Optimizer Programming Strategist, National Geographic YouTube

The National Geographic Programming Strategy team owns the planning and scheduling of National Geographic content across platforms, including linear, nonlinear, direct-to-consumer, and YouTube platforms, within Disney Entertainment Television. The team programs hundreds of hours of premiere and library content each year 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, working across the flagship channel and other channel initiatives to drive content execution, publishing, and performance growth. This role partners cross-functionally to support effective distribution and alignment with platform strategy, leveraging YouTube analytics and creative tools such as Premiere and Photoshop to deliver data-driven, high-performing content.

Responsibilities:

• Content Production & Execution: Optimize content, metadata, and thumbnails across YouTube channels in alignment with brand performance goals and best practices; manage upload details including titles, descriptions, metadata, tags, chapters, thumbnails, and end screens; ensure accuracy, quality control, and timely delivery of published content.

• Channel Operations & Maintenance: Manage daily channel operations, including homepage curation, playlist organization, metadata updates, and link maintenance; partner with Operations to troubleshoot upload, content, or platform issues; serve as a key contact 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, click-through rate, and retention; apply performance insights to improve thumbnails, titles, metadata, content packaging, publishing cadence, and content format testing.

• Content Optimization & Platform Best Practices: Implement YouTube best practices across 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 data.

• 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 workflows related to fingerprinting, content claims, monetization, and geo-filtering; assist with implementation of platform features such as Shorts and Live initiatives.

Basic Qualifications:

• 3+ years of experience managing and growing a major legacy brand’s YouTube channel

• YouTube certification preferred.

• Established editorial voice with proven experience supporting a globally recognized media brand required.

• Expertise in digital content optimization, monetization, YouTube Studio/Analytics, online community growth, SEO and/or copywriting, and YouTube best practices.

• Ability to translate complex trends into actionable content strategies and collaborate effectively with creative teams.

• Experience working within established brand guidelines, including maintaining tone, visual style, and messaging consistency across content.

• Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail.

• Proficiency in Adobe Photoshop, Premiere, Airtable, Microsoft Office, Teams, and Google Workspace.

• Self-starter who can prioritize workflows in a fast-paced environment.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Strong interest in online trends and National Geographic programming.

• Fast learner with the ability to master new systems independently; proficient in both Mac and PC environments.

• Candidates must live within a reasonable commuting distance of the 7 Hudson Square office in New York City. This role requires onsite work four days per week.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to speak Spanish is preferred but not required.

• Past agency experience

Required Education:

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

The hiring range for this position in New York, NY 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.