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 and the Speakers Bureau, both designed to deepen public understanding of science, exploration, and storytelling while driving sustainable revenue.

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 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 people from other producers to scientists and photographers.

Responsibilities
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.

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 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.

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.

Mastery of the Adobe Creative Suite.

Demonstrated skills for communicating clearly with creative and technical collaborators, and with external talent.

Ability to react quickly and positively under a wide variety of sensitive situations.

Attention to detail and 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.

Salary and Benefits
The National Geographic Society offers a competitive and holistic total rewards package. Compensation is based on industry‑specific market data. Salary range: $90,250.00 – $95,000.00.

Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; wellness program; 401(k) retirement savings plan with matching after 6 months; flexible paid time off up to 22 days per calendar year (15 days for new hires, prorated); 12 paid holidays and optional winter break; 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; employer‑paid life insurance and disability benefit; and various National Geographic discounts.

Job Designation
Hybrid – staff work at Base Camp two days each week (every Tuesday and Wednesday). Additional days are welcome.

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

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