Senior Director, Science – Perpetual Planet Expeditions

National Geographic Society

. Provide programmatic science direction and oversight for Perpetual Planet Expeditions .

Posted 10/23/2026full-timeUnited StatesSenior💰 $161,500 - $170,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in climate and environmental science, with a strong focus on programmatic oversight, grantmaking strategies, and impact measurement. Proven ability to lead teams, mentor professionals, and communicate complex scientific topics effectively to diverse audiences.

Highest-signal resume keywords

PhD In Relevant Scientific Discipline12+ Years Experience With Environmental NGO5+ Years People Management ExperienceExpertise In Climate ScienceStrong Writing And Oral Communication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Programmatic Science DirectionGrantmaking Strategy DevelopmentImpact MeasurementSpatial Data AnalysisLiterature ReviewsMonitoring And EvaluationConflict ResolutionProject ManagementBudget OversightScientific Publications

Soft Skills

LeadershipCoachingProblem-SolvingOrganizational SkillsCommunication

Tools & Technologies

CartographyData Analysis ToolsPresentation SoftwareProject Tracking Systems

Industry Keywords

Climate ScienceEnvironmental ScienceNGO EngagementConservationSpecies ProtectionUN EngagementThought LeadershipCross-Disciplinary Collaboration

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide programmatic science direction and oversight for Perpetual Planet Expeditions
Lead grantmaking strategies and oversee three subject matter experts
Develop projects, work plans, Explorer partnerships, policy oversight, monitoring and evaluation, and impact measurement
Finalize and execute the PPE program impact framework
Lead landscape and gap analyses for each continent and selection processes
Develop Requests for Proposals and the overarching grantmaking strategy
Support recruiting through professional networks and scientific conferences
Mentor and support Explorers through site visits, check-in calls, and advisory meetings
Guide program mapping and spatial data analysis with cartography and Strategic Insights teams
Lead cohort convenings and thought leadership symposia
Monitor climate science trends and provide expertise on conservation, climate, species protection, and UN/CSO engagement
Collaborate with internal departments, Explorers, scientific experts, sponsors, NGOs, and other external partners
Manage program agendas, trackers, reporting efforts, goals, outcomes, and timelines
Serve as PPE science spokesperson internally and externally
Oversee the science grantmaking budget
Oversee literature reviews, knowledge-sharing interviews, presentations, and concept documents
Oversee scientific publications and post-expedition research findings, including databases, status reporting, stakeholder communications, and factual accuracy
Grow recognition of the National Geographic Society as a leading scientific organization
Build cross-disciplinary and matrixed relationships and share program methodologies, monitoring and evaluation processes, and lessons learned
Travel 15–20% to remote global locations

Requirements

What you’ll need

PhD required in a relevant scientific discipline or a similar credential or qualification reflecting an extensive scientific background
5+ years of people management experience
12+ years of demonstrated experience with an environmental or related NGO
Background in climate or environmental science or a related field
Demonstrated management skills
Excellent coordination, communication, problem-solving, organizational, leadership, coaching, and supervisor skills
Strong writing and oral communication skills
Ability to create succinct documents and decks communicating program strategy, work plans, and objectives
Ability to convey complex scientific topics to executive audiences
Expertise in the environment space, latest trends, and thought leaders
Proven ability to resolve conflicts, align multi-departmental goals, and lead teams through a matrixed organizational structure
Experience working with science and non-science professionals
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Position is not eligible for visa sponsorship
3+ direct reports

Benefits

Comp & perks

Medical, dental, and vision insurance
Comprehensive wellness program
401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment
Flexible paid time off, with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year
10 days of sick leave
12 paid holidays
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 employer subsidy
Employer-paid life insurance and disability benefit
National Geographic discounts and perks
Hybrid work with Base Camp attendance two days each week