Chief of Staff, Communications

How You’ll Contribute

The Chief of Staff, Communications Division reports to the Chief Communications Officer (CCO) and serves as a strategic partner in communications planning, operations oversight, and budget management across the division. Manages the preparation and planning of large-scale communications initiatives and assists with the development and implementation of the annual integrated marketing and communications plan for NGS. Provides ongoing project management support to advance operational effectiveness and productivity across teams. Designs and oversees division processes and procedures to ensure alignment and support of the NGS strategic plan.

Your Impact  

Responsibilities Include

Serves as liaison between the CCO and colleagues, team members, partners, constituents and other key stakeholders. Helps determine which opportunities, people and concerns require the CCO’s direct attention, which can be deferred and which can be handled by others. Assumes responsibility for matters delegated by the CCO. Creates agendas for Direct Report Team meetings, the Division All-Hands meetings, and presides over certain meetings at the request of the CCO. Ensures collaboration that facilitates effective working relationships across the Society. Responds to routine external correspondences in collaboration with the Communications division. (40%)

Works with the senior team within the Communications Division to help develop plans that align to the strategic plan and translate these goals into concrete milestones. Track and summarize progress across critical metrics to deliver on strategy and mission for the communications team, raising potential areas of concern early. (20%)

Works closely with the CCO on managing and overseeing budget for the division. Serves as the centralized liaison to the finance department on budget matters. Leads budget planning process for the division. Reviews and monitors budget on an ongoing basis and works closely with teams on management. (20%)

Works with the other divisions on cross-functional projects as directed by the CCO. Designs, organizes and implements strategic communications initiatives and special projects in collaboration with other departments, partners and external constituents. (20%)

What You’ll Bring

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; Synthesizes complex information for utility of the CCO and division-wide.
• Ability to orchestrate strategic and complex cross-functional communications planning efforts and other business activities with sharp business acuity, creativity, and attention to detail.
• High level of integrity, judgment, and discretion to handle and manage the full scope of highly sensitive, confidential, and non-public information dealt with by the CCO and communications division.
• Experience managing large million dollar+ budgets; understands budget planning and has a strong grasp of financial management.
• Researches and analyzes key business drivers, competitive environment, opportunities, and trends – and makes evidence-driven recommendations.
• Executes the CCO’s priorities swiftly and thoroughly.
• Works with internal stakeholders to make the most effective use of company resources.
• Understands and represents the strategy and values of the National Geographic Society.

Education

Bachelor’s degree required.

Minimum Years of Experience  

10+ years of related experience.

Supervision

No Direct Reports. 

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.