Specialist, Strategic Communications

ngs; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 60,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Cover letter required

Writing sample encouraged

Job summary

National Geographic Society is seeking a Specialist, Strategic Communications to amplify Explorers and Impact initiatives using a mix of media and messaging across channels. You will develop proactive external communications and publish content for press, blogs, and talking points, reporting to the Senior Manager, Strategic Communications.

The role requires a 3+ year background in communications, a Bachelor’s degree preferred, and strong writing and media relations skills.

Qualifications

• Strong communicator and writer with attention to detail.
• Experience pitching media and working with press outlets.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Communications Planning and Execution: develop integrated external comms strategies.
• Media Relations and Outreach: monitor coverage, maintain press tracker, field inquiries.
• Operations and Administrative Support: manage calendars, timelines, and notes.
• Partnership/Stakeholder Relationship Management: liaise with Explorers and program teams.

Skills

Strong communicator

Excellent writer

Detail oriented

Multitasking

Media pitching

Press liaison

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

How You’ll Contribute

The Communications, Marketing and Brand team uses creative and strategic tools to further the mission of the National Geographic Society (NGS), while maintaining our place as one of the world’s most trusted non‑profit organizations and global brands. The Division develops and executes mission‑driven, brand strategies and integrated strategic communications, marketing, creative and audience growth for the National Geographic Society and 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 Crisis Communications and Public Relations.

Reporting to the Senior Manager, Strategic Communications, the Specialist, Strategic Communications is a member of the Strategic Communications team and supports NGS by amplifying the work of our Explorers and Impact initiatives. This role will think critically on how to amplify our programs, impact and vision to global audiences using a mix of communication tools, platforms and tactics. This role will work closely with all teams within the broader Communications, Marketing and Brand team.

Please note: Submission of a cover letter is required. A writing sample is encouraged.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include:

• Strategic Communications Planning and Execution (50%)
  • Assist in the development of integrated, strategic, and proactive external communications strategies that elevate the National Geographic Society’s Explorers, programmatic work and mission.
  • Develop, edit, and publish content for the Society’s various communications channels. This includes but not limited to press releases, blog posts and talking points.
  • Create comprehensive press kits that include branded images and caption usage requirements.
• Media Relations and Outreach (20%)
  • Monitor news coverage, maintain the team’s press tracker, monitor the pressroom inbox, post press releases and field media inquiries.
  • Secure media coverage for programmatic announcements, Explorers and thought leadership initiatives.
  • Compile targeted media lists, draft pitches and prepare detailed briefing documents for interviews and events.
  • Support media training sessions for our community of Explorers and the Society’s leadership team.
• Operations and Administrative Support - (20%)
  • Provide essential team support by maintaining calendar invites and project timelines, tracking deadlines across multiple programs, preparing agendas and distributing meeting notes.
  • Maintaining organized folder structures for press materials, contracts, and assets (e.g., Google Drive).
  • Managing version control on shared documents (avoiding duplicate or outdated drafts).
• Partnership/Stakeholder Relationship Management - (10%)
  • Serve as a communications liaison with the National Geographic Society’s community of Explorers to handle inquiries related to brand engagement, media support and scientific papers.
  • Liaise with the program team(s) for communications requests and key moments.

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

3+ years of experience working in communications‑related field

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Strong communicator and writer - knowledge of AP Style preferred.
• Detail‑oriented, organized, and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously (sometimes with tight deadlines).
• Experience pitching media, working with the press, and familiarity with print, broadcast, and digital outlets.
• A quick and motivated learner with enthusiasm for the National Geographic Society’s mission.
• A proactive self‑starter and creative problem solver.

Desired Qualifications

• Understanding of different communications platforms, and how to best communicate with the public i.e. website, social media, press releases, blog posts, etc.
• 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 salary range for this position is $70,300.00