<<

Position Description and Candidate Profile Position

Chief Marketing Officer

Based at the Society headquarters in Washington, D.C., the National Geographic Channels US are a joint venture between National Geographic and Networks. The Channels contribute to the National Geographic Society’s commitment to exploration, conservation and education with smart, innovative programming and profits that directly support its mission. Launched in January 2001, National Geographic Channel (NGC) celebrated its fifth anniversary with the debut of NGC HD. In 2010, the wildlife and natural history cable channel was launched, and in 2011, the Spanish-language network Nat Geo Mundo was unveiled. The Channels have carriage with all of the nation’s major cable, telco and satellite television providers, with NGC currently available in over 85 million U.S. homes. Globally, National Geographic Channel is available in more than 440 million homes in 171 countries and 45 languages. For more information, visit www.natgeotv.com.

For more than 30 years, National Geographic has been the leader in wildlife programming. The networks Nat Geo WILD and Nat Geo WILD HD, launched in 2010, offer intimate encounters with nature’s ferocious fighters and gentle creatures of land, sea and air that draw upon the cutting-edge work of the many explorers, filmmakers and scientists of the National Geographic Society. Part of the National Geographic Channels US, based in Washington, D.C., the networks are a joint venture between National Geographic and Fox Cable Networks. In 2001, National Geographic Channel (NGC) debuted, and 10 years later, Spanish-language network Nat Geo Mundo was unveiled. The Channels have carriage with all of the nation’s major cable, telco and satellite television providers, with Nat Geo WILD currently available in over 58 million U.S. homes. Globally, Nat Geo WILD is available in more than 144 million homes in 140 countries and 28 languages. For more information, visit www.natgeowild.com.

Opportunity

The National Geographic channel is at a pivotal moment in its growth and evolution; as a result, it is seeking a seasoned and well-rounded marketing executive to become an integral part of the senior management team. This individual will be an instrumental part of the team in strategically guiding the course of the channel’s continued growth and success.

1

Location

Washington DC

Reports To

Chief Executive Officer, Courteney Monroe

Responsibilities

The Chief Marketing Officer has full responsibility for both National Geographic and Nat Geo Wild channel’s marketing activities and resources with a focus on overall brand building to the consumer as well as to the cable/satellite industry and to the creative community (i.e. independent producers, agents, etc.). In particular this person oversees all aspects of marketing including brand strategy, creative, consumer marketing, on air media strategy, digital platforms, social media, partnership marketing ad sales marketing, licensing & merchandising, as well as consumer and trade communications, with a total staff of approximately 50 people.

This individual will have direct responsibility for developing the marketing strategy and tactics necessary for delivering against both short and long-term objectives. Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to the following:

• Serve as an integral member of the executive management team, assisting in the development and implementation of the network’s overall brand strategy. • Provide strategic, creative and tactical leadership to the marketing function with the goal of increasing awareness of programs, the network, industry relations, and internal communications. • Develop and implement an integrated brand strategy across the network with the on-air look, promotions, outside advertising, overall creative services, as well as manage all other strategic branding initiatives. • Expand various digital platforms and improve the social media experience to enhance and expand viewer awareness, engagement and ratings. • Develop and manage, where necessary, all marketing processes, measurements, information systems, etc. that are needed to enable the overall marketing function to operate efficiently and effectively in pursuit of its objectives. • Lead and manage the Company’s advertising, public relations, industry relations, sponsorship opportunities, and promotion activities. • Hire, develop and manage a motivated team, ensuring their growth and increasing contributions to the network. • Develops and manages marketing budgets. • Continue to build upon the National Geographic brand equity through strong utilization of consumer insights, understanding of marketplace and competitive dynamics, and visionary thinking and innovation.

2

Ideal Candidate Profile

We are searching for a dynamic, forward thinking marketing professional with an exceptional track record in positioning a brand successfully within the consumer market. This individual will have a minimum of 15+ years of professional experience, ideally with significant tenure within a TV broadcast and/or cable network, combined with demonstrated ability to serve as a leader and strategist in an entrepreneurial and growing business.

The ideal candidate will possess the following professional qualifications:

• A creative thinker and problem-solver with demonstrated experience in television and/or entertainment marketing with strategic, analytical and creative experience. • A proven track record of success and innovation in multi-platform marketing and consumer marketing with content. • Strong analytical skills; a detailed and sophisticated understanding of how key business drivers, industry and consumer trends, and the competitive landscape impact both the top and bottom-line. • A proven ability to translate consumer insights into creative experiences that enhance the network’s perception in the industry and with its viewers. • Help identify strategic partnerships that can enhance and increase brand awareness, viewership, etc. with the network’s core audience. • A demonstrated ability to serve as a thought leader and strategist capable of maximizing opportunities for National Geographic in a fast-changing media and entertainment landscape. • The ability to think outside the box and encourage this type of thinking among team members. An imaginative, innovative and strategic mind-set with a strong combination of creative sensibility and business acumen. • The ability to work successfully within a collaborative team environment as well as with diverse constituencies and creative personalities.

Education

Bachelor degree required, MBA desired.

Compensation

Compensation will be competitive and commensurate with experience. A customized package, including base salary, target incentive bonus and equity will be developed to attract the final candidate.

3

Contact

Gabriella Colantoni - [email protected]

4