Senior Cartographer (Blue Boundaries)

National Geographic Society•Washington, DC

46d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Storytelling division works to expand the organization's impact through journalism, photography, film/video, web content, mapping, asset management, and data visualization. As one of the largest funders to individual storytellers in this work, it also identifies key grantmaking and fellowship opportunities with creative talent. Much of the team's programmatic activity is focused on identifying and building capacity for the next generation of diverse storytellers. The Senior Cartographer will play a leadership role in conceiving, designing, and refining maps, and graphics for a variety of media at the National Geographic Society. In this position you will help maintain the standards of excellence for which National Geographic maps and graphics are known. This role will report to the Chief Cartographer and work closely with the Impact Story Lab, the Blue Boundaries project team and with The Geographer and their team. This is a fixed-term role with an end date of 12/31/31.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in geography, cartography, motion graphic design, data journalism, animation, data science or related field.
7+ years of work experience.
A strong portfolio of maps created in a professional capacity demonstrating a clear grasp of geography and cartographic techniques, a history of high-level map design acumen, color theory and typography and a clear pattern of creativity through innovation.
Expertise in cartography, GIS and remote sensing using commercial or open source software.
Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Cloud platform (essential knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects).
Familiarity with web development and web digital cartography, including Javascript, HTML and CSS, Map Libre, D3 and ESRI web mapping tools (ARCGIS online, Story maps).
Experience designing, creating and incorporating maps into video and motion graphics.
Experience creating maps and geospatial visualizations in a 3D environment using industry standard 3D tools (e.g. Blender, Maya, 3ds Max)
Processing and analyzing remote sensing data for cartography.
Strong visual and interactive design skills with a clear grasp of typography, layout, color, motion, projections and the ability to iterate on optimal design solutions.
Good communication skills, including the ability to concisely explain a problem and to articulate a solution.
Self-managed, able to take direction, and be committed to iterative processes.
Ability to grasp and critically evaluate new subject matters quickly and to evaluate data for quality, accuracy, and authoritativeness.
Superior organization and the ability to manage complex projects with multiple timelines and deliverables, independently budget time and handle several tasks simultaneously under the pressure of tight deadlines.

Nice To Haves

Master's Degree preferred.
Proficiency in a language other than English is preferred.
Background in National Geographic's core topics, such as photography, archaeology, geography, environment, and natural history.
Familiarity with elevation and LiDAR data processing, and terrain rendering.
Data journalism experience preferred, strong numeric literacy and quantitative skills.
Experience with cloud-based analytical platforms (e.g., Google Earth Engine).

Responsibilities

Play a lead role on conceptualization, research, design and art-direction of compelling static and animated maps, graphics and data visualizations for a variety of media including print, web, mobile devices and video.
Be responsible for adapting map content to and from static and interactive formats.
Research, gather, process, and analyze spatial data and synthesize information from authoritative sources to create maps and graphics.
Ensure that cartographic products conform to established National Geographic Map Policy and cartographic conventions. Understand and contribute to the development of NG Map Policy and know where and how that policy should be applied on maps and graphics, especially around sensitive or controversial issues.
Play a leading role in developing content ideas for maps and graphics, mentor colleagues and provide critique to peers. Promote a team-based approach to map-making at National Geographic.
Develop and innovate cartographic methods and interactive technologies for print and electronic formats. Stay informed and trained on the latest technologies for interactive map and graphics development, establish connections in the industry, and document appropriate vendors and experts.
Work cooperatively with Map Research Editor, Explorers, freelancers, and other sources to develop map content. Consult with sources and experts to scope and verify information presented in cartographic products (e.g., place names, locations of geographic features, thematic information). Document sources for acknowledgements.
Exercise a thoughtful, collaborative approach to build relationships within the organization and with the NG Explorer community to understand the needs and opportunities to maximize the amplification of Explorer stories.

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) 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
a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks