Programming Strategist (Optimization Nat Geo Animals & Nat Geo Kids YouTube)

The National Geographic Programming Strategy team owns the planning and scheduling of our National Geographic content across platforms, including linear, nonlinear, DTC and YouTube platforms, and sits within the Disney Entertainment Television group. The team programs hundreds of hours of premiere content per year, as well as library content in both long and short form formats. From linear and nonlinear television to Disney+, YouTube and beyond, our team crafts the release strategies that connect our content with the largest possible audience across all platforms. The team is the ultimate curators, platform strategists and slate planners for National Geographic content from the Walt Disney Company.

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.