Sr. Specialist, SME Blue Boundaries (SIP)

How You’ll Contribute

The National Geographic Society invests in a diverse, global community of National Geographic Explorers who are leading a new age of exploration in support of our mission to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world through science, education, and storytelling. These bold individuals represent more than 140 countries and their vast array of backgrounds, perspectives, and fields bring us to the far reaches of the globe.

The Science & Innovation team oversees the Society’s funding efforts in research, conservation and technology, develops and manages major mission programs, and establishes programmatic partnerships with like-minded non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

NGS is preparing to broaden our science and innovation portfolio with a new research and conservation program called Blue Boundaries that will focus research and conservation efforts in freshwater wetlands, coastlands and reefs. To support this new program, the Science and Innovation Programs team is hiring for a Senior Specialist with demonstrated subject matter expertise. Ideal candidates will have a PhD or similar demonstrated competence with freshwater and marine ecology, conservation biology, environmental sciences including hydrology and/or restoration. For a summary of our approach to Wildlife focus areas, please refer to https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/our-focus/.

Reporting into the Senior Director, Blue Boundaries, the Senior Specialist’s primary responsibility is to bring subject matter expertise to help define the scientific components of the Blue Boundaries program and to support the scientific evaluation and recommendation of funding opportunities for the program. The Senior Specialist should have a deep and broad curiosity about the world, strong interpersonal skills, a proactive and collaborative mindset, a strong sense of accountability and follow-through, and knowledge of current trends in relevant disciplines. The most competitive applicants will have experience in scientific research and on the ground conservation. Experience working with scientists at the top of their fields is preferred.
This role will be fixed-term for a period of 3-years.

Your Impact

Program and Grant Support (45%)

• In collaboration with program team, launch the Blue Boundaries program and first phase: freshwater wetlands.

• Support RFP process (Request for Proposal) planning by maintaining schedule, deadlines and proposed budget.

• Liaise with other colleagues across Science and Innovation programs on research and grantmaking to ensure best practices are implemented.

• Collaborate with program team to balance business needs and scientific goals when making hard science based decisions in a very competitive funding landscape.

• Collaborate within and across teams to seek, evaluate and fund program Explorers ensuring alignment with Blue Boundaries program proposal and strategic vision.

• Develop and maintain strong, positive and empathetic relationships with prospective and active Explorers.

• Communicate with Explorers to stay apprised of new discoveries, high profile academic publications, and/or media-friendly results that should be elevated and coordinate internally through established processes for review and amplification.

• Attend and participate in core scientific convenings with academic partners, explorers and other stakeholders to contribute to program’s scientific agenda and intended impact.

• Speak on behalf of the program at internal and external convenings.

• Review programmatic documents for scientific accuracy and ensure data is current and up to date.

Research (50%)

• Under the supervision of the Senior Director, apply subject matter expertise to research each phase of Blue Boundaries and contribute to program’s scientific agenda in line with the Blue Boundaries proposal and strategic vision.

• Adaptively manage the program’s scientific portfolio by supporting assessment and gap analysis. Conduct research, compile data and prepare reports to identify gaps and RFP development.

• Research and draft new RFPs for each program phase to meet the program scientific vision and agenda.

• Liaise with academic partners on scientific agenda, share findings and recommendations for senior leadership.

• Understand the relevant field(s), stay networked and informed on emerging trends, and scan for gaps and opportunities in the focus area’s portfolio.

Team, Divisional, and Organizational Collaboration (5%)

• Develop and maintain strong positive and empathetic working relationships with other NGS divisions and external teams to maximize impact and reach.

• Supports leadership in establishing and advancing cross-division collaborations and initiatives.

• Reviews grant and project related materials and provide approval on behalf of program to external partners, NGP and internal divisions.

• May represent Science & Innovation at external meetings, convenings, conferences, events, etc;

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background

Bachelor's degree preferred.

PhD degree in science including one or more of the following: environmental science, biology, ocean science, or related fields is strongly desired.

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

4+ years of relevant experience in one or more of the following: research, science, conservation, sustainability or related fields. Experience working on wildlife or freshwater ecology or related science or conservation preferred. Experience working on programs or partnerships at a non-profit in the environment or sustainability sector is also preferred.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Understanding of the scientific method and ability to understand and evaluate technical material

• Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to work with individuals and groups at all levels

• Ability to work on multiple projects, under deadlines, with changing priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

• Ability to manage tasks and responsibilities that span multiple teams

• Must be able to learn quickly and adapt to new situations

• Positive attitude with proactive approach

• Excellent organizational skills

• Superior interpersonal skills, including ability to work with and advise leaders and staff members at all levels with a curious and collaborative attitude

• Ability to articulate clear goals and inspire cohesion of team members around those goals

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with GoogleDocs suite, Microsoft Office suite and Slack

• Ability to compile information from disparate sources (literature review, interviews and conversations, first-hand accounts, etc.) and produce condensed, topline messaging and/or recommendations

• Experience speaking in front of small and large audiences and putting together reports for many different types of audiences.

• Ability to travel, domestically and internationally

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 $65,500.00 - $69,000.00.

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.