Coordinator, Strategic Communications

National Geographic Society; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 35,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) retirement plan

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Job summary

National Geographic Society is seeking a Communications Coordinator to support the Strategic Communications team. You will help implement integrated external communications plans for major announcements, draft press content, and assemble press kits.

You’ll monitor media, maintain lists, and assist with briefing documents and media training as needed. The role also covers calendar management, event timelines, and maintaining organized press materials.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism or related field.
• 2+ years in public relations or stakeholder engagement.
• Excellent writing, editing and proofreading; AP style knowledge.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Strong communication and media pitching skills.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications Support and Execution across external channels.
• Media Relations and Outreach including drafting pitches and briefing materials.
• Operations and Administrative Support including calendars, assets, and version control.

Skills

Strong writing

AP style

News judgment

Detail-oriented

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications

Job description

How You'll Contribute

The Communications, Marketing and Brand division uses creative and strategic tools to further the mission of the National Geographic Society while maintaining our place as one of the world’s most trusted nonprofit organizations and global brands. The division develops and executes mission-driven brand strategies and integrated strategic communications, marketing, creative and audience growth for the Society, unifying our efforts across owned channels, partners and earned media. The team is composed of seven integrated departments: Creative, Integrated Brand Marketing, Partnerships Marketing, MarCom Operations and Internal Communications, Strategic Communications, Executive Communications and Public Relations. Reporting to the Vice President of Strategic Communications, the Coordinator supports the Society by amplifying the work of our Explorers and Impact initiatives. The Coordinator helps carry out communications plans, supports media outreach and provides essential administrative support. The role works closely with members of the strategic communications team and with teams across the Communications, Marketing and Brand division and the Society.

Your Impact Responsibilities Include

• Strategic Communications Support and Execution (35%)
  Support the development and execution of integrated external communications plans for major announcements, initiatives and moments that elevate Explorers, programs and the Society's mission. With support from the VP, draft, edit and publish content for Society-owned channels and newsrooms, including press releases and blog posts. Assemble press kits with branded images and caption usage requirements.
• Media Relations and Outreach (25%)
  Monitor news coverage, maintain the team’s press tracker, monitor the pressroom inbox, post press releases and route media inquiries. Build and maintain targeted media lists and draft pitches that support coverage of programmatic announcements and Explorers. Prepare briefing documents for interviews and events and support media training for Explorers and leadership.
• Operations and Administrative Support (40%)
  Maintain team calendars, content and event calendars and project timelines, and track deadlines across multiple programs. Prepare agendas and distribute meeting notes. Keep press materials, contracts and assets organized in shared folders, such as Google Drive. Manage version control on shared documents to avoid duplicate or outdated drafts.

What You'll Bring

Educational Background

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, journalism or related fields preferred.

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

2+ years public relations and/or stakeholder engagement experience

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills; knowledge of AP style
• Strong news judgment
• Detail-oriented and organized, with the ability to manage multiple projects at once, sometimes on tight deadlines
• A quick, motivated learner with enthusiasm for the Society's mission
• A proactive self-starter and creative problem solver

Desired Qualifications

• Knowledge of the news cycle and news media, including print, digital and broadcast outlets.
• Experience with, or strong exposure to, media pitching and familiarity with print, broadcast and digital outlets
• A thirst for learning and an appreciation for the culture, people and places that create the wonders of our world.
• A willingness to act as a National Geographic Ambassador and uphold our values - one of which is that everyone has a story to tell and every story matters.

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 hourly range for this position is $25.13 - $26.45.

• 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

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.

Who We Are

The National Geographic Society uses the power of science, exploration, education and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world. Our mission is only complete when our staff, explorers, educators, youth and partners are seen, valued, and heard. We embrace each person’s identity, experiences, and abilities, and we commit to cultivating an environment where everyone benefits from opportunity, mutual respect and a sense of belonging. National Geographic's headquarters is located in the heart of Washington, D.C. We offer our employees a comprehensive benefits package, including health and dental benefits, generous vacation and parental leave time, a 401(k) plan, flexible work options, and career development.