Director, Partnership Communications (Fixed Term)

National Geographic; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking organization as the Director of Partnership Communications, where your expertise will drive impactful marketing strategies and communications for groundbreaking partnerships. This role offers a unique opportunity to work collaboratively with diverse teams to amplify stories that resonate with audiences while managing significant budgets. You'll play a crucial role in shaping the narrative around sustainability and food systems, ensuring that vital messages reach the public. With a commitment to inclusivity and community, this position is ideal for a creative leader eager to make a difference in a globally recognized nonprofit.

Benefits

401(k) retirement savings plan

Flexible paid time off

Paid parental leave

Health and dental benefits

Free museum admission

Employee volunteer day

Wellness program

Qualifications

• 10+ years in communications, marketing, or public relations.
• Experience with multi-year branded partnerships over $5M.

Responsibilities

• Define and manage communications strategies for partnerships.
• Execute omnichannel marketing and analyze campaign performance.

Skills

Communications Strategy

Marketing Programs

Public Relations

Campaign Execution

Budget Management

Collaboration

Writing and Editing

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Advanced degree

Job description

Director, Partnership Communications (Fixed Term) page is loaded

Director, Partnership Communications (Fixed Term)

Apply remote type Hybrid locations Washington, DC time type Full time posted on Posted 7 Days Ago job requisition id R1773

How You’ll Contribute

The Communications Division leads the development and execution of integrated communications and marketing strategies to further the mission of the National Geographic Society and advance its position as one of the world's most trusted non-profit organizations and global brands. Driven by the Society's vision to be more globally known for its impactful Explorer-led mission programs, the Division's creative and strategic minds develop strategic communications, marketing campaigns, creative, content, and media to promote the Society's strategic plan and key priorities. The Division comprises six departments: Engagement and Marketing Strategy, Brand & Creative, Strategic Communications, Executive Communications, and Content and Editorial Strategy.

The Engagement and Marketing Strategy department is a dynamic team within the Communications division. The department defines and implements an engagement strategy for the Society to deepen relationships with our core audiences, market our key products, services and offerings in education, experiences and events, and Explorer-led programs, and support our fundraising goals and objectives. The team is driven by a deep understanding of audience behaviors and motivations — designing digital experiences, outreach campaigns, and acquisition strategies to meet their needs.

Through a robust 18-month pilot program from January 2025 through June 2026, we will launch an extraordinary partnership that invests in National Geographic Explorers and storytellers focused on sustainable agricultural practices. By amplifying our Explorer’s work, we will help scale regenerative agriculture by supporting those leading the transition and illuminating their stories so that generations of farmers and agronomists — and their communities — receive the public support they need.

Reporting to the Senior Director, Partnership Communications, the Director, Partnership Communications will work closely with the Advancement and Program teams to create and execute communications and brand strategies that amplify the impact of this new partnership. The Director will have an entrepreneurial spirit, is a highly collaborative, business-savvy professional who has solid experience in developing and executing marketing programs and delivering business impact.

Target End Date: 6/30/2026

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include

Partnership Activation (40%)

• Define communications strategies, goals, tactics and measurement and evaluation plans aligned to our programmatic and impact frameworks to ensure continuous optimization during partnership lifecycle

• Manage day-to-day marketing, comms and brand relationship with PepsiCo communications team

• Serve as Communications liaison and representative planning activities, operationalizing plans into discrete communications activities.

Campaign Execution (50%)

• Collaborate with programmatic and impact communications teams to develop programmatic content strategies that tells the story of our impact on The Future of Food

• Execute omnichannel marketing and communications activities across owned and operated and paid media channels

• Analyze and optimize campaign performance to reach impact goals

Budget Management (10%)

• Manage dedicated comms and marketing budgets for “Future of Food” program pilot

• Forecast comms and marketing budgets for expanded partnership proposal

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background

Bachelor’s degree, advanced degree preferred. Credentials in marketing, communications, or fundraising are a plus.

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in communications, marketing, public relations, or a related field, along with prior experience in supporting multi-year branded partnerships of $5M+.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Experience successfully partnering with senior leadership and executives to meet organizational needs.

• Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to be a creative leader who can work cohesively and collaboratively across teams.

• Ability to manage multiple deadline-driven projects simultaneously.

Desired Qualifications

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 $140,600 - $148,000.

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; 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.

About Us

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. In addition to our generous benefits, we also offer unique perks which include free museum admission, discount to our museum store, film screenings, world class events with visiting speakers, an employee volunteer day and a robust wellness program.