Manager, Event Operations

National Geographic Society•Washington, DC

22h•Onsite

About The Position

The Campus and Experiences division creates and supports inspirational experiences for live audiences and delivers excellent service and operations at National Geographic Society facilities. The division is responsible for our Base Camp headquarters, including all aspects of the Museum of Exploration. This division also produces and generates revenue through National Geographic Live, Speakers Bureau and National Geographic’s Traveling Exhibitions programs. The Manager, Event Operations oversees daily event operations as part of the Hospitality and Retail department for the Museum of Exploration. This role provides strategic leadership and operational management for all internal and external events hosted at the Museum of Exploration and across the National Geographic campus. Reporting to the Senior Manager, this role leads event delivery, manages operational budgets, optimizes venue logistics, and drives team performance to elevate National Geographic’s brand standards and guest satisfaction.

Requirements

5+ years event operations leadership, with 2+ years directly supervising teams or vendors in a museum, high-volume venue, or hospitality environment.
Demonstrated ability to lead, influence, and align multidisciplinary teams (A/V, facilities, catering, safety) and external vendors around shared operational goals.
Proven skill in developing, documenting, and enforcing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to streamline event setup, execution, and teardown.
Experience managing vendor performance, enforcing SLAs, negotiating event scope, and ensuring strict compliance with vendor contracts and COIs.
Strong decision-making skills under pressure, with a track record of resolving real-time operational issues and managing floor risks during high-stakes live events.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the confidence to interface effectively with high-profile clients, internal executives, and external partners.
Ability and willingness to work non-standard, variable hours including early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays based on event schedules.
Ability to stand, walk, and navigate a large campus footprint for extended periods (8–12+ hours during major production days) and routinely lift/move equipment up to 50 lbs. as required for event execution.
Keen attention to detail
Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workplace tools

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated leadership skills with experience coaching, evaluating, and managing staff or contract teams.
Understanding of labor optimization, event budgeting, equipment allocation, and venue capacity management.
Proficiency in enterprise event scheduling and operations management software (e.g., Infor, Monday.com, EMS, or similar platforms).
Knowledge of local venue safety regulations, crowd management protocols, fire codes, and ADA compliance standards.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and refine operational SOPs to optimize efficiency and event quality.
Oversee end-to-end operational strategy for a multi-million-dollar annual portfolio of high-profile internal and external events.
Manage relationships, SLA compliance, and contract terms for third-party catering, A/V, and production vendors.
Serve as the primary on-site point of contact for clients and internal teams during events to ensure smooth operations and guest satisfaction.
Conduct pre-event walk-throughs to address questions and collect operational details from vendors, internal teams, and clients.
Compile and distribute post-event nightly reports to key internal stakeholders.
Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) for event execution, guest satisfaction, and vendor performance.
Lead cross-departmental operations syncs with A/V, facilities, catering, and visitor service leaders to align site logistics, optimize resource allocation, and proactively resolve operational bottlenecks for all upcoming campus events.
Optimize the balance between museum revenue targets and operational capacity through joint planning and decision-making across Campus and Experiences teams.
Lead, schedule, and direct cross-functional event staff and third-party contractors, fostering a culture of accountability and high service standards.
Oversee and command day-of execution across internal service partners (A/V, Visitor Experience, Janitorial, Security) and external contractors to ensure strict adherence to event timelines, brand standards, and safety protocols.
Analyze post-event operational data and operational bottlenecks to design, document, and implement enhanced Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that elevate venue standards and efficiency.
Ensure compliance with accessibility guidelines, building regulations, and safety protocols during all event planning and execution phases.
Leverage event management systems (Infor, Monday.com) to drive data-informed decisions, improve scheduling workflows, and generate operational analytics.

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