📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director, Social Media
🔹 Company: National Geographic Society
🔹 Location: Washington, DC (Hybrid)
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Non-profit Organizations
🔹 Date Posted: July 18, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (2 days on-site per week)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing a social media strategy focused on the Society's Explorer community
- Leading a team to create engaging content and manage social media platforms
- Collaborating with internal teams and external partners to amplify Explorer contributions
- Monitoring and analyzing social media performance to inform strategy
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of social media platforms and trends.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Developing and implementing an annual social media strategy centered on Explorer contributions
✅ Collaborating with Communications leadership and Explorer engagement teams to build relationships and content
✅ Managing a team to create and execute a content calendar, ensuring alignment with organizational goals
✅ Monitoring and analyzing social media performance, and adjusting strategy as needed
✅ Serving as the organization's social media subject matter expert
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree preferred
Experience: 10+ years of social media experience, with 3+ years of management experience
Required Skills:
- Deep understanding of social media platforms and strategies
- Proven ability to lead a high-functioning team
- Excellent oral and written communication skills
- Strong project management skills
- Ability to work effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment
Preferred Skills:
- Experience executing social media strategies for a complex nonprofit organization
- Experience identifying compelling stories and assets from a community of contributors
- Active social media user with a deep understanding of major platforms
- Deep experience with social media tools and project management software
- Demonstrated interest in science, storytelling, education, and conservation
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in nonprofit social media management and a passion for the Society's mission are strongly encouraged to apply.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $137,700 - $145,000 per year
Benefits:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Wellness program
- 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions
- Flexible paid time off benefits
- Paid sick leave, holidays, and winter break
- Paid parental leave, adoption, and surrogacy expense reimbursement
- Learning and development opportunities
- Lifestyle Spending Account
- Pet adoption assistance and insurance
- Pre-tax transportation benefits
- Life insurance and disability benefit
- National Geographic discounts and perks
Working Hours: Full-time, with flexible hours and the option to work remotely two days per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is based on industry-specific market data for similar-sized nonprofit organizations. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as organizational need, specific skill sets, experience, and training.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Non-profit Organizations, focused on supporting a community of Explorers who are illuminating and protecting the wonder of our world
Company Size: 501-1,000 employees
Founded: 1888
Company Description:
- An impact-driven nonprofit that invests in an international community of changemakers
- Supports Explorers who use science, exploration, education, and storytelling to illuminate and protect the world
- Official LinkedIn of the National Geographic Society; for media properties, visit NationalGeographic.com
Company Specialties:
- Science
- Storytelling
- Education
- Conservation
Company Website: National Geographic Society
ASSUMPTION: The National Geographic Society is a well-established organization with a strong brand and a clear mission. Applicants should be passionate about the Society's work and aligned with its values.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior management
Reporting Structure: Reports directly to the Chief Communications Officer
Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with two days on-site per week
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to shape the Society's social media strategy and make a significant impact
- Opportunities to collaborate with and learn from a diverse team of professionals
- Potential for career advancement within the Communications Division or the organization
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a team and make a meaningful impact on the Society's mission and brand.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid, with two days on-site per week
Office Location(s): 1145 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20036, US
Geographic Context:
- Washington, DC is a vibrant, multicultural city with a rich history and numerous cultural attractions
- The National Geographic Society's headquarters is located in the heart of the city, near numerous amenities and public transportation options
- The city offers a variety of housing options and neighborhoods to suit different preferences and budgets
Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hours and the option to work remotely two days per week
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be comfortable working in a hybrid environment and be able to commute to the office in Washington, DC two days per week.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager and other team members
- Final interview with senior leadership
Key Assessment Areas:
- Social media strategy and execution
- Team leadership and management
- Communication and collaboration skills
- Alignment with the Society's mission and values
Application Tips:
- Highlight relevant social media experience and achievements in your resume
- Tailor your cover letter to explain how your passion for the Society's mission and your social media expertise make you a strong fit for the role
- Prepare examples of your social media strategy and content creation skills for the interview
ATS Keywords: Social Media Strategy, Team Leadership, Content Creation, Social Listening, Communications, Project Management, Nonprofit, Explorer Engagement
ASSUMPTION: The application process may take several weeks, and applicants should be prepared to provide specific examples of their social media experience and achievements.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Social media platforms: Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook
- Social media management tools: Hootsuite, Buffer, Sprout Social
- Social media analytics tools: Google Analytics, Sprout Social, Hootsuite Insights
- Project management tools: Asana, Trello, Monday.com
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should have experience with social media management tools and be comfortable learning new tools as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Impact-driven
- Collaborative
- Inclusive
- Innovative
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and focused on making a meaningful impact
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How have you demonstrated your ability to develop and execute a successful social media strategy in a nonprofit context?
- How do you approach building and maintaining strong relationships with a diverse team of contributors?
- How do you stay up-to-date with the latest social media trends and best practices?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be able to demonstrate a strong fit with the Society's values and work style, as well as a passion for the organization's mission.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing a team remotely and ensuring alignment with organizational goals
- Keeping up with the fast-paced nature of social media and the organization's evolving needs
- Balancing the need to engage with the Society's Explorer community while also supporting the broader National Geographic brand
- Navigating the complexities of working in a hybrid environment
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be comfortable working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and be able to manage multiple priorities and changing deadlines.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on the Society's Explorer community and distinct from the National Geographic-branded social media channels managed through the Society's media partnership with The Walt Disney Company
- Nonprofit social media management roles may vary in terms of the organization's size, mission, and target audience
- Career progression in this role may involve moving into a senior leadership position within the Communications Division or the organization
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should research the Society's unique mission and Explorer community to understand how this role differs from other social media management positions.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a social media strategy to amplify the Society's Explorer community and their contributions
- Managing a team to create engaging content and manage social media platforms, ensuring alignment with organizational goals
- Collaborating with internal teams and external partners to identify and share compelling stories and assets from the Society's Explorer community
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be prepared to provide specific examples of their social media strategy and content creation skills during the interview process.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role support the Society's mission and Explorer community?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does the Communications Division collaborate with other teams within the organization?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development in this role?
- How does the Society support work-life balance for its employees?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should use the interview process to gain a deeper understanding of the role, the team, and the organization's culture and values.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant social media experience and achievements
- Prepare examples of your social media strategy and content creation skills for the interview
- Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to express your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
