Senior Specialist, Science and Innovation Programs; Space, Planetary Science, Geology, Astronomy, Astrophysics

How You’ll Contribute

The National Geographic Society invests in a diverse, global community of National Geographic Explorers who are leading a new age of exploration in support of our mission to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world through science, education, and storytelling. These bold individuals represent more than 140 countries and their vast array of backgrounds, perspectives, and fields bring us to the far reaches of the globe.

The Science and Innovation team oversees the Society’s funding efforts in research, conservation and technology, develops and manages major mission programs, and establishes programmatic partnerships with like‑minded non-governmental organizations (NGOs).

NGS is preparing to broaden its science and innovation portfolio in the space focus area, including planetary science, comparative planetology, space geology, Lunar science, astronomy, and astrophysics. To support this expanded portfolio, the Science and Innovation Programs team is hiring for a Sr. Specialist. Ideal candidates will have demonstrated competence within expertise that aligns with the Space focus area. This is a distinct focus area that sits alongside Wildlife, Ocean, Land, Human Histories and Cultures, and Planetary Health.

For a summary of our approach to the Space focus area, please refer to https://(Use the "Apply for this Job" box below). Our work in the Space focus area will encompass projects dedicated to exploration and understanding of the universe, supporting Explorers who examine and illuminate our world and what lies beyond it.

The Senior Specialist’s primary responsibility is supporting the Science and Innovation Programs team programmatic needs, developing Requests for Proposals, evaluating and recommending Level 1 and Level 2 research and conservation grants, providing high-quality customer service to grantees – our National Geographic Explorers – and supporting other dynamically evolving needs across the Science and Innovation Programs team. The Senior Specialist will primarily support grants and programs in the Space focus area and will additionally provide similar services and support across other focus areas within Science and Innovation Programs as needed.

The Senior Specialist should have a deep and broad curiosity about the world, proactive and collaborative mindset, a strong sense of accountability and follow-through, and willingness to take on new challenges. Through their work, the Senior Specialist will build on the Society's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. The most competitive applicants will have experience in program management and conservation and/or scientific research.

Experience working with local communities and stakeholders is strongly preferred.

• Strategy and Program Development (10%)

  Support the team in the strategic development and adaptive management of the Space focus area’s portfolio. Understand relevant field(s), stay networked and informed on emerging trends, and scan for gaps and opportunities in the focus area’s portfolio and on other topics as requested. Assist the Science and Innovation Programs leadership in researching and scoping potential new priority areas and/or partnerships Support the development of research and conservation Requests for Proposals in the designated focus area and other focus areas as assigned.
  
  Participate in internal strategic discussions as well as cross-division working groups Provide programmatic support across Science and Innovation Programs.

• Grant Support (25%)

  Collaborate within and across teams to seek, evaluate, fund, and manage Level 1 and Level 2 grants and grantees within the Space focus area and other focus areas as assigned, ensuring alignment with NGS’s strategic plan and programmatic priorities. Under supervision, oversee scientific aspects of grants including development, recruitment, proposal review, developing new RFPs (requests for proposals), contributing to the definition of our science and grantmaking priorities, and coordination of internal and external expert review.
  
  Develop and maintain strong, positive and empathetic relationships with…