Director, Operations (Explorer Engagement)

How You’ll Contribute

The Explorer Engagement team identifies, develops, and empowers the National Geographic Society’s extensive community of National Geographic Explorers who are researchers, conservationists, educators, technologists, and storytellers. Through training, mentorship, resources, Explorer elevation, and Explorer community activation, our team supports a network of passionate changemakers who are leading priority conservation and exploration programs across the Society. The Explorer Engagement team’s goal is to accelerate and increase the impact of the work of our Explorers, in support of both the individuals’ and the Society’s vision.

The Director of Operations, Explorer Engagement is responsible for the planning, execution and directing of all operational, financial, and administrative/coordination activities for the division. The Director of Operations serves as a liaison between the Chief Explorer Engagement Officer (CEEO) and other divisional team members as well as other Society stakeholders.

The position reports to the Chief Explorer Engagement Officer, but works across the entire division, working closely with all team leads.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include

Strategic planning and budgeting (30%)

• Serve as primary point of contact Coordinate with FP&A on budget planning and management throughout the budget planning cycle and fiscal year Oversee financial and business planning activities including budget formulation and execution, and financial reporting for the Explorer Engagement division
• Work with the CEEO to track priority standing (e.g., divisional All Hands; Team Leads; etc.) and other key meetings, creating agendas and planning desired outcomes.
• Serve as a member of the Explorer Engagement senior team leads. Act as a thought partner with the CEEO and team leads, providing guidance and advice around programmatic, operational and logistical aspects across the broader Explorer Engagement team
• Work with the CEEO and team leads to develop team and divisional goals and measurable outcomes tied to the strategic plan

Operations (35%)

• Serve as point within the Explorer Engagement division to communicate programmatic strategies to operations teams including Strategic Operations and Initiatives and Technology, ensuring priorities are understood and viable solutions are delivered.
• Work closely with the Digital and Technology teams and the Strategic Operations and Initiatives team to help prioritize products and workflows
• Coordinate closely with Explorer Engagement team leads to understand the needs, problems, and opportunities within the division and represent them to the CEEO and to relevant operational teams within the organization.
• Direct processes and align divisional procedures for optimized efficiency and productivity. Improve divisional efficiency on an ongoing basis
• Oversee contracts, invoicing, and expense accounting across the division

Systems, Tracking, Reporting and Data Management (35%)

• Work with Explorer Engagement team members to coordinate with SII in the development and implementation of surveys, focus groups and other tracking/monitoring tools
• Drive consistency in processes across the division to ensure transparency, communication and compliance
• Work very closely with Explorer Engagement team leads and operations teams to align on organizational level data management.
• Work with relevant team members and partner with Strategic Insights and Initiatives to represent and deliver on Explorer Engagement reporting needs and serve as point within the division to ensure a catalog of reports are available and useful to inform progress towards goals.

Educational Background

Bachelor’s Degree Or Equivalent Experience Required.

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

10+ years of experience in an operational role. Experience with CRM systems as well as with digital platforms and applications (editorial content, social media platforms, etc.).

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Strong understanding of and/or experience with databases, CRM systems, etc. Proven experience organizing and directing multiple teams and departments as well as project management.
• Resourceful, collaborative, self-starter who possesses independent, responsive problem-solving ability.
• Highly effective written and oral communication skills essential
• Experience managing and optimizing databases, the ability to source, capture and synthesize information effectively. Ability to run queries and generate reports and associated analyses.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy
• Demonstrated ability and strong capacity to manage and prioritize many projects at one time in a fast-paced, dynamic environment
• Ability to work flexibly at all times as part of an internal team and with all levels of staff.

Desired Qualifications

• Strong project reporting skills and experience with interdepartmental collaboration and communication
• Cross-disciplinary knowledge of science, communication, storytelling and media. Experience in the field of conservation education/training a plus
• Nimble mindset with a focus on developing creative solutions
• Salesforce knowledge is a plus.

Supervision

1 direct report and/or matrixed team member

Salary Information

As a leading nonprofit organization, National Geographic Society offers competitive salary and total rewards to attract, develop, and retain an innovative and dynamic workforce.

The salary range for this position starts at $120,000

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 they prefer.

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.