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.