Sr. Manager, Exploration Technology Lab

How You’ll Contribute

The Senior Manager, Exploration Technology Lab leads the Exploration Technology Lab’s (Lab) leads the Exploration Technology’s marine focused portfolio, which covers ocean-focused hardware and software technology-based training and technology products for National Geographic Explorers in support of the National Geographic Society’s mission and goals. The Senior Manager will be responsible for the development of new opportunities, the management of all strategic support for existing opportunities, and lead the development of marine technology-based collaborations with National Geographic collaborators and partners. In close coordination with the Exploration Technology Lab’s Director of Product Development, the Senior Manager, Exploration Technology Lab, will maximize outcomes of the Exploration Technology Lab’s marine portfolio of hardware and software in support of the National Geographic Society’s program imperatives.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include

Exploration Technology Program Execution: (40%)

• Lead program execution of the Exploration Technology Lab’s ocean-related portfolio of projects with both off-the-shelf and bespoke science and storytelling hardware and software. This includes partnership development, product support, asset creation and project management, as well as scientific leadership, publication support and other roles to see the activities and programs to completion.  

• Manage and facilitate Exploration Technology Lab collaborations between select technology-related Explorer-led projects. 

• Lead all Lab specific project and program management with Explorers selected for Lab technology-access opportunities.

• Manage the selection and onboarding process for the Lab’s Explorers cohorts within these technology-access opportunities.

• Manage the Lab’s logistics and planning activities for collaborative marine expeditions for selected Explorer cohorts.

• Support Explorer-led data analysis and publication activities related to these opportunities.

• Manage training and technical support for Explorers using the Lab’s tools (e.g. aquatic Crittercams, Deep Sea Cameras, Tator).

• Develop training assets as needed.

• Support marine-based field work, science planning and deployments of Lab supported technology where needed.

Exploration Technology Program Strategy and Development (30%)

• Lead the development of new technology-based Explorer opportunities based on careful, Explorer-focused needs assessments and analysis of the existing marine conservation space.

• Plan and manage the creation of webinars and other training resources for Explorers focused on available marine technology.

• Conduct assessment of the existing portfolio to determine efficacy of individual programs and projects against departmental goals. Provide advice and potential improvements to maximize positive Explorer experience and outcomes.

• With departmental leadership, lead annual planning of the ocean portfolio activities, including budgets, work plans, time lines, contracts, among other work products.

Fundraising, partnerships, and outreach (15%)

• Work with the team to create  fundraising assets and grant applications as needed (pitch decks, brochures, multimedia, etc.).

• Work with the team to identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with relevant technology companies, nonprofits, research institutions, and others to collaborate with and amplify the objectives of the Exploration Technology Lab’s programs, projects, and products. 

• Represent the team’s work with internal and external stakeholders.

• Present at conferences, gatherings, and other public events, as necessary.

• Support execution of portfolio marketing activities.

• Work with other internal teams to make sure that Explorers are aware of all of the resources and opportunities that are available to them from Ex Tech.

• Represent the Exploration Technology Lab and Explorer Engagement division in working groups and committees relevant to the portfolio to provide subject matter expertise and support cross-divisional alignment and collaboration to move NGS’ mission forward and maximize impact.
   

Leadership (15%)

• Promote marine technology innovation, collabor