Specialist, Event Operations

How You’ll Contribute

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.

The Specialist, Event Operations will report to the Sr. Manager, Event Operations, and will be responsible for the logistical coordination and on-site execution of a high volume of internal and external events across the National Geographic campus. This role is a key executor of event plans, ensuring seamless setup, event flow, and breakdown to achieve the highest level of client and guest satisfaction. The Specialist will manage vendor and internal team coordination, assist with the event advancing process, and maintain accurate event documentation. This position requires meticulous attention to detail , a proactive approach to problem-solving, and the ability to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.

We are seeking a team member who values interoperability and is ready to jump in and support colleagues across different projects when needed. At the Museum of Exploration, we believe that our greatest successes come from shared expertise and a willingness to step outside of a single role. This isn't just a part of the job; it's a core aspect of how we operate and collaborate, reflecting the spirit of partnership that defines National Geographic's culture.

Your Impact

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include:

Event Execution and On-Site Leadership (40%)

• Oversee the end-to-end operational execution of assigned internal and external events, including overseeing setup, the run of show, and breakdown.

• Serve as the central day-of-event contact for clients, vendors, and internal service teams (e.g., AV, Catering, Custodial) to address immediate needs and ensure a smooth event flow.

• Directly coordinate event logistics such as vendor load-in/load-out, space turnovers, furniture setup, and breakdown, ensuring all service teams are positioned for success.

• Conduct pre-event walk-throughs and inspections to identify and resolve any potential operational issues.

• Ensure all event activities maintain compliance with accessibility, building regulations, and safety standards.

• Provide clear and concise operational direction to on-site support staff during event setup, execution, and teardown.

Event Coordination and Administration (40%)

• Support the advancing process by utilizing the Event Space Management System software for approving reservations, tracking requests, and confirming space availability, resolving booking conflicts and overlap as needed.

• Coordinate with internal service teams (AV, Custodial, Catering, etc.) to confirm event needs, timing, and accurate staffing requirements for upcoming events.

• Maintain accurate recording of all required event documentation, including the collection and filing of Certificates of Insurance (COI), release forms, and other relevant documents.

• Compile and disseminate post-event reports to key internal stakeholders, summarizing event outcomes and operational feedback.

• Maintain and organize team-wide event information and project management data in Google Drive, Monday.com, Workday, and other enterprise systems.

Process and Organizational Collaboration (15%)

• Develop strong, positive, and empathetic working relationships with key departments and external partners to ensure high-level execution of event operations.

• Contribute ideas and support the development and documentation of standard event operations procedures to improve efficiency and service quality.

• Support team-wide administrative duties, including managing supply and invoice requests, and assisting with budgetary tracking and team-wide budget processes.

Teamwork (5%)

• Support various teams as needed, providing cross-trained coverage for breaks, absences, or high volume. Assist with general museum tasks such as maintaining public spaces, providing basic visitor assistance, and helping with event setup/breakdown.

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background

Bachelor’s degree preferred or equivalent experience.

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

3+ years of event operations experience, preferably in a museum or cultural visitor attraction setting.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Proven experience in event execution and on-site event management.

• Strong written and oral communication skills for effective interaction with clients, vendors, and internal teams.

• Keen attention to detail and strong organizational skills for thorough record-keeping and logistical planning.

• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a cross-functional team.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workplace tools.

• Experience using Event Space Management System software is a plus.

• Proactive customer service mindset.

• Ability to work nights and weekends as required by the event schedule.

Supervisor

No direct reports

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 $61,750.00 - $65,000.00.

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 a.m. - 5 p.m.) work hours.

Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

We encourage you to apply even if your experience is not a 100% match with the position. We are looking for someone with relevant skills and experience, not a checklist that exactly matches the job description. We want to help you grow and in return, you help us grow into a stronger, more inclusive organization.