Manager, Explorer Capacity Development

National Geographic Society • Washington, DC

12d • Hybrid

About The Position

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 Explorer Engagement division identifies, develops and elevates the Society’s extensive and diverse community of Explorers – researchers, conservationists, educators, technologists and storytellers. They empower our global network of Explorers through funding, training, mentorship and community activation. They also elevate Explorers, allowing them to access technology and other resources and opportunities designed to accelerate the impact of these passionate changemakers. NGS is broadening our science and innovation portfolio with a new research and conservation program that will focus research and conservation efforts in freshwater wetlands, coastlands and reefs. To support this new program, the Explorer Programs team is hiring a Manager, Explorer Capacity Development. The Manager is responsible for developing and administering learning, leadership development and mentorship programming to support Explorers funded through the program. Reporting to the Director of Explorer Capacity Development and working in concert with the program team within the Science and Innovation Division, as well with other team members across the Society, the Manager will design, produce, facilitate and manage educational offerings aligned with our Explorer Capacity Development program. This is a fixed-term position with an anticipated end date of 4 years from date of hire.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., learning and teaching, adult trainings, content development in educational settings).
• 5+ years of experience teaching and/or facilitating trainings and/or project management in a global context.
• Experience in the global field of education and adult learning.
• Very strong in-person and online facilitation skills.
• Experience adopting new technological tools and using technology, such as learning management systems and video conferencing, to support learning.
• Experience with operational support of events and convenings.
• Highly effective, detail-oriented written and oral communicator.
• Strong collaboration skills, including flexibility, relationship management, and ability to work with all levels of staff.
• Project management experience.
• Able to learn quickly, problem-solve, prioritize, and think creatively.
• Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
• This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

• Master’s degree a plus.
• Additional project management or logistics certification a plus.
• Cross disciplinary knowledge of science, communication, storytelling and media.
• Certification/experience in learning and teaching and/or global logistics.
• Certification/experience with graphic design and/or video editing software.
• Additional language skills – preference in Spanish or French.
• Experience leading impact-focused programs a plus.

Responsibilities

• Develop a plan for in-person and online learning and community building opportunities for Explorer cohorts.
• Adapt existing capacity development offerings for Explorers to meet the needs of the target audience.
• Design and pilot additional engaging learning activities to support knowledge exchange within Explorer cohorts.
• Create supporting materials and media such as rubrics, worksheets, slide decks, videos, and facilitation guides.
• Apply inclusive design principles to promote accessibility of content and learning experiences.
• Facilitate in-person and virtual learning sessions, collaborating with Explorer facilitators and subject matter experts.
• Facilitate Explorer online courses, including course cloning and edits, writing and sending course communications, and support of Explorer facilitators.
• Facilitate mentorship and knowledge exchange opportunities among Explorers, including orientation and ongoing support for mentors and mentees.
• Collaborate with the Explorer Community team to integrate the Explorers into the broader Explorer community.
• Organize and manage materials for in-person and online offerings.
• Manage workshop and course logistics, including developing and communicating timelines, monitoring participation and deliverables, providing timely feedback to participants, and managing contracts and invoices.
• Monitor and assess the effectiveness of offerings to inform strategy and decision making.
• Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to meet project timelines, align on deliverables, and adapt offerings to meet the needs of the target audience.
• Support communication and relationship management with Explorers and the cross-departmental team.

Benefits

• 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)
• 10 days of sick leave
• 12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31
• 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
• a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level