Senior Writer, Executive Communications (Communications)

Reporting to the Vice President of Executive Communications, the Senior Writer, Executive Communications will fill a critical role as a principal writer and thought partner to increase the executive visibility of the Society’s primary ambassador, its CEO. The role will provide writing support and counsel for all communications on behalf of the CEO and other senior leaders, as necessary.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include:

• Lead the development and manage the positioning/message development of Executive Communications materials that support, refine, and amplify the CEO’s voice and overall narrative, including speeches, scripts, op-eds, blogs, talking points, newsletters, letters, statements, invitations, presentation materials, and other executive communications. Lead the development of executive visibility support for other senior leaders as needed. Collaborate with internal and external partners; liaise with internal subject-matter experts and department research resources. (50%)
• Lead the review process of written and verbal communications, correspondence, and messaging developed across the organization with the CEO as signatory, to ensure accuracy, clarity and consistency with executive “voice,” and brand/organizational messaging, adhering to protocols for editing and review process. Liaise with stakeholders across the organization to manage reviews. (20%)
• Serve as primary social media writer for the CEO, executing the social media strategy, including editorial planning, copy and content creation, engagement, monitoring, analysis and reporting as needed. (20%)
• Independently problem solve and generate ideas for a variety of internal and external communications on behalf of the CEO and other senior leaders, gathering research and background information as necessary. (10%) This includes:
  • Capturing ideas and content from regular interactions with the CEO, the Chief Communications, Marketing and Brand Officer (CCMBO), members of the Communications Division, and other internal stakeholders.
  • Translating key CEO and leadership activities into multiple types of communications materials/products and tailoring communications to each audience.
  • Staying on top of priority areas of work for the CEO, senior leaders, and the organization, while also mining news coverage for stories and opportunities that can optimize the CEO’s visibility and thought leadership opportunities.

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background

Bachelor’s Degree in journalism, writing, English, or related field

Minimum Years and Types of Experience

7-10 years of relevant experience.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Detail oriented with excellent editing and proofreading skills.
• Outstanding written and oral communication skills, including significant expertise writing in the “voice” of executive leaders.
• Hands-on experience navigating speaking engagements, conferences, and presentation development to ensure consistency of the organization’s “voice”.
• Ability to maintain high-quality work while managing multiple projects, under tight deadlines, with changing priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced, environment.
• Comfortable with accepting feedback, iterating, and adapting to deliver the desired communication deliverable.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to work with individuals and groups at all levels of the organization.
• Strong project management and time management skills with the ability to efficiently prioritize work.
• A proactive self-starter and creative problem solver with the ability to work independently as needed.
• A quick and motivated learner with enthusiasm for the National Geographic Society’s mission.
• Ability to properly handle confidential and sensitive information.
• Writing samples required.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience with nonprofit organizations and fundraising is a plus.
• Proficiency with Google Suite (Gmail, Drive, Docs, Sheets)
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint)
• Strong presentation skills, including comfort using Keynote, a plus.

Supervision

No 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.

The salary range for this position starts at $110,000.

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 they prefer.

We 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.