Specialist, Blue Boundaries (SIP)

Company: National Geographic Society
Location: Washington
Posted on: April 7, 2026

Job Description:

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, exploration, 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 & Innovation team oversees the Society’s funding efforts in science, 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 our science and innovation portfolio with a new research and conservation program called Blue Boundaries that will focus research and conservation efforts in freshwater wetlands, coastlands and reefs. To support this new program, the Science and Innovation Programs team is hiring for a Specialist. For a summary of our approach to impact and programs, please refer to https://www.nationalgeographic.org/society/our-focus/. Reporting to the Manager, Blue Boundaries, the Specialist will support a priority program within the organization. The Specialist will provide critical and tactical support that contributes to a well-functioning program, including program and grants support and general coordination across the organization. This is a fixed-term position with an end date of 1/5/2032. Your Impact Program Support: (50%) Reporting to the Program Manager, the Specialist provides program support for the Blue Boundaries program Identifies and interprets internal/external issues surrounding the management of the program operations and the cohort of explorers; elevates issues/inefficiencies where appropriate; recommends solutions, best practices, tools, and improvements needed; supports development and utilization of new/streamlined processes and refinement of current processes. Organizes data and implements data best practices, performs research, data validation, and manipulation; works with team members to create NGS forms, reports, campaigns, and dashboards to visualize program status; summarizes data and metrics for use in divisional reporting and analysis. Liaises across the Blue Boundaries cross departmental team to notify relevant parties of approaching deadlines and helps to keep all projects on track by overseeing the day to day maintenance and updating of centralized project tracker In collaboration with the NGS events team and program lead, plans and executes on programmatic convenings and events Gains comprehensive understanding of core program messaging and serves as a reviewer of program materials in partnership with NGS communications team. Grants Support (40%) Collaborate within and across teams to seek, evaluate, fund, and manage Level 1 and Level 2 grants and grantees within both the designated focus area and other focus areas as assigned, ensuring alignment with NGS’s strategic plan and programmatic priorities. Under supervision, manage scientific aspects of grants including development, recruitment, proposal review, developing new RFPs (requests for proposals), contributing to the definition of our science and grant-making priorities, and coordination of internal and external expert review. Develop and maintain strong, positive and empathetic relationships with prospective and active Explorers. Act as primary contact for Explorers leading Level 1 grants, and serve as an internal subject matter expert on these projects, including understanding the context in which they occur. Coordinate internally through established processes for review and amplification, communicate with Explorers to stay apprised of new discoveries, high profile academic publications, and/or media-friendly results that should be elevated. Team, Divisional, and organizational Collaboration: (10%) Supports communication and relationship management with Explorers and Explorer Engagement team; liaise with Explorers and Explorer teams on programmatic needs and contract deliverables. May serve on internal cross- platform workgroups where relevant expertise is needed. Contributions and expertise impact team and division goals and support program decisions. Supports effective communication within the Programs team as well as between the Programs team and other NGS departments. Gains comprehensive understanding of the goals of the organization, overarching NGS strategy, matrices within the organization, and relevant Explorer-led projects and programs. What You’ll Bring Educational Background Bachelor's degree required. Minimum Years and Types of Experience 3 years of relevant experience; bachelor's degree preferred. Experience supporting non-profit programs with a conservation focus desired. Necessary Knowledge and Skills Understanding of the scientific method. Highly developed oral and written communication skills and ability to work with individuals and groups at all levels. Ability to work on multiple projects, under deadlines, with changing priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment Ability to manage tasks and responsibilities that span multiple teams. Coordinating travel and overseeing meeting logistics Coordinating and managing appointments, meetings, and multiple schedules. Technical proficiency with Salesforce, G-Suite tools, Wrike and other project management tools. Presentation design a plus. Familiarity with social media and other communication tools and platforms a plus, including Slack Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to learn quickly and adapt to new situations. Capability to delegate and prioritize requests in a dynamic and fast-paced environment 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 $60,800.00 - $64,000.00. 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. W e encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization.

Keywords: National Geographic Society, Sterling , Specialist, Blue Boundaries (SIP), Science, Research & Development , Washington, Virginia