Director, Project CETI- Science and Innovation Programs

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.

NGS is preparing to deepen our relationship with Project CETI, a research project that is using machine learning and AI to decode sperm whale communication. Reporting to the Vice President, Science and Innovation Programs, the Director supports and coordinates Project CETI across the National Geographic Society. The Director works collaboratively with individuals and teams across the Division and organization and directly with Explorers and partners.

The Director should be a high-functioning professional with excellent interpersonal skills, a proactive and collaborative mindset, that can lead and follow-through on projects. Experience in conservation and/or scientific research, fundraising and partnerships, project management, and knowledge of current trends in relevant disciplines is required. In addition, experience working in a matrixed organization, with academic and funding partners is strongly preferred.

The ideal candidate is flexible, analytical, able to work independently and collaborate with a team, and has prior experience working on impact-driven programs and with scientists, partners and funders. Candidates should also be organized, conscientious, passionate about research for a purpose, and possess strong interpersonal skills.

This is a fixed-term position with an end date of 03/15/28, with potential to extend.

Your Impact

Please note, submission of a cover letter is required.

Responsibilities Include

Project Development & Management (50%)

• Serve as the primary lead for Project CETI activities at National Geographic, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration across National Geographic departments, including but not limited to Science, Storytelling, Education, Advancement, Explorer Engagement, and Strategic Communications

• Serve as National Geographic’s primary point of contact with Project CETI team, including Project CETI Founder and Chief Strategy Officer

• Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, timelines, and budgets for various CETI initiatives, tracking progress and reporting on key milestones. Facilitate regular meetings with internal stakeholders to align on objectives, share updates, and resolve challenges

• Identify and mitigate potential risks to project timelines and deliverables

• Together with the Storytelling, Education, Advancement, and Communications teams, identify key opportunities for amplifying program objectives. Support efforts to increase awareness of assigned programs and associated outcomes

• Develop programmatic materials in collaboration with internal teams that includes key messaging, assets and other materials that can be used for programmatic promotion and proposals. Maintain a repository of these materials and ensure they are up to date

• Serve as internal resource on programmatic legal documents, in close coordination with the legal team

• Coordinate with Project CETI team to maintain a calendar of upcoming CETI-related events, engagements, speaking opportunities, and travel as appropriate and relevant

Partnerships (40%)

• Work closely with the National Geographic Advancement team to contribute content to compelling donor proposals and presentations for Project CETI

• Provide general support as needed on fundraising activities with Advancement team to ensure next steps and timelines are met and coordinated with Project CETI team  

• In collaboration with the NGS Advancement team, prepare reports and updates for donors and internal stakeholders on the impact and progress of donor-funded CETI initiatives

• Represent Project CETI in external meetings and events as required

• Review and facilitate approval of partnership materials for Project CETI

Team, Divisional and Organization Collabor