Signature Services Manager

How You’ll Contribute

Who We Are
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. Components of the new guest experience 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. A fully sustainable, on-brand hotel may also be built and operated by a third party on the campus. The capstone of the renovation is a one-of-a-kind nighttime experience in the courtyard.

How You’ll Contribute
The National Geographic Society is looking for a Signature Services Manager to support our Museum of Exploration. Reporting to the Sr. Director of Visitor Experience, the Signature Services Manager will be the cornerstone of our high-touch, VIP visitor experiences. This is an individual contributor role responsible for providing exceptional, white-glove service to our most distinguished guests, including heads of state, ambassadors, high-profile dignitaries, and key brand clients. Your mission is to anticipate their needs and curate flawless, memorable visits that reflect the prestige and excellence of our brand and museum. This role requires an impeccable attention to detail, a proactive mindset, and a deep commitment to delivering unparalleled hospitality. ​Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and holidays as required by the schedules of our distinguished guests.

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

Responsibilities Include:

VIP Visit Coordination (70%)

• Serve as the primary point of contact for all VIP tours and visits, managing scheduling, logistics, and communication from initial inquiry through post-visit follow-up.

• Design and execute customized itineraries that cater to the unique interests and needs of each VIP guest, ensuring a personalized and exclusive experience.

• Coordinate with internal teams including Security, Building Services, Visitor Experience, Executive Offices, Advancement and Communications to ensure seamless execution of all high-profile visits.

• Manage all on-site logistics for VIP guests, including arrival, departure, and any special requests, maintaining the highest level of discretion and professionalism.

• Monitor daily and weekly attendance to determine the best time for visits and help maintain the museum calendar.

• Provide regular reporting on VIP visits and develop strategies to continuously enhance the signature services program.

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with key external partners, protocol offices, and diplomatic liaisons.

Special Event Support (20%)

• Support all donor and VIP events at the Museum of Exploration

• Support the VIP experience at NGS signature events, including Storytellers Summit and Explorers Festival

• Monitor VIP registration

Administrative Support (10%)

• Reconcile hard costs, budgets, and expense reports

• Maintain gift and swag inventory, ordering as needed

• Maintain CRM and visit records

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background

Bachelor’s degree required.

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

5+ years' experience in a client-facing role, specifically managing high-level or VIP guests in a luxury hospitality, museum, or high-end event setting. Proven experience coordinating complex logistics for distinguished individuals, including heads of state, dignitaries, and high-profile clients.

Knowledge and Skills Required

• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills, with a proven ability to interact confidently and professionally with a diverse range of high-level individuals.

• Demonstrated experience in a high-touch service role, such as luxury hospitality, high-end event planning, or protocol management.

• Meticulous attention to detail and strong organizational skills to manage complex schedules and logistics with precision.

• ​Problem-solving abilities with a calm and composed demeanor under pressure.

• Experience in public facing environment

Desired Qualifications

• Fluency in multiple languages is highly desirable.

• Experience with a CRM or guest management system (e.g., Salesforce, Anchor)

• Knowledge of diplomatic protocol and international etiquette.

• Certification in hospitality management, protocol, or a related field.

Collaboration and Teamwork

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.

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 $85,500.00 - $90,000.00.

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; 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

Resident - Our Resident category recognizes that certain staff need to be physically present at Base Camp to do their work. Some Resident staff must be at Base Camp every day to do their jobs, while others may only need to be physically present onsite some of the time to meet looming deadlines or to get work done and may require a unique schedule. As such, this category has been revised to provide maximum flexibility depending on what’s required for each individual role. The days Resident staff come into the office will be determined by their teams and workflow, and they should work with their supervisors to determine their specific schedule. And throughout the year, their schedule may be adjusted based on cyclical work cycles, deadlines, and/or ebbs and flows of work.

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.