Producer, National Geographic Live

National Geographic•Washington, DC

2d•Remote

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). 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. The Public Programming team creates 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 department manages two other primary 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 Producer, National Geographic Live, will help bring the stories of National Geographic to audiences around the country through unique live stage experiences. You will partner with National Geographic Explorers to unpack their stories and build them into compelling narratives that are hosted in real time with in-person audiences at iconic venues, including the soon-to-open Museum of Exploration. You will contribute to the creative development—everything from drafting scripts to in-depth media research—for our internationally touring live shows that require a discerning eye for compelling visuals. The successful candidate will be a strong writer and a capable narrative editor who can also collaborate well with everyone from other producers to scientists and photographers.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required, with focus on journalism, filmmaking, or natural sciences.
7+ years of experience in editorial audiovisual production, including live and virtual distribution for events in a wide range of venues
Extensive production experience, from pitch to post to on-stage execution
Strong background in nonfiction stories about wildlife, science, and human cultures
Experience with live events or theater productions
Proven ability to work independently and create innovative, accurate, compelling narratives while delivering on deadline
Strong writing skills to find and polish complex narratives and refine them into approachable language for the stage
Strong problem solving, collaboration, and influencing skills
Proven ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously while knowing what is realistic to accomplish in the time allotted for show production
Mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite
Demonstrated skills for communicating clearly with creative and technical collaborators, as well as with external talent
Ability to react quickly and positively under a wide variety of sensitive situations
Attention to detail and a familiarity with rights management and asset clearances
Ability to travel approximately 25%

Nice To Haves

Awareness of the National Geographic Society mission and values and prior experience working with National Geographic Explorers
Experience directing on-location and/or in studio shoots
Experience coaching live performers or performing in live events

Responsibilities

Conduct research on National Geographic Explorers and their stories to contribute ideas for a new roster of shows each year that will inspire, inform, and entertain audiences while meeting revenue goals
Support and participate in team brainstorms / pitch sessions and help build out pitches with visual research as needed
Monitor global trends in live entertainment and immersive storytelling to ensure the roster remains competitive and innovative
Manage show production on assigned projects based on provided and/or approved show outlines
Research and write scripts based on provided and/or approved show outlines, ensuring National Geographic Live creative caliber and National Geographic brand standards are preserved.
Tailor communication and coaching styles to the specific needs of external talent, providing high-touch support for those with limited public speaking experience to ensure they are prepared for a professional stage.
Organize and plan potential field shoots, both domestic and abroad, ensuring all department and organization-wide standard operating procedures and protocols are met.
In partnership with Senior Producer, develop, produce, and edit audiovisual content (photos, videos, motion graphics) optimized for large-scale theatrical production.
In collaboration with internal NGS departments, source all required media assets while ensuring proper documentation of acquisition and rights clearances.
Navigate complex internal workflows with a "solutions-oriented" mindset, building consensus among stakeholders with differing priorities to keep productions on schedule and on brand.
Lead and manage third-party internal or external vendors as assigned.
Assist in the development of topical programming and talent scouting for on-stage presenters.
During show development, work with Marketing to develop assets that might be used in venue and client show promotion ensuring creative standards are upheld across all platforms.
Manage the administrative side of show production including schedules, budgets, and legal binders, on assigned projects.
Provide on-site production support and talent coaching during show premieres and key tour stops to ensure high-quality execution.

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