Moderator and Curator: National Parks Virtual Speaker Series

About the Series:

The Forum for Cultural Engagement (FCE) is launching a 12-part virtual speaker series, with each program dedicated to one U.S. National Park. Programs run monthly for a year, starting in late October 2026. Each session features a guest speaker with a meaningful connection to that park: a ranger, scientist, historian, tribal representative, author, artist, or outdoor guide. The goal is to give audiences a richer understanding of each park and the people who care for it.

Role Summary:

The Series Curator & Moderator is the consistent host and creative partner for all 12 programs. Working alongside FCE’s program team, you will help shape the series, recommend and help secure speakers, develop discussion questions, and moderate each live conversation.

Key Responsibilities:

Series curation

• Partner with FCE’s program team to finalize the 12 parks and the sequence of presentations.
• Shape a through-line for the series so the programs feel connected, not standalone.
• Advise on themes for each session (conservation, history, Indigenous heritage, science, recreation).

Speaker booking

• Recommend potential speakers for each park, drawing on your professional network
• Help make introductions and support outreach as needed
• Consider range across the series: voices, backgrounds, perspectives and expertise

Program development

• Hold a prep call with each speaker before their session
• Draft the discussion questions and conversation flow for each program
• Review promotional descriptions and speaker bios for accuracy and tone

Moderation

• Host and moderate all 12 live virtual sessions
• Guide the conversation, manage time, and keep the discussion engaging
• Facilitate audience Q&A and close each program
• Share brief feedback after each session to help refine the next one

Qualifications:

Ideal background

• Deep knowledge of public lands, outdoor recreation, conservation, and/or the National Park System
• Experience in outdoor recreation policy, parks management, environmental journalism, or a related field
• A broad network of park professionals, researchers, writers and outdoor enthusiasts

Skills

• Confident on-camera presence and experience moderating panels, interviews or public programs
• Ability to ask thoughtful questions and draw out a speaker’s story
• Comfortable with virtual platforms and handling live Q&A

Compensation is commensurate with comparable experience.