.

• Creates and maintains administrative documents, including calendars, working documents and other resources. Compiles and organizes information, ensuring accurate data capture to support the proposal team and key partners.

• Supports writing, editing, and content creation for proposal content library as needed.

• Proofreads proposals and other advancement materials to ensure consistent quality and accuracy.

Executive Communications (20%)

• Support the creation and review of decks, talking points, and written communications for the Chief Advancement Officer.

• Support creation of remarks and decks for Advancement special events.

Advancement and Partnership Communications (20%)

• Review and edit Advancement materials, newsletters, websites, invitations, letters, communications, and resources to ensure factual accuracy and alignment with executives’ voice, fundraising messaging, and partnership narratives.

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background

Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred

Minimum Years and Type of Experience  

5+ years of related experience 

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Superb verbal and written communications skills

• Exceptional project management skills with meticulous attention to detail

• Excellent time management skills; capable of maintaining high-quality work within time-sensitive deadlines

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to cohesively coordinate with people across all levels of the organization

• Passionate about storytelling and crafting compelling narratives 

• A positive and proactive mindset with openness to constructive feedback 

• A self-starter who can work independently but also values being an active part of a team

• A motivated learner with enthusiasm for the National Geographic Society’s mission and values

• Demonstrated discretion and professionalism when handling confidential and sensitive information

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity and/or experience with fundraising preferred

• Familiarity and/or experience crafting messages on behalf of organizations or executives

• Proficiency with Google Suite (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets)

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)

• Knowledge of AP Stylebook

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 $80,700.00 - $85,000.00.

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.