Senior Director, Pacific Ocean Policy, Pristine Seas (Science and Innovation)

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 grant making efforts in science, conservation and technology, develops and manages major mission programs, and establishes programmatic partnerships with like-minded non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with the goal that science is foundational to the organization's work for impact and illumination.

Over the last twelve years, Pristine Seas, National Geographic’s flagship ocean conservation program has helped to inspire the protection of 26 of the last wild places in the ocean, encompassing more than 6 million square kilometers of ocean. The Senior Director, Pacific Ocean Policy, Pristine Seas will support and scale our approach over the next decade. Additionally, we aim to cultivate and expand a network of best-in-class partners to build a community of support for protected areas. Working directly with the Explorer-in-Residence, Pristine Seas, the Senior Director, Ocean Policy will lead the development and execution of the Pristine Seas Pacific Ocean strategy.

• Deep understanding of Pacific region and ocean-related issues;
• Wide network of contacts throughout the Pacific region;
• Ability to work independently to develop strategic communications campaigns in support of marine protected areas;
• Ability to anticipate problems and find creative solutions to challenging situations
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to communicate professionally in a fast-paced, dynamic team environment.
• Ability to exercise good judgment and while working independently.
• Ability to maintain high standards of confidentiality.
• Strong personal and professional integrity.
• Proficient in basic computer programs (including Office suite, Google docs, etc).

• Masters or PhD in a related field
• Spoken and/or written fluency in a second language preferred.

Remote - Our Remote designation continues to require that staff work in another location in the U.S. or abroad, such as our regional leads for our Education and International teams or regional fundraisers in Advancement. Staff may also be designated as Remote by their supervisors (with approval by the Senior Team lead) because of their duties or personal circumstances, and are afforded this status when it is beneficial to NGS, their respective team, and the employee.