Coordinator, Public Programming

National Geographic Society•Washington, DC

7d•Onsite

About The Position

The National Geographic Society headquarters, based in Washington, D.C., is undergoing a significant renovation project on its campus (called Base Camp), which will be completed in 2026. The public-facing portion of this renovation will be the new National Geographic Museum of Exploration. Components of the new museum will include 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, helping to create 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 Coordinator will report to and provide support for the Senior Director, National Geographic Live.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree preferred
2+ years of experience in a similar role
Effective written and oral communications skills
Prior administrative experience
Proficiency Nonprofit Cloud, Monday.com, Google Office, Microsoft Office Suite, Keynote and Adobe 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
Ability to successfully work within a highly collaborative team environment
Flexibility to attend evening and weekend events
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of and experience working in a related industry – visitor attraction, museum, facilities, live theater, and/or events
Experience implementing and optimizing budgets against actuals

Responsibilities

Assist with the planning and execution of Museum Programming, National Geographic Live, and Speakers Bureau events, tracking progress and deadlines to ensure timely completion.
Assist with the maintenance and organization of team-wide information and project management.
Update team organizational tools, such as Monday.com and Nonprofit Cloud.
Book and coordinate travel and hotel for Public Programming speakers, plus team members and leadership as needed
Maintain and organize files, contracts, documents, and records related to departmental operations.
Process invoices, purchase orders, and expense reimbursements for Museum Programming, National Geographic Live, and Speakers Bureau as assigned.
Provide production support for Museum Programming events and the team as needed.
Work closely with the Marketing team to ensure that all Museum Programming, National Geographic Live, and Speakers Bureau events are accurately reflected and updated on all marketing materials and channels, including the website.
Maintain departmental calendars and space reservations and requirements
Provide high-level administrative assistance to the Senior Director, National Geographic Live including managing calendars, scheduling meetings, and coordinating travel arrangements.
Oversee the processing and tracking of the Senior Director’s expenses, ensuring adherence to budgets and timely submission for reimbursement.
Prepare meeting agendas, presentations, and reports; take detailed meeting minutes and track action items to ensure follow-through.
Facilitate departmental events, such as team retreats or travel
Develop and maintain strong, positive and empathetic working relationships with key departments and external partners to ensure work is executed at a high level and outcomes are met.
Coordinate communication with internal and external stakeholders, including vendors, partners, and donors.
Represent the Society onsite with VIPs and special guests at Museum Programming events as assigned
Support the development of strategic presentations, proposals, and reports as needed.
Undertake special projects and assignments as directed by the Senior Director.

Benefits

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)
10 days of sick leave
12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31
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
a variety of National Geographic discounts and perks