Senior Director, Science (Perpetual Planet Expeditions)

Job Description Summary

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). Nested within this division, the Zenith Cohort Programs represent the Society’s most prestigious, large-scale impact portfolios. This team manages multi-year initiatives designed to accelerate scalable, sustainable solutions by providing strategic leadership, robust institutional backing, and cross-disciplinary cohort support to trailblazing Explorers.

A cornerstone of this portfolio is the Perpetual Planet Expeditions (PPE) program, which supports critical scientific fieldwork across Earth's vital life-support systems. Grounded in cutting-edge science and bolstered by impact storytelling, education and community engagement, PPE will advance vital conservation outcomes and scalable, sustainable solutions led by trailblazing Explorers.

Reporting to the Vice President, Science & Innovation Programs, the Sr Director will serve on the Science & Innovation division’s Perpetual Planet Expeditions (PPE) team to provide programmatic science direction and oversight. The Sr Director will lead all the grantmaking strategies for the program and will oversee a team of subject matter experts. The position is responsible for project development across all science expeditions, establishment and oversight of project workplans, Explorer partnership and development, relevant policy oversight, and monitoring and evaluation development, tracking and impact measurement. They will work closely with National Geographic departments and build strong relationships with internal and external partners, scientific experts, sponsors, and other third parties, and will keep abreast of current and emerging work on the issues associated with these environments.

The successful candidate must be a high-functioning professional with strong climate or environmental science experience. A PhD or relevant scientific discipline or a similar credential or qualification reflecting an extensive scientific background is required for the role alongside excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated management skills. The candidate must be able to translate science for a media focused audience and must be strong at team and stakeholder management. In addition, experience working in a matrixed organization, with academic and corporate partners is strongly preferred.

This role is required to travel 15-20% to remote global locations. This is a fixed-term role for a period of 7-years, contingent upon grant funding.

Job Description

Your Responsibilities Include

Science Strategy and Execution (60%)

• Program Impact Framework Development: Collaborate closely with the VP and the Director, Operations and Program Management to finalize and execute the PPE program impact framework. This framework must be explicitly geared toward catalyzing scalable, measurable impact within each target ecosystem through NGS grantmaking.
• Landscape and Gap Analysis: Lead the landscape and gap analysis process for each continent and selection process.
• RFP Development and Grantmaking Strategy: Develop PPE Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and an overarching grantmaking strategy. This strategy must align with the program's impact framework and strategically scale funding across Explorer cohorts, fostering high-impact collaboration and knowledge sharing.
• Program Recruiting: Actively support program recruiting efforts, including leveraging personal professional networks and presenting the PPE mission at relevant scientific conferences to identify and attract top-tier talent.
• Explorer Strategy and Support: Work in partnership with PPE Operations team to mentor and support Explorers in the PPE program, ensuring that all funded projects are strategically aligned with the overall impact framework. Support activities may include periodic site visits, attending Explorer check-in calls, and participating in other virtual advisory meetings.
• Mapping and Data Analysis Oversight: Provide high-level input and scientific guidance on program mapping and spatial data analysis initiatives, collaborating closely with the cartography team and the Strategic Insights and Initiatives team to translate data into actionable insights.
• Program Convenings Leadership: Attend and assume a leadership role in critical programmatic convenings, including cohort convenings, and thought leadership symposia.
• Science Trends: Stay current with climate science to inform program strategy, including key events and conferences for programmatic presence. Provide input and expertise on policy goals and UN/CSO engagement on conservation, climate and species protection

Leadership and Collaboration (30%)

• Oversee team of 3 subject matter experts to executive scientific agenda for the program
• Work with VP other team members, Explorers, subject matter experts, and other internal and external stakeholders to execute program needs and ensure alignment with broader NGS strategy and targets.
• Collaborate directly with Director, PPE to manage day to day needs of the program, including meeting agendas, program trackers and reporting efforts
• Serve as spokesperson for PPE science internally and externally as requested
• Input into program strategy and timeline documents to ensure alignment with scientific agenda
• Oversee science grantmaking budget in collaboration with NGS Finance and PPE operations team
• Work with the VP to develop PPE team goals and measurable outcomes.
• Input science updates into PPE materials as requested by PPE Operations team.
• Oversees team members who are conducting literature reviews, scheduling knowledge-sharing interviews, drafting presentations and concept documents, and attending symposia necessary for knowledge collection and constituent identification.
• Oversees scientific publications process for post-expedition research findings by: Creating and maintaining information databases, generating status reporting documents, and sharing progress with internal stakeholders and partners and liaising with expedition team members and working with Communications to ensure the factual accuracy and promotion of critical findings.
• Grow recognition of NGS as a leading scientific organization externally and across key UN/CSO audiences.
• Lead and oversee other projects as assigned.

Team, Divisional, and Organizational Collaboration (10%)

• Create and maintain strong working relationships with internal cross-disciplinary and matrixed team, including National Geographic staff and talent (Explorers and advisors).
• Partner closely with PPE Director, Operations & Management to ensure tight coordination across entire PPE team and program
• Prepare speaking and promotional opportunities for senior S&I staff at key events.
• Support other departments and teams for external partnership relationship management.
• Drive Perpetual Planet Expeditions model by collaborating with other team leads on program development to share structural methodologies, M&E process, and lessons learned
• Oversee information and communication to internal stakeholders across the organization and ensure that Science activities align with program strategy and outcomes, and broader NGS initiatives.
• Ensure alignment and consistency with scientific findings from research

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background

PhD required in a relevant scientific discipline or a similar credential or qualification reflecting an extensive scientific background

Minimum Years and Types of Experience

5+ years people management and 12+ years demonstrated experience with an environmental or related NGO. Background in climate or environmental science or related is required.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrated management skills
• Excellent coordination, communication, problem-solving, organizational, leadership, coaching and supervisor skills.
• Strong writing and oral communication skills. Ability to create succinct documents and decks to communicate the program’s strategy, work plan, and objectives.
• Ability to convey complex scientific topics to executive audiences
• Exceptional professionalism and ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Ability to anticipate problems and find creative solutions to challenging situations.
• Ability to perform in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and work with individuals and groups at all levels.
• Ability to manage project workflow with little supervision
• Expertise in the environment space, latest trends, and thought leaders
• Focused on quality, and detail-oriented.

Desired Qualifications

• High analytical skills, be able to see patterns, be a fast thinker and a good decision maker.
• Proven ability to resolve conflicts, align multi-departmental goals, and lead teams through matrixed organizational structure
• Proven ability working with both science and non-science professionals and having a deep understanding of the important role that communications and storytelling play in achieving scientific outcomes
• Ability to move between the big picture and details with agility and nimbleness.
• Ability to be comfortable with ambiguity, indecision and quick pivots while also delivering results and keeping team members engaged.

Supervision

3+ Direct Reports