VP, Land & Wildlife (Science & 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, exploration, 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 science and conservation, develops and manages major mission programs, and establishes programmatic partnerships with like-minded non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and corporate partners.

Reporting to the Deputy Chief Science & Innovation Officer, the Vice President, Science and Innovation Programs, Land and Wildlife oversees a strategic portfolio of high-profile, interconnected programs including the Wildlife Intelligence Project, Okavango Wilderness Project, and Food for Tomorrow, along with an extensive grants portfolio. The VP leads a team of ~5 business and science experts including staff up to the Senior Director level to grow and adaptively manage this portfolio in alignment with our strategic plan, collaborating across divisions and directly with Explorers.

We seek a decisive, strategic leader who is a proven visionary with extensive non-profit leadership and team management experience. The successful candidate must possess deep subject matter expertise, including hands-on field experience in land and/or wildlife conservation, and interdisciplinary knowledge across these conservation practices.

This strategic role requires a leader who cultivates a highly productive team environment through exceptional organizational skills, transparent, results-oriented communication, and a clear direction. The VP must demonstrate proven ability to influence strategy and organizational leaders through positive and productive relationships. The individual must be adept at driving outcomes, fostering a positive team culture through strong interpersonal skills and proactive stakeholder engagement.

The ideal candidate excels at program management, design thinking, and project management while maintaining current knowledge of conservation trends. Experience working with local communities and stakeholders is strongly preferred.

The Vice President serves on the Science and Innovation Division leadership team, where they shape the division's culture and priorities. In addition, the VP influences programmatic and enterprise-wide priorities by offering counsel during the strategic design phases and by spearheading initiatives that span multiple divisions.

Your Impact

Please note that submission of a cover letter is required.

Program Strategy and Development (65%)

• Provides strategic oversight and direction to a team of programmatic and subject matter experts (approximately 5 direct reports, including two Directors), empowering them to manage day-to-day operations of the Land and Wildlife thematic portfolios while focusing on high-level strategic vision and portfolio development.
• Leverages deep conservation experience to shape the strategic direction of programmatic investments, identifying emerging opportunities and determining where the organization should focus resources for maximum impact.
• May work in close collaboration with the CEO and Chief Advancement Officer on projects tied to strategic priorities, translating organizational vision into actionable program strategies.
• Draws on extensive field and sector experience and network to provide thought leadership in programmatic strategy design, guiding the evolution of the portfolio based on lessons learned, emerging conservation science, and shifting landscape needs.
• Synthesizes expertise from internal and external networks to inform decision-making and provides clear, data-driven recommendations to senior leadership.
• Partners with Advancement to translate science-informed vision including theories of change and impact measures into persuasive narratives for proposals that can secure transformative levels of funding for multi-year initiatives.
• Leads the development and maturation of major programs by working alongside Explorers to coordinate stakeholder engagement, cultivate strategic partnerships, and identify pathways to amplify impact.
• Serves as a senior advisor on complex programmatic challenges, applying past successes and lessons to current opportunities.
• Partners with Storytelling, Education, Advancement, and Communications teams to identify high-leverage opportunities for amplifying program objectives and outcomes, ensuring programs achieve visibility commensurate with their impact.

Program Leadership and Management (20%)

• Applies subject matter expertise in a wildlife conservation or land conservation context to oversee integration of the Land and Wildlife portfolio across NGS and NGP to maximize organizational impact of programmatic investments.
• Infuses scientific expertise into a programmatic portfolio to ensure science and ethical conservation are foundational to these investments.
• Delegates operational execution to Directors and empowers their decision-making on managing lower-level grants while maintaining oversight of portfolio health and strategic trajectory. Intervenes strategically on high-stakes decisions, stakeholder relationships, and cross-divisional coordination.
• Sets priorities based on strategic goals, impact potential, and probability of success.
• Oversees high-functioning team to maximize impact of projects and programs.
• Leads program development, work plans, and budgets (approx. $5 million portfolio), and manages and communicates program outcomes.
• Oversees and coordinates the long-term evaluation of programmatic opportunities and advises on their development and execution.
• Within NGS, collaborates effectively with Advancement, Communications, Storytelling, and Education to ensure that programmatic investments are effective.
• Identifies, cultivates, and manages strategic partnerships and high-impact communities and stakeholders to support their portfolio and deliver impact.
• Advises on expert Explorer integration into projects and activities and provides internal expertise and content for related Education/Storytelling activities.

Team, Divisional and Organization Collaboration (15%)

• Serves as the senior liaison between the Land and Wildlife portfolio and other divisions, maintaining strong cross-disciplinary relationships and ensuring seamless coordination on program-related content and strategic needs.
• Builds, leads, develops, and retains a high functioning team (approx. 5 direct reports) focused on their program portfolio.
• Supports, mentors, and empowers staff to elevate their level of accountability and performance in a matrixed and dynamic work environment.
• Develops strong working relationships with other NGS divisions and external teams to maximize impact and reach and influences through positive and productive relationships.
• Represents Science & Innovation at meetings with other NGS divisions, NG Partners divisions, outside funders/entities, and makes program decisions.
• Provides leadership in the development of inter-team communication and cohesiveness.
• Identifies, cultivates, and manages strategic partnerships and high-impact communities and stakeholders to support initiatives and maximize impact.
• Manages and leverages the work of subject matter experts.

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background

Master's degree is strongly preferred. Ph.D. degree in a wildlife conservation or land conservation context with field experience and non-profit leadership experience preferred.

Minimum Years and Types of Experience

7+ years of management including leading a team of direct reports and 15+ years of discipline.

Extensive non-profit leadership experience strongly preferred.

Demonstrated experience in project or program management.

Experience leading diverse and matrixed teams.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

Expertise in Conservation and Science:

• Deep subject matter expertise in globally relevant wildlife and/or land conservation science.
• Ability to integrate scientific rigor with programmatic strategy.

Leadership, Management, and Organizational Skills

• Experience and excellence in leadership and management within multi-dimensional organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in teams that span organizations and cultures, and internally within a diverse and dynamic institution.
• Excellent organizational skills, with the ability to manage within a matrixed organizational structure and influence organizational leaders through positive and productive relationships.
• Strong business acumen and skills.
• Experience overseeing large, complex programs with multimillion-dollar budgets (>$5 million).
• Reputation for high ethical standards and integrity, displaying diplomacy and tact in difficult or sensitive situations.
• Ability to navigate change, leading with curiosity in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.

Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement

• Established conservation sector relationships and a nuanced understanding of working with local communities and Indigenous stakeholders on land and wildlife issues.
• Ability to navigate the complex landscape of conservation funding and partnerships.

Communication and Problem Solving

• Highly developed oral and written communication skills and the ability to work effectively with individuals and groups at all levels.
• Creative thinking and responsive problem-solving are essential.

Personal Attributes

• Humility and open-mindedness, with an interest in furthering the field and the work of others.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.

Supervision

2+ direct reports, managing a team of approximately 5

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 $209,000.00 - $220,000.00.

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.