Senior Cartographer

Senior Cartographer – National Geographic Society Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features. The Storytelling division works to expand the organization’s impact through journalism, photography, film/video, web content, mapping, asset management, and data visualization. As one of the largest funders to individual storytellers in this work, it also identifies key grantmaking and fellowship opportunities with creative talent. Much of the team’s programmatic activity is focused on identifying and building capacity for the next generation of diverse storytellers. The Senior Cartographer will play a leadership role in conceiving, designing, and refining maps, and graphics for a variety of media at National Geographic Society. In this position you will help maintain the standards of excellence for which National Geographic maps and graphics are known. This role reports to the Chief Cartographer and works closely with the Impact Story Lab, the Blue Boundaries project team and The Geographer and their team. This is a fixed‑term role with an end date of 12/31/31. Responsibilities Map Content Creation (60%) Play a lead role on conceptualization, research, design and art‑direction of compelling static and animated maps, graphics and data visualizations for a variety of media including print, web, mobile devices and video. Be responsible for adapting map content to and from static and interactive formats. Research, gather, process, and analyze spatial data and synthesize information from authoritative sources to create maps and graphics. Team and Institutional Responsibilities (40%) Ensure that cartographic products conform to established National Geographic Map Policy and cartographic conventions. Understand and contribute to the development of NG Map Policy and know where and how that policy should be applied on maps and graphics, especially around sensitive or controversial issues. Play a leading role in developing content ideas for maps and graphics, mentor colleagues and provide critique to peers. Promote a team‑based approach to map‑making at National Geographic. Develop and innovate cartographic methods and interactive technologies for print and electronic formats. Stay informed and trained on the latest technologies for interactive map and graphics development, establish connections in the industry, and document appropriate vendors and experts. Work cooperatively with Map Research Editor, Explorers, freelancers, and other sources to develop map content. Consult with sources and experts to scope and verify information presented in cartographic products (e.g., place names, locations of geographic features, thematic information). Document sources for acknowledgements. Exercise a thoughtful, collaborative approach to build relationships within the organization and with the NG Explorer community to understand the needs and opportunities to maximize the amplification of Explorer stories. Educational Background Bachelor’s degree in geography, cartography, motion graphic design, data journalism, animation, data science or related field. Master’s Degree preferred. Minimum Years and Type of Experience 7+ years of work experience. A strong portfolio of maps created in a professional capacity demonstrating a clear grasp of geography and cartographic techniques, a history of high‑level map design acumen, color theory and typography and a clear pattern of creativity through innovation. Knowledge and Skills Expertise in cartography, GIS and remote sensing using commercial or open source software. Proficiency in the Adobe Creative Cloud platform (essential knowledge of Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects). Experience designing, creating and incorporating maps into video and motion graphics. Experience creating maps and geospatial visualizations in a 3D environment using industry standard 3D tools (e.g. Blender, Maya, 3ds Max). Processing and analyzing remote sensing data for cartography. Strong visual and interactive design skills with a clear grasp of typography, layout, color, motion, projections and the ability to iterate on optimal design solutions. Good communication skills, including the ability to concisely explain a problem and to articulate a solution. Self‑managed, able to take direction, and be committed to iterative processes. Ability to grasp and critically evaluate new subject matters quickly and to evaluate data for quality, accuracy, and authoritativeness. Superior organization and the ability to manage complex projects with multiple timelines and deliverables, independently budget time and handle several tasks simultaneously under the pressure of tight deadlines. Desired Qualifications Proficiency in a language other than English is preferred. Background in National Geographic‘s core topics, such as photography, archaeology, geography, environment, and natural history. Familiarity with elevation and LiDAR data processing, and terrain rendering. Data journalism experience preferred, strong numeric literacy and quantitative skills. Experience with cloud‑based analytical platforms (e.g., Google Earth Engine). Supervision No direct reports; however, may be responsible for overseeing contractors, freelancers, and interns. Job Designation Hybrid Salary Information The National Geographic Society offers a competitive and holistic total rewards package. Our compensation structure and transparent pay philosophy are based on industry‑specific market data for similar‑sized nonprofit organizations. The salary range for this position accounts for a wide range of factors including but not limited to organizational need; specific skill sets; experience and training; certifications; and more. At the National Geographic Society, individuals are typically hired at or near the starting point of the salary range for their role, and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The salary range for this position is $137,700.00 - $145,000.00. In addition, the National Geographic Society offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, medical, dental, and vision insurance; engaging and comprehensive wellness program; 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching contributions after 6 months of employment; flexible paid time off benefits with up to 22 days of paid annual leave per calendar year (15 days for new hires in their first year, prorated based on the number of pay periods remaining in the year) and 10 days of sick leave; 12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31 (may not apply to all roles that are required to work during high volume seasons or essential workers. Please check with the hiring manager for confirmation.); paid parental leave, adoption and surrogacy expense reimbursement, fertility benefits; learning and development opportunities; Lifestyle Spending Account; pet adoption assistance and insurance; pre‑tax transportation benefits with a generous employer subsidy; employer‑paid life insurance and disability benefit; and a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks. Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr