Vice President, Institutional Partnerships

The Advancement team at National Geographic Society engages individuals, foundations, government and corporate partners who invest in the Society to drive impact through science, technology, education, exploration, and storytelling. The Advancement team collaborates with other Society teams, and often works closely with the Walt Disney Company, to build transformative and impact-driven strategic partnerships. The Advancement team also produces global events that deepen connections and leverage the Society’s power to convene, and directs robust annual, major and planned giving programs empowering the Society with a broad base of public support.

The Vice President of Institutional Partnerships is a senior leader within NGS Advancement responsible for leading the vision, strategy, and management of the growing Institutional Partnerships team. We are seeking an inspirational leader with a proven track record of managing high performing teams and building impactful and innovative partnerships with corporations, foundations, and government funders.

Reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer and located at the Society’s headquarters office in Washington, DC, the Vice President will work directly with the CAO, CEO, Senior Leadership Team, and Board of Trustees to grow the Society’s Institutional Partnership program.

• Co-manage, with the CAO and CEO, relationships with corporate, foundation, and government funders at the 8+ figure gift level to develop bold and innovative partnerships. Liaise with Senior Leadership Team and Advancement team members to implement partnership structures and steward supporters. Personally secures $10M+ in annual institutional support. (40%)
• Work closely with senior Advancement leaders to develop and execute ambitious fundraising strategies, implement metrics to measure fundraising performance, perform data analysis to drive strategy, and create a reporting process to track progress toward Advancement goals. (30%)
• Lead and inspire the newly-merged Institutional Partnerships team to develop manageable workloads, implement ambitious goals, set clear expectations, outline professional development plans, and provide the tools and resources needed to be effective in their roles. (20%)
• Establish a clear vision and growth strategy for institutional partnerships, and measure progress against data-based revenue goals that align to the NGS strategic plan. (10%)

• 15+ years of experience in non-profit fundraising with direct experience in corporate philanthropy and sponsorship, foundations, and government funding
• 5+ years of management experience supervising teams of 5 or more people

• Demonstrated success in securing 8+ figure commitments in corporate, foundation, and government partnership agreements, as well as long-term donor engagement and retention
• Understanding of current trends in philanthropy, institutional giving, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, DEI, and communications
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills with a high degree of confidence in interacting with senior executives, the Board of Trustees, and high-level partners
• Evening/weekend hours for assigned meetings or events and 30-40% travel
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to effectively collaborate across multiple departments
• Demonstrated ability to lead, motivate and manage individuals and teams
• Experience and expertise in strategic planning and campaign fundraising
• Exceptional organizational and leadership skills, with a demonstrated track record of building effective systems that foster collaboration and improve team efficiency
• Represent the organization in speaking engagements, conferences, and other opportunities

• A creative, solutions-oriented approach to building mutually beneficial partnerships
• Experience developing data-based revenue goals and strategic planning for corporate, foundation, and government revenue streams
• Ability to excel during change management and guide a team through transformational growth phase
• Ability to manage highly sensitive, confidential information using excellent judgment at all times
• Ability to oversee priority projects, partnerships, campaigns, and strategies, providing clear input on some and leading on others
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable to effectively collaborate across multiple departments
• Experience fundraising for science, education, environmental conservation or cultural/historic preservation preferred
• Passionate about the mission of the National Geographic Society
• Desire to work in a highly motivated, dynamic, and expanding Advancement team

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 they prefer.