Senior Manager, Strategic Communications

About the Role

The Communications, Marketing, and Brand team at the National Geographic Society applies innovative and strategic methods to advance its mission while maintaining its stature as a trusted global non-profit and brand. This multifaceted team encompasses Creative, Brand Marketing, Partnerships, MarCom Operations, Internal and Executive Communications, Crisis Communications, and Public Relations.

This Senior Manager role within Strategic Communications reports to the Director of Strategic Communications and leads communications strategies and execution for various Explorer-led initiatives. The position ensures timely, targeted messaging that supports the National Geographic Society’s goals, amplifies its mission, and guarantees all communications align with the Society’s voice and branding.

Key Responsibilities

• Formulate and lead comprehensive communications strategies in collaboration with program teams, marketing colleagues, and external partners to increase awareness and support for Explorer programs and the Society’s mission.
• Maintain consistent messaging frameworks by developing toolkits that equip leadership, staff, Explorers, and partners with effective impact narratives.
• Drive proactive media relations efforts to expand visibility of Explorer-led programs by building and nurturing relationships with top-tier local, regional, national, and international journalists.
• Secure quality media placements by crafting and executing strategies that engage target audiences and ensure a steady flow of earned media coverage.
• Create media briefings, conduct media training for spokespersons, and author a variety of media content such as press releases, pitches, op-eds, talking points, and fact sheets.
• Develop media toolkits to support new program announcements and partner communications.
• Monitor and respond to emerging issues related to Explorer programs in coordination with senior communications teams.
• Collaborate internally to curate and generate content supporting communications initiatives, ensuring tone and style consistency across owned platforms, including social media where appropriate.
• Lead communications planning for special projects and cross-functional organizational initiatives that further the Society’s mission.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Over seven years of experience in strategic communications and media relations.
• Proven ability to devise and implement communications plans and key messaging frameworks.
• Experience working with news media and cultivating press relationships to secure high-profile coverage.
• Background in communications relating to ocean conservation, wildlife, land protection, and/or human history and culture is advantageous.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills capable of distilling complex information into audience-appropriate messaging.
• Proven track record managing multiple projects independently under tight deadlines with sound professional judgment.
• Experience managing staff is a plus.
• Familiarity with media databases such as Cision is preferred.
• Additional language skills and existing media contacts are beneficial but not required.

Additional Information

This position does not include direct reports.

The role operates on a hybrid model requiring onsite presence at the Washington, DC Base Camp office two days a week (Tuesdays and Wednesdays) with the option for additional days in office.

Applicants must have legal authorization to work in the United States; visa sponsorship is not available.

Compensation & Benefits

Salary ranges between $95,000 and $100,000 annually, with hiring typically near the starting range based on qualifications and experience.

The Society offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance; wellness programs; 401(k) with employer match; flexible paid time off system including annual leave, sick leave, holidays, and winter break; parental leave; adoption and surrogacy reimbursement; fertility benefits; development opportunities; Lifestyle Spending Account; pet-related benefits; transportation subsidies; employer-paid life and disability insurance; and other exclusive perks.

Encouragement

We welcome candidates whose experience broadly aligns with the responsibilities and qualifications, supporting growth for both the individual and the organization toward greater inclusivity and strength.