Specialist, Strategic Communications

National Geographic; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 74,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Wellness program

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Job summary

National Geographic Society in Washington, DC, seeks a Specialist, Strategic Communications to amplify Explorers and Impact initiatives. You will work with the Strategic Communications team to plan and execute mission-driven external communications across press, blogs, and talking points.

The role emphasizes media relations, proactive planning, and cross-team collaboration, with a hybrid work model and opportunities to shape national and global storytelling in support of NG's mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• 3+ years of experience in communications-related field
• Strong communicator and writer with AP Style knowledge
• Ability to manage multiple projects with tight deadlines
• Experience pitching media and working with press outlets

Responsibilities

• Develop integrated external communications strategies and publish content for channels (press releases, blogs, talking points).
• Monitor media coverage, post press releases, field media inquiries, secure coverage and draft pitches/briefings.
• Coordinate calendars, timelines, agendas, and organize press materials and assets.
• Serve as liaison with Explorers and partners to handle inquiries and key moments.

Skills

Communication

AP Style

Writing

Project management

Media pitching

Press relations

Fast learner

Self-starter

Education

Bachelor's degree

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.

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 - $74,000.00. 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.

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.