Optimizer Programming Strategist, National Geographic YouTube

The National Geographic Programming Strategy team owns the planning and scheduling of National Geographic content across platforms, including linear, nonlinear, direct-to-consumer, and You Tube 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+, You Tube 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.

The Programming Strategist leads day-to-day management and optimization of National Geographic’s You Tube 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 You Tube analytics and creative tools such as Premiere and Photoshop to deliver data-driven, high-performing content.

• Content Production & Execution: Optimize content, metadata, and thumbnails across You Tube 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, You Tube/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 You Tube 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.

• 3+ years of experience managing and growing a major legacy brand’s You Tube channel

• You Tube certification preferred.

• Established editorial voice with proven experience supporting a globally recognized media brand required.

• Expertise in digital content optimization, monetization, You Tube Studio/Analytics, online community growth, SEO and/or copywriting, and You Tube 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…