Sr. Manager, Brand Research

Reporting to the Director, Brand the Sr. Manager, Brand Research is a key member of the Brand and Creative team assisting in the development, execution, and monitoring of NGS’s brand strategy. The incumbent is a strategic and analytical thinker who, while working directly with the NGS leadership team, will manage the Society’s vetting and due diligence process for partners, strategic alliances, etc. This individual will help evaluate key external relationships to ensure alignment with NG Next strategic priorities and core values.

The Sr. Manager, Brand Research will be responsible for the successful vetting and due diligence research of identified individuals, business, and other entities focused on identifying potential risks and opportunities.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include:

Partnership Vetting & Due Diligence Reporting (50%)

• Manage the development and day-to-day execution of the enterprise-wide relationship philosophy and vetting.
• Research, review, write, and distribute due diligence reports for individuals or organizations that the National Geographic Society is considering working with, funding, receiving funding from or recognizing with an award to understand any reputational risks or other concerns (e.g., legal, political, financial, etc.).
• Use publicly accessible searches and databases (Google, social media) as well as tools that NGS has subscriptions to (e.g., LexisNexis, Hoovers, Dun & Bradstreets, and Guidestar) to conduct research and analysis for reports.

Partnership Integration & Execution (30%)

• Coordinate across stakeholders and along other partnership workstreams, including legal and advancement, to help support post-deal integrations with the Comms division.
• Perform assigned partner contract reviews to identify risk and areas of improvement.
• Manage and integrate all plans and scheduling.

Reporting (20%)

• Track request intake and regularly report on vetting and diligence happenings.
• Identify, communicate, and implement approved process improvements.
• Provide strategic guidance to NGS leadership, including CCMBO and VP, Brand and Creative on strategic partnership risks and opportunities. (5%)

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background
Bachelor’s degree is required. Credentials in business, communications, marketing, or related fields.

Minimum Years and Types of Experience

7+ years of brand or marketing partnership experience within a complex, matrixed organization in roles with advancing responsibility.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Proven track record of assessing and evaluating brand partnership opportunities.
• Highly creative, culturally aware, and curious.
• Data-driven with the ability to prioritize partnership activities across divisions in a fast-paced, high volume organization.
• Self-starter with ability to plan and lead projects from concept through launch with little supervision.
• Outstanding communicator with ability to present findings in a clear manner ready for leadership and legal review.
• Excellent project/process management and organizational skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal and collaboration skills with a passion for developing and nurturing strong cross-functional relationships in a highly-collaborative environment.
• Detail oriented and ability to multitask.
• Ability to handle sensitive information confidentially and exercise good professional judgment.

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 $97,000

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.