Manager, Public Programming

How You’ll Contribute

The National Geographic Society headquarters, based in Washington, , is undergoing a significant renovation project on its campus (called Base Camp). In 2026, we are opening the Museum of Exploration, featuring a state-of-the-art pavilion entrance, auditorium, iconic photo gallery, exhibition space, immersive walk-through attraction, retail, food and beverage, education center, archives, tours, and exciting new event space. The capstone of the renovation is a one-of-a-kind nighttime experience in the courtyard.

This position sits within the Campus and Experiences division, and is responsible for creating ticketed and free experiences at the Museum of Exploration that engage local and global audiences, showcase National Geographic Explorers, and highlight the Museum’s exhibitions and collections. In addition to enriching the on-campus guest experience, the division currently manages two other Public Programming business lines : the National Geographic Live touring speaker series, which brings Explorer-led storytelling to performing arts venues worldwide, and the Speakers Bureau, which provides compelling speakers for private engagements around the globe. These programs are designed to advance the Society’s mission by deepening public understanding of science, exploration, and storytelling, while driving sustainable revenue for the organization.

The Manager will report to the Director, Museum Programming, focusing on the logistical, operational, and production elements of both free and ticketed events.

Your Impact

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include :

Program Development & Curation (30%)

Develop and advance a year-round slate of public programs for the Museum of Exploration, including but not limited to : lectures, workshops, tours, family days, performances, film screenings, and community festivals while aligning with the Society’s mission and strategic goals.

Collaborate with internal teams and National Geographic Explorers to develop compelling program content and themes accessible and inspiring for a variety of audiences.

Work closely with the Education division to develop and implement museum education programs

Event Production & Management (40%)

Manage the end-to-end advancement of assigned programs, including planning, staffing, logistics, ticketing, and vendor coordination.

Maintain and optimize program budgets to ensure cost-effective execution while meeting revenue and impact goals.

Ensure a high-quality guest experience through thoughtful program design, considerations specific to audience age, and attention to detail.

Coordinate with internal departments (A / V, Facilities, Security, Marketing) to ensure seamless execution of events.

Develop marketing materials in collaboration with the Marketing team to support successful event attendance

Strategy, Evaluation & Impact (20%)

Develop programs that achieve annual revenue / attendance targets.

Track key performance metrics (attendance, revenue, guest feedback, educational outcomes) and use data to iterate and improve on programming.

In collaboration with the Director, help to develop and implement departmental processes and best practices

Support the scaling of successful programs for touring or virtual formats.

Work with the Advancement team to support event sponsorship, including providing, assets and logistics support as needed

Management (10%)

Contribute to a strong team culture, focused on creativity, teamwork, innovation, and service of the overall National Geographic mission

Manager the work of the Family & Educational Programming Event Specialist, providing guidance, support, and day-to-day supervision to ensure successful planning and delivery of events.

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

5+ years of experience in public programming, event management, or performing arts curation with a strong emphasis on developing and delivering programs.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

Proven ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder public events from concept to execution.

A passion for science, exploration, culture, or the arts , with the ability to translate complex topics into engaging experiences for children and families.

Experience working with speakers, artists, or content creators; familiarity with working with nonprofit or mission-based organizations a plus.

Effective written and oral communications skills

Proficiency Nonprofit Cloud, , Google Office, Microsoft Office Suite, Keynote and ticketing software is desired

Astute attention to detail

Ability to manage competing priorities and multitask while under tight deadlines

Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate well with all levels

Availability to attend evening and weekend events

Excellent organizational, communication, and cross-functional collaboration skills

Desired Qualifications

Background in museum programming, performing arts, or educational events

Experience developing family or educational programs in close collaboration with Educational teams

Experience with revenue-generating public programs and / or grant-funded initiatives

Supervision

1+ direct report

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 $80, - $85,

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.

Job Designation

On-Site Flex - Staff members who must be physically present at Base Camp to do the vast majority of their work supporting overall building and museum operations. On-Site Flex staff hours are determined in consultation with supervisors, and are responsive to the needs of the MOE and other building operations, often including nontraditional (M-F, 9 - 5 work hours.