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National Geographic Society · 1 week ago

Sr. Specialist, SME Blue Boundaries (SIP)

Washington, DC

Full-time

Hybrid

Mid, Senior Level

$66K/yr - $69K/yr

4+ years exp

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, education, and storytelling. The Senior Specialist will bring subject matter expertise to help define the scientific components of the Blue Boundaries program and support the scientific evaluation and recommendation of funding opportunities for the program.

Non Profit

No H1B

Responsibilities

In collaboration with program team, launch the Blue Boundaries program and first phase: freshwater wetlands

Support RFP process (Request for Proposal) planning by maintaining schedule, deadlines and proposed budget

Liaise with other colleagues across Science and Innovation programs on research and grantmaking to ensure best practices are implemented

Collaborate with program team to balance business needs and scientific goals when making hard science based decisions in a very competitive funding landscape

Collaborate within and across teams to seek, evaluate and fund program Explorers ensuring alignment with Blue Boundaries program proposal and strategic vision

Develop and maintain strong, positive and empathetic relationships with prospective and active Explorers

Communicate with Explorers to stay apprised of new discoveries, high profile academic publications, and/or media-friendly results that should be elevated and coordinate internally through established processes for review and amplification

Attend and participate in core scientific convenings with academic partners, explorers and other stakeholders to contribute to program’s scientific agenda and intended impact

Speak on behalf of the program at internal and external convenings

Review programmatic documents for scientific accuracy and ensure data is current and up to date

Under the supervision of the Senior Director, apply subject matter expertise to research each phase of Blue Boundaries and contribute to program’s scientific agenda in line with the Blue Boundaries proposal and strategic vision

Adaptively manage the program’s scientific portfolio by supporting assessment and gap analysis. Conduct research, compile data and prepare reports to identify gaps and RFP development

Research and draft new RFPs for each program phase to meet the program scientific vision and agenda

Liaise with academic partners on scientific agenda, share findings and recommendations for senior leadership

Understand the relevant field(s), stay networked and informed on emerging trends, and scan for gaps and opportunities in the focus area’s portfolio

Develop and maintain strong positive and empathetic working relationships with other NGS divisions and external teams to maximize impact and reach

Supports leadership in establishing and advancing cross-division collaborations and initiatives

Reviews grant and project related materials and provide approval on behalf of program to external partners, NGP and internal divisions

May represent Science & Innovation at external meetings, convenings, conferences, events, etc

Qualification

Freshwater ecologyMarine ecologyConservation biologyEnvironmental sciencesScientific researchGoogleDocs suiteMicrosoft Office suiteSlackProactive mindsetCommunicationInterpersonal skillsOrganizational skillsTeam collaborationAdaptabilityPositive attitude

Required

PhD degree in science including one or more of the following: environmental science, biology, ocean science, or related fields is strongly desired

4+ years of relevant experience in one or more of the following: research, science, conservation, sustainability or related fields

Understanding of the scientific method and ability to understand and evaluate technical material

Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to work with individuals and groups at all levels

Ability to work on multiple projects, under deadlines, with changing priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment

Ability to manage tasks and responsibilities that span multiple teams

Must be able to learn quickly and adapt to new situations

Positive attitude with proactive approach

Excellent organizational skills

Superior interpersonal skills, including ability to work with and advise leaders and staff members at all levels with a curious and collaborative attitude

Ability to articulate clear goals and inspire cohesion of team members around those goals

Preferred

Bachelor's degree preferred

Experience working on wildlife or freshwater ecology or related science or conservation preferred

Experience working on programs or partnerships at a non-profit in the environment or sustainability sector is also preferred

Experience with GoogleDocs suite, Microsoft Office suite and Slack

Ability to compile information from disparate sources (literature review, interviews and conversations, first-hand accounts, etc.) and produce condensed, topline messaging and/or recommendations

Experience speaking in front of small and large audiences and putting together reports for many different types of audiences

Ability to travel, domestically and internationally

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

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

Variety of National Geographic discounts and perks