Director, Corporate Partnerships (Technology Sector)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Parental leave

Job summary

National Geographic Society seeks an experienced leader to drive strategic philanthropic partnerships with technology companies and foundations. The role focuses on elevating AI-enabled exploration, science, education, and storytelling through cross‑functional collaboration across Institutional Partnerships, Technology, Programs, and Communications.

The role requires 10+ years in corporate partnerships or related fields, with a strong track record in six- and seven-figure investments, and a

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree required; Masters Degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Identify, cultivate, secure, and steward strategic partnerships with technology companies and corporate foundations.
• Lead fundraising and partnership development for the AI Center for Explorer Excellence and manage a council of partners.
• Coordinate proposals across Institutional Partnerships, Technology, Programs, and Communications to create compelling opportunities.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner to identify trends, funding opportunities, and innovative partnership models.

Skills

Relationship management

Executive communication

Negotiation

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic thinking

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree preferred

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.

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 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 $145,350.00 - $153,000.00.

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.