Vice President, Crisis Communications and PR

How You’ll Contribute

The Communications, Marketing, and Brand team uses creative and strategic tools to further the mission of the National Geographic Society (NGS), while maintaining our place as one of the world’s most trusted non-profit organizations and global brands. The Division’s creative minds develop and execute mission-driven, on-brand strategies and integrated strategic communications, marketing, creative, and audience growth for the National Geographic Society, unifying our efforts across our owned channels, outside partners, and earned media.

The team is composed of seven integrated departments: Creative, Integrated Brand Marketing, Partnerships Marketing, MarCom Operations and Internal Communications, Strategic Communications, Executive Communications, and Crisis Communications and Public Relations.

The VP of Crisis Communications and PR reports into the Chief Communications, Marketing and Brand Officer and serves as the senior strategic advisor, directing global reputation management, media relations, and high-stakes crisis response for the National Geographic Society. This role will be a key liaison with partner communication teams, specifically The Walt Disney Company.

This role focuses on protecting brand reputation by leading communication strategies during—and in preparation for—high-risk situations, serving as a spokesperson, and guiding executive leadership.

Additionally, the VP of Crisis Communications and PR will work to raise visibility of the Society as an impact-driven nonprofit and advance its overall narrative through a comprehensive communications strategy. This includes securing a sustained drumbeat of earned media amplification to support owned media efforts that increase awareness and relevance of the brand and its impact with key audiences.

The VP will play a key role in message development and will build and maintain top-tier relationships with journalists, industry influencers, and international media outlets.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include:

Strategic Leadership & Advisory (25%)

• Serve as the primary strategic advisor to the C-suite on public perception, risk mitigation, and executive positioning, with direct interaction with the CEO and CLO.
• Develop and lead comprehensive, society-wide communications strategies aligned with long-term growth and operational priorities.
• Develop recommendations for key thought leadership opportunities in support of broader MarCom plans.
• Oversee the creation and evolution of long-term crisis preparedness strategies, including response playbooks and rapid-deployment “holding statements.”
• Lead high-level negotiations and strategic decision-making during crises to stabilize the organization and ensure a unified response.
• Maintain relationships with key partner communications leadership and effectively manage agency resources.
• Help shape integrated communication and marketing plans by providing strategic counsel aligned with the Society’s values and inclusive content best practices.

Crisis & Issues Management (25%)

• Lead the command center during critical incidents, managing real-time communication across multiple channels to address misinformation or emerging threats.
• Shape and defend the organizational narrative during high-visibility global crises (e.g., legal disputes, regulatory issues).
• Act as the primary spokesperson for sensitive or complex company news, managing media inquiries and providing public reassurance.
• Design and oversee crisis simulation programs and media training for senior leadership.

Reputation & Media Relations (25%)

• Build and maintain relationships with key journalists, industry influencers, and international media outlets to secure high-quality press coverage.
• Develop reputational monitoring protocols using advanced analytics tools to track public sentiment and identify risks early.
• Lead development and execution of annual strategic PR and earned media communications plans in partnership with key stakeholders.
• Ensure consistent and amplified brand messaging across earned, owned, and shared media channels.
• Lead external positioning and messaging strategies, including drafting talking points, speeches, press releases, and blog posts.
• Create and lead media training sessions for National Geographic spokespeople, including executives and Explorers.
• Support leadership in securing speaking engagements at conferences and events, including content development.

Team Leadership (25%)

• Coach the team to proactively identify and secure thought leadership opportunities such as op-eds, earned media, and external outreach.
• Oversee direct reports who collaborate with external partners and internal subject-matter experts.
• Manage team members responsible for messaging, written narratives, visuals, and presentations.
• Develop a clear vision for the team, including goals, KPIs, insights, and execution plans.
• Monitor staff performance, assign accountabilities, and conduct annual performance reviews.
• Partner with Legal, HR, and Security teams to ensure communications meet regulatory and ethical standards.

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English, or a related field.

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

• 15+ years of progressive leadership in PR, corporate affairs, or crisis management.
• 7+ years of management experience.
• Experience in high-profile, global, brand-sensitive environments.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Proven track record supporting C-suite executives and business units with coordinated communications.
• Strong experience working with media across traditional, digital, and social platforms.
• Excellent news judgment, media relations, and crisis communications skills.
• Ability to craft compelling narratives and communicate impact effectively.
• Strong understanding of the evolving media landscape.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage sensitive information with discretion.
• Ability to navigate complex, fast-moving issues with composure and resilience.
• Strong leadership and mentoring capabilities.
• Strong project management and prioritization skills.
• Experience managing agencies and external partners.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and travel as needed.

Desired Qualifications

• Experience fostering a strong organizational culture.
• Experience leading change within complex organizations.
• Background in advocacy, nonprofit, or fundraising environments.
• Experience working with legacy brands.
• PR agency experience.
• Established relationships with journalists covering science, environment, education, or nonprofits.

Supervision

• 2+ direct reports and a team of 4.

Salary Information

The National Geographic Society offers a competitive and holistic total rewards package. Compensation is based on industry-specific market data for similar-sized nonprofit organizations.

The salary range reflects factors such as organizational need, skills, experience, training, and certifications. Candidates are typically hired at or near the starting point of the range, depending on circumstances.

Salary Range: $247,000.00 – $260,000.00

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; wellness programs; 401(k) with employer match after 6 months; flexible paid time off (up to 22 days annually, 15 days for first-year hires); 10 days of sick leave; 12 paid holidays; paid winter break (December 25–31, role-dependent); paid parental leave; adoption and surrogacy assistance; fertility benefits; professional development; Lifestyle Spending Account; pet adoption assistance; transportation benefits; employer-paid life insurance and disability; and National Geographic discounts and perks.

Job Designation

Hybrid – Most staff work on a hybrid schedule, with required in-office days at Base Camp every Tuesday and Wednesday. Additional in-office days are optional.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

We encourage you to apply even if your experience does not fully match the description. We value relevant skills and potential, and aim to foster a more inclusive and growing organization.

Apply here