Sr. Manager, Exploration Technology Lab

How You’ll Contribute

The Senior Manager, Exploration Technology Lab leads the Exploration Technology Lab’s (Lab) leads the Exploration Technology’s marine focused portfolio, which covers ocean-focused hardware and software technology-based training and technology products for National Geographic Explorers in support of the National Geographic Society’s mission and goals. The Senior Manager will be responsible for the development of new opportunities, the management of all strategic support for existing opportunities, and lead the development of marine technology-based collaborations with National Geographic collaborators and partners. In close coordination with the Exploration Technology Lab’s Director of Product Development, the Senior Manager, Exploration Technology Lab, will maximize outcomes of the Exploration Technology Lab’s marine portfolio of hardware and software in support of the National Geographic Society’s program imperatives.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include

Exploration Technology Program Execution: (40%)

• Lead program execution of the Exploration Technology Lab’s ocean-related portfolio of projects with both off-the-shelf and bespoke science and storytelling hardware and software. This includes partnership development, product support, asset creation and project management, as well as scientific leadership, publication support and other roles to see the activities and programs to completion.  

• Manage and facilitate Exploration Technology Lab collaborations between select technology-related Explorer-led projects. 

• Lead all Lab specific project and program management with Explorers selected for Lab technology-access opportunities.

• Manage the selection and onboarding process for the Lab’s Explorers cohorts within these technology-access opportunities.

• Manage the Lab’s logistics and planning activities for collaborative marine expeditions for selected Explorer cohorts.

• Support Explorer-led data analysis and publication activities related to these opportunities.

• Manage training and technical support for Explorers using the Lab’s tools (e.g. aquatic Crittercams, Deep Sea Cameras, Tator).

• Develop training assets as needed.

• Support marine-based field work, science planning and deployments of Lab supported technology where needed.

Exploration Technology Program Strategy and Development (30%)

• Lead the development of new technology-based Explorer opportunities based on careful, Explorer-focused needs assessments and analysis of the existing marine conservation space.

• Plan and manage the creation of webinars and other training resources for Explorers focused on available marine technology.

• Conduct assessment of the existing portfolio to determine efficacy of individual programs and projects against departmental goals. Provide advice and potential improvements to maximize positive Explorer experience and outcomes.

• With departmental leadership, lead annual planning of the ocean portfolio activities, including budgets, work plans, time lines, contracts, among other work products.

Fundraising, partnerships, and outreach (15%)

• Work with the team to create  fundraising assets and grant applications as needed (pitch decks, brochures, multimedia, etc.).

• Work with the team to identify and cultivate strategic partnerships with relevant technology companies, nonprofits, research institutions, and others to collaborate with and amplify the objectives of the Exploration Technology Lab’s programs, projects, and products. 

• Represent the team’s work with internal and external stakeholders.

• Present at conferences, gatherings, and other public events, as necessary.

• Support execution of portfolio marketing activities.

• Work with other internal teams to make sure that Explorers are aware of all of the resources and opportunities that are available to them from Ex Tech.

• Represent the Exploration Technology Lab and Explorer Engagement division in working groups and committees relevant to the portfolio to provide subject matter expertise and support cross-divisional alignment and collaboration to move NGS’ mission forward and maximize impact.
   

Leadership (15%)

• Promote marine technology innovation, collaboration, communication and incubation to foster great ideas as a team. 

• Demonstrate continued commitment to engagement, leadership, performance, and inclusion within the Lab. 

• Advocate for the transformative potential of marine-related technology within and outside the organization.

• Support external facing partnerships, opportunities and events as needed.

What You’ll Bring 

Educational Background

Bachelor’s degree required in a marine science-related field, and significant experience utilizing technology in the marine space. Advanced degree or related experience preferred in marine science, oceanography, marine biology, environmental science, conservation technology/engineering (mechanical, electrical, or robotics), or a related field.

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

7+ years of experience at the intersection of marine-based conservation technology and/or storytelling. 

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Strong network within academia, conservation groups and in marine and storytelling and technologies.

• Experience with public speaking, writing reports, and publishing research in marine technology or exploration.

• Must have advanced knowledge in the integration of science and technology.

• Must have strategy development skills.

• Must have the ability to effectively manage and monitor multiple ongoing projects

• Must have excellent leadership and communication skills, organizational skills and detail-oriented work style.

• Excellent multitasking and interpersonal skills.

• An understanding of how to write funding proposals - from grants, donors, or sponsors. 

• Strong understanding of scientific method and a demonstrated interest in the conservation of the Earth's cultural and natural resources.

Desired Qualifications

• Marine Technology: Experience with underwater robotics, autonomous vehicles (ROVs/AUVs), animal-born and/or oceanographic sensors.

• Field Operations: Experience with design, deployment logistics, and troubleshooting technology in marine environments. Experience leading or participating in marine expeditions in challenging or remote environments. Ability to troubleshoot basic technology problems.

• Data Science: Experience science planning to support sensor-based marine data analysis.

• Technology Development: Experience working with a hardware or software conservation or storytelling technology engineering team and/or engineers.Preference for candidates that are familiar with the following:

  • Project management tools such as Wrike

  • CRM tools such as  Salesforce or Airtable

  • Presentation tools such as Keynote or Powerpoint

Supervision

Contractors

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 salary range for this position is $99,700 - $105,000.

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; 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 includes staff who must 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 job duties, 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.

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. 

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