Manager, Impact Communications

How You’ll Contribute

The Communications Division uses creative and strategic tools to further the mission of the National Geographic Society (NGS), while maintaining our place as one of the world’s most trusted non-profit organizations and global brands. The team’s creative minds develop and execute mission-driven, on-brand and strategic communications, marketing, creative and impact media for the NGS and amplify this content on our own channels, across National Geographic Partners (NGP) and through outside partners and earned media. The team is composed of six integrated departments: Engagement and Marketing Strategy, Brand, Creative, Strategic Communications, Executive Communications, and Content and Editorial.
The Manager, Impact Communications is responsible for managing and executing communications planning for several Explorer-led programs. Reporting to the Senior Director, Impact Communications, this position will lead outreach and engagement to amplify the mission of the National Geographic Society. As part of this role, the manager will execute media relations strategies in alignment with the Society’s strategic plan and its commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. This position will cultivate strategic and thoughtful media and visibility opportunities that help tell the story of the Society’s work to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world.
Please include a cover letter with your application, as well as a writing sample and several media clips with a description of the context. Applications without a cover letter will not be considered.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include

• Media Relations: Manages external media relations and outreach, develops relationships with top-tier regional, national and international media outlets and secures high-quality coverage.. Drafts, refines and distributes communications materials including press releases, pitches, blog posts, op-eds, and promotional materials. Develop media briefing documents and provides guidance, feedback and counsel on opportunities, potential risks and crises. (25%)

• Strategic Direction: Works with programmatic teams and Senior Communications Director to collaboratively develop strategies and plans for promoting the Society’s Explorer-led programs, in alignment with the Society’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. Develops and refines messaging to connect our work with key audiences. (25%)

• Collaboration: Contributes to the development of communications strategies for major milestones, moments, announcements, events and partnerships. Works with stakeholders from across the Communications Division and the Society to execute communications efforts. (15%)

• Communications Asset Development and Delivery: Manages the creation and distribution of digital and print communications materials by working in collaboration with stakeholders from across the Society. Develops and reviews content. Creates social media toolkits for external stakeholders’ use. (20%)

• Manages the development of media lists and databases. Develops metrics reports that highlight the impact of the Society’s reach. (10%)

• Monitors potential and emerging issues and helps develop organizational response for science and exploration focused impact initiatives. (5%)

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism or related fields

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

5+ years of experience in outreach, engagement, strategy, public relations, with demonstrable experience in communications.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Strong verbal communicator, able to convey complex ideas and think clearly and concisely.

• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills.

• Must have an understanding of media relations and an understanding of what should be communicated to different audiences.

• Must have a collaborative and strategic approach to new and ongoing responsibilities. 

• Must be able to deliver both pragmatic and professional judgment to a range of groups, balance the needs of multiple priorities at any given time, and be comfortable managing projects independently.

• Ability to maintain high-quality work while meeting tight deadlines.

• Organized and detail-oriented.

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

• A proactive self-starter and creative problem solver.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong news judgment and media relations skills.

• Experience with stakeholder engagement and DEI communications is a plus.

• Must have strong project management skills and experience with project management tools.

• Knowledge of AP Stylebook and proficiency with Cision.

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 - $85,000.

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

Remote - Our Remote designation includes staff who must work in another location in the U.S. or abroad, such as our regional leads for our Education and International teams or regional fundraisers in Advancement. Staff may also be designated as Remote by their supervisors (with approval by the Senior Team lead) because of their job duties, and are afforded this status when it is beneficial to NGS, their respective team, and the employee.

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.