Specialist, Exploration Technology Lab

How You’ll Contribute The National Geographic Society invests in a diverse, global community of National Geographic Explorers who are leading a new age of exploration in support of our mission to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world through science, education, and storytelling. These bold individuals represent more than 140 countries and their vast array of backgrounds, perspectives, and fields bring us to the far reaches of the globe. Within the National Geographic Explorer Engagement team, the Exploration Technology Lab is a department that empowers our network of Explorers through access to innovative science and storytelling technologies and tools. In addition to providing physical and virtual technology to National Geographic Explorers, the team members also serve as technology advisors and subject matter experts to ensure National Geographic Explorers have resources when technology questions arise. The Specialist, Exploration Technology Lab (Specialist)'s primary responsibility is supporting the Exploration Technology Lab's programmatic needs, including the operational execution of technology access and support programs across all program tiers, keeping each program running smoothly from launch through close and follow-up. This role is responsible for executing administrative and operational tasks, conservation technology research, as well as managing the logistical, communications and data infrastructure that supports program delivery and the daily functions of the Exploration Technology Lab. The Specialist will report to the Director, Product Development to support the team in the strategic development and adaptive management of Exploration Technology Labs' programs and portfolios, but will support other dynamically evolving needs across the Lab. The Specialist should have a deep and broad curiosity about the world, a proactive and collaborative mindset, a strong sense of accountability and follow-through, and a willingness to take on new challenges. The ideal candidate is highly organized, detail-oriented and comfortable managing many moving parts across programs of varying structure and duration. This is a fixed-term role with an end date of December 31, 2030. Your Impact Responsibilities Include: Conservation and Storytelling Technology Research Support (30%) Understand related conservation and storytelling technology research relevant field(s), stay networked and informed on emerging trends, and scan for gaps and opportunities in the Exploration Technology Lab’s portfolio. With guidance from the Product Director, conduct research, program planning, and make recommendations on technology decisions. This includes performing landscape analyses for commonly used equipment in a technical area, identifying emerging tools or methods relevant to a program's focus, or compiling comparative information to inform the selection of a piece of technology.  Synthesize findings into clear, actionable summaries for program staff. Data Management & Reporting (30%) Ingest and organize program management data as well as field-collected data using data management tools while adhering to data best practices. Perform data collection, maintenance, updating and reporting; working with team members to create NGS forms, reports, campaigns, and dashboards to visualize program impact; summarize data and metrics for use in divisional reporting and analysis. Administer evaluation touchpoints and surveys tailored to each program's structure and needed response rate. Program Administration and Logistics Coordination (25%) In coordination with the operations team, support the mechanics of hardware and material acquisition, shipping, and management. This includes departmental purchasing and expense reporting, outbound and inbound equipment shipping tracking and associated paperwork. Support program organization, including scheduling, drafting and distributing agendas, taking and distributing notes, tracking action items, managing project records, and supporting facilitation as needed. Support programmatic administration of collaborators, independent contractors, and partners, including contracts and paperwork. Outreach & Communications (15%) In coordination with the Product Director, support the Exploration Technology Lab’s Explorer technology opportunity outreach strategy from initial recruitment through active program involvement, including collecting, drafting, editing, and distributing key content and programmatic surveys. Build distribution lists from internal databases and coordinate with partners and stakeholders to promote opportunities. Monitor communication channels and address routine questions. What You’ll Bring Educational Background Bachelor’s degree required in one or more science or conservation related fields is strongly preferred (such as in environmental science or conservation biology, metrics and evaluation/data science with a social or environmental science application, environmental studies, or natural resource management or engineering-adjacent degrees). Minimum Years and Type of Experience 3+ years of relevant experience in science or conservation, program coordination, metrics and evaluation, operations, or administrative support is preferred. Necessary Knowledge and Skills Experience conducting research and synthesizing findings into clear written summaries.  Strong organizational skills; proven ability to manage  multiple projects under deadlines, with changing priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. Excellent oral and written communication skills and ability to work with individuals and groups at all levels. Ability to work independently on process-driven work while knowing when to escalate. Ability to compile information from disparate sources (literature review, interviews and conversations, first-hand accounts, etc.) and produce condensed, topline messaging and/or recommend