Programming Strategist (Optimization National Geographic and Kids & Animals YouTube)

The National Geographic Programming Strategy team owns the planning and scheduling of National Geographic content across platforms, including linear, nonlinear, DTC, and YouTube. The team programs hundreds of hours of premiere and library content in both long and short form formats, crafting release strategies that connect content with audiences across all platforms.

About the Role

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.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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 a key contact for Operations, YouTube/Google partners, and internal stakeholders.
• Monitor channel and content performance in partnership with Research teams, tracking 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.
• 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.
• Partner with Programming, Operations, Production, Marketing, and Digital teams to execute content plans.
• Support promotional campaigns, tentpoles, and cross-platform initiatives.
• Monitor audience behavior, trends, and feedback to inform optimization decisions.
• Share observations and insights with the broader team to improve programming strategy.
• Support technical workflows related to fingerprinting, content claims, monetization, and geo-filtering.
• Assist with implementation of platform features such as Shorts or Live initiatives.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience managing and growing a major YouTube channel (YouTube certification is a plus).
• Familiarity with the Made for Kids space and direct experience navigating COPPA restrictions and MFK platform restrictions.
• Expertise in digital content optimization, monetization, YouTube Studio/Analytics, growing an online community, SEO, and/or copywriting.
• Ability to translate complex trends into actionable content strategies and collaborate with creative teams.
• Experience working with or within established brand guidelines for a globally recognized media company.
• Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail and proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, Airtable, MS Office, Teams, and Google Workspace.
• Self-starter capable of prioritizing workflows in a fast-paced environment with excellent written and verbal communication.
• Strong interest in online trends and National Geographic’s programming.
• Fast learner with the ability to master new systems independently; proficient in both Mac and PC environments.
• Must reside within a reasonable commuting distance of the office at 7 Hudson Square in New York City (onsite work four days per week).

Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in a media-related field or equivalent work experience.

Pay

The hiring range for this position in New York City is $83,200 to $111,500 per year. The base pay offered will vary depending on geographic region, job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. A bonus and/or long-term incentive units may be provided as part of the compensation package, in addition to medical, financial, and other benefits.