• Job Description

  Req#: R1462

  How You’ll Contribute

  Pristine Seas is National Geographic’s flagship ocean conservation program. Over the last ten years, the Pristine Seas team 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. Pristine Seas seeks to scale its approach over the next decade to inspire the protection of new vital places in the ocean. Additionally, Pristine Seas aims to cultivate and expand a network of best-in-class partners to build a community of support for protected areas. The candidate will implement a world-class research and science program within Pristine Seas.
  
  The VP of Research, Pristine Seas will report to the Executive Director of Pristine Seas to lead and manage the annual operations of the Pristine Seas research team. This role will work in close collaboration with the program’s policy, communications, and media teams to develop and implement strategies to support Pristine Seas’ mission. This is a 7-year fixed-term position.

  Your Impact

  Responsibilities Include:

  Strategy & Management (60%)

  • Develop and execute the annual Pristine Seas Research plan, in coordination with Pristine Seas Executive Director;

  • Coordinate with all Pristine Seas’ departments to plan and execute high-impact research to support the designation of protected areas;

  • Supervise the science team and manage the development and execution of all expedition research plans;

  • Manage the production of high-quality scientific products (community and partner events, annual Pristine Seas Board meeting, team workshops, scientific convenings, etc.);

  • Develop a broad roster of local scientists in the Pacific region in collaboration with the Sr. Marine Scientist;

  • Lead the development & administration of the Pristine Seas Research budget.

  • Work with the Executive Director to obtain external funds for Pristine Seas research.

  • Liaise with NGS’ Chief Science and Innovation Officer on science issues.

  Research Operations (30%)

  • Work with the Expeditions team to obtain research permits for Pristine Seas expeditions;

  • Expand science program and incorporate new and advanced technologies if needed;

  • Identify and procure scientific gear;

  • Select science teams for expeditions in coordination with the Sr. Marine Scientist and the Executive Director.

  • Participate in select Pristine Seas expeditions.

  Team, Divisional and Organizational Collaboration (10%)

  • Represent Pristine Seas at key venues & events as directed by Pristine Seas Executive Director.
    

  What You’ll Bring

  Educational Background

  Bachelor's degree required.
  PhD in Marine Biology or related field from an R1 research university. Post Doctoral experience preferred.

  Minimum Years and Type of Experience

  • 15+ years of professional work experience in marine science and conservation, including management expertise.

  • Experience with non-profit, environmental, academic, and governmental organizations. Extensive experience in the development and execution of expedition science.

  • Demonstrated track record in building and funding research teams and academic centers/departments. Tenured professorship at a R1 university preferred.

  Necessary Knowledge and Skills

  • Broad understanding of marine ecosystems and conservation issues from the tropics to the poles.

  • Ability to convey complex scientific concepts to a broad range of audiences (e.g., scientists, policy makers, public, students).

  • Excellent oral and written communications skills.

  • Excellent organizational skills with high attention to detail.

  • Strong leadership skills.

  • 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 work with minimal instruction and supervision.

  • Ability to maintain high standards of confidentiality.

  • Strong personal and professional integrity.

  Desired Qualifications

  • Experience in program management, marine science, and policy.

  • Experience in building and directing an academic center or department is preferred.

  • Spoken and/or written proficiency in a second language preferred.

  • Experience in managing and analyzing large complex datasets.

  • Experience in training and leading field surveys for ecological studies.

  Supervision

  3+ direct reports

  Salary Information

  
  As a leading nonprofit organization, National Geographic Society offers competitive salary and total rewards to attract, develop, and retain an innovative and dynamic workforce.

  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 is $194,000 - $225,000, and pay offered to candidates will be based on several factors including but not limited to industry-based or other relevant work experience, education, skills, certifications, and training.
  
  In addition, 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; 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

  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.

  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.

• About the company

  The National Geographic Society, headquartered in Washington, DC, United States, is one of the largest non-profit scientific and educational organizations in the world.

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