Senior Manager, Special Projects (Campus and Experiences)

How You’ll Contribute

The Campus and Experiences (C&E) 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 (MOE). This division also produces and generates revenue through National Geographic Live, Speakers Bureau and National Geographic’s Traveling Exhibitions programs.

The Senior Manager, Special Projects manages unique projects and time-sensitive initiatives across the C&E division. The Senior Manager, Special Projects serves as a strategic execution lead and operational catalyst by designing streamlined workflows and testing and rolling out new operational changes across C&E. The ideal candidate is a highly organized, detail oriented, cross-functional collaborator who can develop project management plans and track granular project execution. This position reports to the Chief of Staff and plays a critical role in tracking deliverables and supporting division leadership.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include:

Strategic Project Management and Execution (45%)

• Partner with the Chief of Staff and Chief Campus and Experiences Officer (CCEO) and other senior leaders to provide project management support 

• Maintain a centralized project management tool for ongoing initiatives related to the MOE

• Collaborates with teams across C&E to support the production schedules for MOE creative content in Monday.com.

• Manage the staff engagement data for C&E employees

• Track how C&E teams utilize AI in their work and areas for new opportunities to leverage AI

Cross-Functional Operations for Division Leadership (40%)

• Manage CCEO approval process for access to the MOE 

• Design and oversee streamlined workflows, and roll out new project management frameworks across C&E teams

• Design, pilot, and scale new processes across the division

• Develop and maintain centralized data systems and templates to ensure consistency and efficiency in operations

• Support compliance with organizational policies and procedures in collaboration with  Finance, Legal, and HR partners

• Serve as a resource for C&E staff on processes and tools, and train others as needed

• Prepare internal presentations, reports, and updates related to divisional operations and cross-departmental partnerships

• Assist with planning and execution of key leadership meetings, retreats, and organizational events as needed

• Contribute to internal communications and staff engagement initiatives

C&E Advancement Liaison (15%)

• Serve as the primary C&E liaison to the Advancement Division, to ensure that all relevant division stakeholders appropriately contribute to planning for museum spaces and signage, exhibition sponsorships for the museum and traveling exhibitions, public programming and NG Live events, as well as retail and marketing integration

• Track and manage C&E’s deliverables associated Advancement-led initiatives

• Support the development of materials that highlight C&E programs, impact, and opportunities for philanthropic support

Educational Background

Bachelor’s degree required. An advanced degree in a relevant field is a plus.

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

7+ years of relevant progressive experience in complex project management, with some experience working in a non-profit or cultural attraction setting.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Experience working in a highly collaborative cross-functional environment and coordinating across departments in a fast-paced environment that values excellence and teamwork

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to work with senior executives and external stakeholders

• Effective written and oral communication skills; proven ability to communicate clearly and concisely to varied audience types Proactive, detail-oriented, and resourceful with a commitment to high-quality work

• Extremely organized and responsive

• Advanced proficiency with and workspace tools (Google Workspace/MS Office) is required and experience with project management platforms (e.g., Monday.com, Jira, Smartsheet) is a plus

Desired Qualifications

• Strong entrepreneurial mindset with a track record of defining project milestones and working collaboratively with a team or group to accomplish projects

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities

• Demonstrated experience building strong working relationships and foster trust with team members 

• Comfortable working in a dynamic, mission-driven environment

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Supervision

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 $118,750.00 - $125,000.00.

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.