Producer, National Geographic Live

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). 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.

How You’ll Contribute
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.

Your Impact

Your Impact 

Responsibilities Include:

Support Roster Development (20%)

• 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

Show Development (80%)

• 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. 

Educational Background

Bachelor’s degree required, with focus on journalism, filmmaking, or natural sciences.

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

• 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

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• 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%

Desired Qualifications

• 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

Supervision

None

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 $90,250.00 - $95,000.00.

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

Remote - Our Remote designation includes staff who must work in another location in the U.S. or abroad, such as our regional leads for our Education and International teams or regional fundraisers in Advancement. Staff may also be designated as Remote by their supervisors (with approval by the Senior Team lead) because of their job duties, and are afforded this status when it is beneficial to NGS, their respective team, and the employee.

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.