Job Posting Title:
Programming Strategist (Optimization National Geographic and Kids & Animals YouTube)
Req ID:
Job Description:
Job Summary:The Programming Strategist leads day-to-day management and optimization of National Geographic's YouTube channels, Nat Geo Animals and Nat Geo Kids, driving content execution, publishing, and performance growth. This role partners cross-functionally to ensure effective distribution and alignment with platform strategy, leveraging YouTube analytics and creative tools including Premiere and Photoshop to deliver data-driven, high-performing content across the YouTube channels.
Responsibilities:Content Production & Execution - Optimize content, metadata, and thumbnails across YouTube channels, aligning with brand performance and best practices.
- Enter all information required for upload and metadata flow for titles, descriptions, metadata, tags, chapters, thumbnails, and end screens to YouTube.
- Ensure accuracy, quality control, and timely delivery of all published content.
- Support execution of content plans defined by the Programming Strategy team.
Channel Operations & Maintenance - Manage daily channel operations, including homepage curation, playlist organization, metadata updates, and link maintenance.
- Work with Operations to troubleshoot upload, content, or platform issues and provide feedback on tools and workflows.
- Serve as one of the key contacts for Operations, YouTube/Google partners, and internal stakeholders.
Performance Monitoring & Optimization - Monitor channel and content performance in partnership with Research teams.
- Track key metrics such as views, watch time, CTR, and retention.
- Apply performance learnings to improve thumbnails, titles, and metadata; optimize content packaging and publishing cadence; and support testing and iteration of content formats and presentations.
Content Optimization & Platform Best Practices- Implement YouTube best practices across all uploads and channel experiences.
- Stay current on platform trends, algorithm shifts, and emerging features.
- Assist in testing and refining thumbnails, titles, and formats using performance insights.
Cross-Functional Collaboration - Partner with Programming, Operations, Production, Marketing, and Digital teams to execute content plans.
- Support promotional campaigns, tentpoles, and cross-platform initiatives.
Audience & Platform Insights - Monitor audience behavior, trends, and feedback to inform optimization decisions.
- Share observations and insights with the broader team to improve programming strategy.
Platform Operations & Monetization Support - Support technical workflows related to fingerprinting, content claims, monetization, and geo-filtering.
- Assist with implementation of platform features such as Shorts or Live initiatives.
Basic Qualifications:- Experience: 3+ years of experience managing and growing a major YouTube channel. YouTube certification is a plus. Familiarity in the designated Made for Kids space and direct experience navigating COPPA restrictions and MFK platform restrictions.
- Platform Expertise: Expert in digital content optimization, monetization, YouTube Studio/Analytics, growing an online community, SEO and/or copywriting, and YouTube best practices.
- Strategic & Creative: Ability to translate complex trends into actionable content strategies; skilled at collaborating with creative teams. Experience working with or within established brand guidelines for a globally recognized media company, including maintaining tone, visual style, and messaging consistency across content.
- Operational Excellence: Highly organized, with meticulous attention to detail and proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, Airtable, MS Office, Teams, and Google Workspace.
- Soft Skills: Self-starter capable of prioritizing workflows in a fast-paced environment with excellent written and verbal communication.
- Brand Affinity: Strong interest in online trends and National Geographic's programming.
- Technical Agility: Fast learner with the ability to master new systems independently; proficient in both Mac and PC environments.
- Candidates must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the office at 7 Hudson Square in New York City. This role requires onsite work four days per week.
Required Education:- Bachelor's degree in a media-related field or equivalent work experience.
The hiring range for this position in 7 Hudson Square NYC is $83,200 to $111,500 per year. The base pay actually offered will take into account internal equity and also may vary depending on the candidate's geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience among other factors. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to the full range of medical, financial, and/or other benefits, dependent on the level and position offered.
Job Posting Segment:
Networks and News Groups
Job Posting Primary Business:
Business Ops & Program Strategy
Primary Job Posting Category:
Content Digital Strategy
Employment Type:
Full time
Primary City, State, Region, Postal Code:
New York, NY, USA
Alternate City, State, Region, Postal Code:
Date Posted:
2026-08-05
