Optimizer Programming Strategist, National Geographic YouTube

1044 ABC Cable Networks Group; New York (NY); On-site; USD 83,000 - 112,000; Full time

Job summary

National Geographic is seeking an Optimizer Programming Strategist to lead day-to-day management and optimization of its YouTube channels, including flagship channel and initiatives. You will drive content execution, publishing, and performance growth across platforms.

Work with analytics, platform strategy, and creative tools like Premiere and Photoshop to deliver data-driven content. Collaborate with Programming, Operations, Production, Marketing, and Digital teams to execute plans and

Qualifications

• 3+ years managing and growing a major legacy brand's YouTube channel.
• Experience with YouTube Studio/Analytics, monetization, and best practices.
• Ability to translate trends into actionable content strategies.
• Excellent written and verbal communication; cross-functional collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Optimize content, metadata, and thumbnails across YouTube channels.
• Manage upload details: titles, descriptions, metadata, tags, chapters, thumbnails, end screens.
• Ensure accuracy, quality control, and timely delivery of published content.
• Channel Operations: curate homepage, organize playlists, update metadata, fix link issues.
• Monitor performance with research teams; track views, watch time, CTR, retention.
• Apply insights to improve thumbnails, titles, metadata, and publishing cadence.
• Collaborate with Programming, Operations, Production, Marketing, and Digital teams.
• Support platform features like Shorts and Live initiatives.

Skills

YouTube certification

YouTube Analytics

SEO

Copywriting

Adobe Photoshop

Premiere Pro

YouTube Studio

Airtable

Team coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree in media-related field

Tools

YouTube Studio

Google Workspace

Job description

Optimizer Programming Strategist, National Geographic YouTube Req ID: 10160365

Job Description: The National Geographic Programming Strategy team owns the planning and scheduling of National Geographic content across platforms, including linear, nonlinear, direct-to-consumer, and YouTube platforms, within Disney Entertainment Television. The team programs hundreds of hours of premiere and library content each year in both long- and short-form formats. From linear and nonlinear television to Disney+, YouTube and beyond, our team crafts the release strategies that connect our content with the largest possible audience across all platforms. The team is the ultimate curators, platform strategists and slate planners for National Geographic content from the Walt Disney Company.

Job Summary

The Programming Strategist leads day-to-day management and optimization of National Geographic’s YouTube channels, working across the flagship channel and other channel initiatives to drive content execution, publishing, and performance growth. This role partners cross-functionally to support effective distribution and alignment with platform strategy, leveraging YouTube analytics and creative tools such as Premiere and Photoshop to deliver data-driven, high-performing content.

Responsibilities

Content Production & Execution: Optimize content, metadata, and thumbnails across YouTube channels in alignment with brand performance goals and best practices; manage upload details including titles, descriptions, metadata, tags, chapters, thumbnails, and end screens; ensure accuracy, quality control, and timely delivery of published content.

Channel Operations & Maintenance: Manage daily channel operations, including homepage curation, playlist organization, metadata updates, and link maintenance; partner with Operations to troubleshoot upload, content, or platform issues; serve as a key contact for Operations, YouTube/Google partners, and internal stakeholders.

Performance Monitoring & Optimization: Monitor channel and content performance in partnership with Research teams; track key metrics such as views, watch time, click-through rate, and retention; apply performance insights to improve thumbnails, titles, metadata, content packaging, publishing cadence, and content format testing.

Content Optimization & Platform Best Practices: Implement YouTube best practices across uploads and channel experiences; stay current on platform trends, algorithm shifts, and emerging features; assist in testing and refining thumbnails, titles, and formats using performance data.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Partner with Programming, Operations, Production, Marketing, and Digital teams to execute content plans; support promotional campaigns, tentpoles, and cross-platform initiatives.

Audience & Platform Insights: Monitor audience behavior, trends, and feedback to inform optimization decisions; share observations and insights with the broader team to improve programming strategy.

Platform Operations & Monetization Support: Support workflows related to fingerprinting, content claims, monetization, and geo-filtering; assist with implementation of platform features such as Shorts and Live initiatives.

Basic Qualifications

3+ years of experience managing and growing a major legacy brand’s YouTube channel YouTube certification preferred. Established editorial voice with proven experience supporting a globally recognized media brand required. Expertise in digital content optimization, monetization, YouTube Studio/Analytics, online community growth, SEO and/or copywriting, and YouTube best practices. Ability to translate complex trends into actionable content strategies and collaborate effectively with creative teams. Experience working within established brand guidelines, including maintaining tone, visual style, and messaging consistency across content. Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail. Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, Airtable, Microsoft Office, Teams, and Google Workspace. Self-starter who can prioritize workflows in a fast-paced environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Strong interest in online trends and National Geographic programming. Fast learner with the ability to master new systems independently; proficient in both Mac and PC environments. Candidates must live within a reasonable commuting distance of the 7 Hudson Square office in New York City. This role requires onsite work four days per week.

Preferred Qualifications

Ability to speak Spanish is preferred but not required. Past agency experience

Required Education

Bachelor’s degree in a media-related field or equivalent work experience.

The hiring range for this position in New York, NY is $83,200 to $111,500 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate’s geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.

Location and Work Arrangement

Candidates must live within a reasonable commuting distance of the 7 Hudson Square office in New York City. This role requires onsite work four days per week. Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code: New York, NY, USA. Employment Type: Full time

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