Specialist, Explorer Capacity Development

How You’ll Contribute

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.

The goal of the National Geographic Society’s Explorer Programs team is to empower our global network of leaders – National Geographic Explorers – and accelerate our collective impact towards illuminating and protecting the wonder of our world. We empower Explorers – scientists, conservationists, educators, and storytellers – through funding and access to tools and technology as well as by building community and elevating Explorers and their work. We also help develop our Explorers through leadership training, skills-based training, mentorship, and other professional development opportunities.

The National Geographic Society is seeking a Specialist, Explorer Capacity Development to join and support Explorer Engagement’s Explorer Programs team. This Specialist will support all Explorer capacity development efforts of the team, assisting with the design, production, and management of educational content as well as the facilitation of online and in-person learning experiences. Our ideal candidate has a strong interest in facilitation, educational technologies and curriculum development in global and multi-cultural settings and is highly organized, action-oriented, a team player, and excels in a fast-paced environment.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include

Content Development (30%)

• Support the Director and Senior Manager with developing Explorer learning content.

• Conduct research and focus groups with stakeholders to support new content development.

• Create engaging state-of-the-art smaller learning experiences through words and multimedia for a global audience.

• Create supporting materials such as rubrics, worksheets, slide decks, facilitation guides, and more.

• Apply inclusive design principles to promote accessibility of content and learning experiences for all members of the Explorer community.

Course Facilitation (30%)

• Provide general support for virtual, in-person and online training events, including but not limited to drafting worksheets, handouts and rubrics; assisting with providing feedback to course participants; handling training communication; and managing logistics related to the training.

• Under supervision, draft and share course communications and surveys in the NGS Learning Management System and other platforms. Facilitate established foundational Explorer online courses, including course cloning and set-up for new cohorts.

Project Management (40%)

• Organize and manage all course materials.

• Support training logistics, including but not limited to developing and communicating timelines, monitoring participation and deliverables, providing timely feedback to participants, and managing participant travel expense reimbursements, contracts and invoices.

• Monitor and track training success to inform strategy and decision making.

• Collaborate with diverse stakeholders to meet project timelines, align on deliverables, and assist in getting to sign-off.

• Collaborate with Operations and other colleagues on data collection and reporting.

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background

Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field (e.g. learning and teaching, adult trainings, content development in educational settings); additional project management or logistics certification a plus.

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

3+ years of experience teaching and/or facilitating trainings and/or project management in a global context

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Experience in the (global) field of education and adult learning

• Experience with facilitating in-person and online learning

• Project management experience

• Highly effective written and oral communication skills

• Ability to work flexibly at all times as part of a large team and with all levels of staff

• Creative thinking, responsive problem-solving, and attention to detail

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with a Learning Management System (LMS) and video conferencing

• Certification/Experience in learning and teaching and/or global logistics

• Certification/Experience with graphic design and/or video editing software

• Cross disciplinary knowledge of science, communication, storytelling and media

• Additional language skills – preference in Spanish or French

Supervision

No direct reports.

Salary Information

The National Geographic Society offers a competitive and holistic total rewards package. Our compensation structure and transparent pay philosophy are based on industry-specific market data for similar-sized nonprofit organizations.

The salary range for this position accounts for a wide range of factors including but not limited to organizational need; specific skill sets; experience and training; certifications; and more. At the National Geographic Society, individuals are typically hired at or near the starting point of the salary range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case.

The salary range for this position is $72,200.00 - $76,000.00.

In addition, the National Geographic Society offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, 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; and a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks.

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 preferred.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

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.