Director, Corporate Partnerships (Technology Sector)

National Geographic; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 145,000 - 153,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Retirement plan with employer match

Generous PTO and holidays

Hybrid work model

Job summary

National Geographic Society seeks a Director of Corporate Partnerships (Technology Sector) to lead strategic philanthropic partnerships with major tech companies, accelerate AI-focused collaborations, and support science, education, and storytelling through technology partnerships.

Based in Washington, DC, you will work with cross-functional teams to develop compelling opportunities and expand philanthropic support.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is required; a Master’s degree is preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in corporate partnerships, business development, corporate philanthropy, or strategic partnerships, with tech industry exposure.
• Proven success securing six- and seven-figure corporate partnerships and philanthropic investments.
• Experience working with or within leading technology companies and understanding tech industry priorities.

Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate, secure, and steward strategic philanthropic partnerships with leading technology companies and corporate foundations.
• Represent the Society at executive meetings, conferences, and industry events.
• Lead fundraising and partnership development for AI initiatives, including AI Center for Explorer Excellence and Council development.
• Coordinate internal reviews of technology partnership proposals with cross-functional teams to craft compelling opportunities.
• Collaborate across Institutional Partnerships, Technology, Programs, Communications, and leadership to advance the Society’s fundraising strategy.

Skills

Corporate partnerships

Business development

Strategic partnerships

Fundraising

Executive communication

Stakeholder management

Education

Bachelor's degree

Masters preferred

Tools

CRM (Salesforce)

Job description

How You’ll Contribute

The Advancement Institutional Partnerships Team cultivates, solicits, and stewards foundation, government, and corporate partners who invest in the Society to drive impact through science, technology, education, exploration, and storytelling. The team collaborates across the Society—and often works closely with National Geographic Partners/Disney—to build transformative and impact-driven strategic partnerships. The team also produces global events that deepen relationships, leverage the Society's power to convene, and directs robust annual, major, and planned giving programs that empower the Society with a broad base of public support. The Director of Corporate Partnerships (Technology Sector) is a leader on the Institutional Partnerships Corporate Partnerships team that will support development of funding and impact-focused technology partnerships in support of the Society’s multiple interests with this sector. Responsible for identifying, cultivating, securing, and stewarding strategic partnerships with leading technology companies, this individual will develop and execute a comprehensive technology partnership development strategy that advances the Society's mission while positioning National Geographic as a premier partner for the technology sector. Reporting to the Senior Director, Corporate Partnerships and based at the Society's headquarters in Washington, DC, the Director will work in close collaboration with colleagues across Advancement, Programs, Communications, and the National Geographic Society Technology team to develop partnership opportunities that accelerate innovation and generate philanthropic support for the Society’s priorities. The Director will lead fundraising and partnership development for the Society's AI Center for Explorer Excellence, establish and grow an AI & Technology Partners Council to engage industry leaders, and cultivate strategic relationships that position National Geographic as a trusted partner for the technology community.

Your Impact Responsibilities Include

• Identify, cultivate, secure, and steward strategic philanthropic partnerships with leading technology companies and corporate foundations, building long-term relationships that advance National Geographic Society priorities while delivering meaningful value to partners.
• Represent the Society at executive meetings, conferences, and industry events. (40%)
• Lead fundraising and partnership development for the AI Center for Explorer Excellence including the development and management of an AI & Technology Partners Council, working closely with the Society's Technology team and program leaders to develop compelling partnership opportunities that support AI-enabled exploration, science, education, and storytelling. (40%)
• Lead the internal development, coordination, and review of philanthropic technology partnership proposals, collaborating across Institutional Partnerships, Technology, Programs, Communications, and executive leadership to create compelling, mission-driven partnership opportunities. (15%)
• Serve as a strategic thought partner across the Institutional Partnerships team, helping identify emerging technology trends, new funding opportunities, and innovative partnership models that strengthen the Society’s corporate fundraising strategy. (5%)

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background

Bachelor’s degree required, Masters degree preferred.

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

10+ years of experience in corporate partnerships, business development, corporate philanthropy, strategic partnerships, or related fields, including significant experience working within or partnering with leading technology companies.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Demonstrated success securing and managing six- and seven-figure corporate partnerships and philanthropic investments.
• Experience working within a leading technology company or the broader technology sector, with an understanding of technology industry priorities and partnership models.
• Ability to translate emerging technology trends, including artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital innovation, into compelling philanthropic partnership opportunities.
• Experience building trusted relationships with senior executives and corporate decision-makers.
• Strong communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across fundraising, programmatic, and technical teams to develop innovative partnership opportunities.
• Evening/weekend hours for assigned meetings or events and 15-20% travel will be expected.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience developing executive councils, advisory groups, or strategic partner communities.
• A creative, solutions-oriented approach to building mutually beneficial partnerships that align corporate objectives with mission impact.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively across multiple departments.
• Excellent project management skills with exceptional attention to detail and follow-through.
• Experience fundraising or developing partnerships for technology, science, education, conservation, or innovation initiatives.
• A passion for leveraging technology to advance scientific discovery, education, and storytelling.
• A dedication to the mission of the National Geographic Society.

Supervision

No direct reports at this time.

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 is $145,350.00 - $153,000.00.

• 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.

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.