Coordinator, Photo Ark (Science and Innovation)

Company: National Geographic Society
Location: Washington
Posted on: April 1, 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). Reporting to the VP, Science and Innovation Programs, the Coordinator will provide critical and tactical support that contributes to a well-functioning Science and Innovation Programs (SIP) team and portfolio, including administrative and organizational support, project management, budget coordination, stakeholder management, and data metrics and tracking. The Coordinator’s contributions are essential components to implementing National Geographic’s bold and impactful Explorer-led programs. This role will specifically support programs overseen by the VP, Science and Innovation Programs including Photo Ark and large-scale programs that activate the breadth of our resources. Your Impact Responsibilities Include Team Support: (30%) Reporting to the VP, Science and Innovation Programs, the Coordinator provides program support for signature programs that activate the breadth of NGS including work planning, and collaborating internally across NGS for metrics and evaluation. Acquires full understanding of project goals, impact, and deliverables and manages internal communications to ensure program stakeholders remain in alignment and project milestones stay on track. Provide on-site event support at key convenings. Administrative Support: (30%) Assists in program operation needs using NGS systems such as workday, Google docs, Wrike and Salesforce. Manages calendars and scheduling on behalf of the VP, Science and Innovation Programs, which includes monitoring and updating calendars based on program needs, and coordination and communicating events and activities with internal and external program stakeholders. Supports the coordination of contracts, legal, presentations, invoices, mailings, travel, and logistics. Ensure program payments and invoices are distributed and paid on time. Work with internal teams to order program needs such as supplies, swag, materials and gear. Strategy and Development (10%) Gains comprehensive understanding of the goals of the organization, overarching NGS strategy, matrices within the organization, and relevant Explorer-led projects and programs. Program Management (20%) Executes tactical components of the strategy under direction of leadership and in support of the SIP team. Includes but not limited to: Manages tasks as assigned, executes event and operational logistics. Develops competence by performing structured work assignments. Uses established processes to resolve issues/challenges. Serves on internal cross-platform workgroups to inform programmatic strategy and results. Team, Divisional, and organizational Collaboration: (10%) Contributes to impact team and division goals. Supports effective communication within the Programs team as well as between the Programs team and other NGS departments. What You’ll Bring Educational Background Bachelor's degree required. Minimum Years and Types of Experience 2 years of experience. Necessary Knowledge and Skills 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. Ability to coordinate and manage appointments, meetings, and multiple schedules. Technical proficiency with Salesforce, G-Suite tools, Wrike and/or other project management tools. Presentation design is a plus. Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to learn quickly and adapt to new situations. Desired Qualifications Familiarity with social media and other communication tools and, including Slack. Knowledge of, or experience in, the social sciences, particularly archaeology, paleoanthropology, social anthropology and/or biological anthropology. 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 hourly range for this position is $25.13 - $26.45. 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.

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