Manager, Event Operations

Manager, Event Operations

National Geographic Society Washington, DC

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.

Event Management & Execution (45%)

• 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.

Coordination & Collaboration (30%)

• 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.

Operational Guidance (15%)

• 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.

Safety & Compliance (5%)

• Ensure compliance with accessibility guidelines, building regulations, and safety protocols during all event planning and execution phases.

Systems & Technology (5%)

• Leverage event management systems (Infor, Monday.com) to drive data-informed decisions, improve scheduling workflows, and generate operational analytics

Educational Background Bachelor's Degree Preferred Minimum Years and Type of Experience 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

• 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.

No direct reports

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 $87,400.00 - $92,000.00. 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.

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. W e 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.