Strategic Communications Specialist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work schedule

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

National Geographic Society is seeking a Strategic Communications Specialist to amplify the work of Explorers and Impact initiatives. You will craft content for press releases, blog posts, and talking points, and manage press materials as part of the Strategic Communications team in Washington, DC.

The role emphasizes strategic planning, media relations, operations support, and stakeholder engagement, with a hybrid work setup, and requires a Bachelor's degree and 3+ years of communications

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 3+ years of experience in a communications-related field.
• Strong writer and communicator with knowledge of AP Style.
• Detail-oriented, organized, able to manage multiple projects with tight deadlines.
• Experience pitching media and working with press across print, broadcast, and digital outlets.

Responsibilities

• Strategic communications planning and execution for Explorers and Impact initiatives.
• Develop, edit, and publish content for press releases, blogs, and talking points.
• Create press kits with branded images and caption usage requirements.

Skills

Strong writer

Strong communicator

AP Style knowledge

Project management

Media pitching

Detail oriented

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Strong writer? Stronger curiosity? The National Geographic Society (NGS) has a press release with your name on it.

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

Strategic communications planning and execution (50%)

• Assist in the development of integrated, strategic, and proactive external communications strategies that elevate the Society's Explorers, programmatic work, and mission.
• Develop, edit, and publish content for the Society's various communications channels, including 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 the 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, preparing agendas, and distributing meeting notes.
• Maintain organized folder structures for press materials, contracts, and assets, and manage version control on shared documents.

Partnership and stakeholder relationship management (10%)

• Serve as a communications liaison with the Society's community of Explorers to handle inquiries related to brand engagement, media support, and scientific papers.
• Liaise with program teams for communications requests and key moments.

What you'll bring

• Bachelor's degree preferred.
• 3+ years of experience working in a communications-related field.
• 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 Society's mission, a proactive self-starter, and a creative problem solver.

Location: Hybrid, based in Washington, DC. Hybrid staff work at Base Camp two days each week (Tuesday and Wednesday). Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States; this position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Salary: $70,300 - $74,000 per year, plus a comprehensive benefits package.

Posted by: Emily Kelly, Senior Manager, Strategic Communications