Specialist, Museum Education

How You’ll Contribute

The National Geographic Society (NGS) is an impact-driven global nonprofit organization that uses the power of science, exploration, education, and storytelling to illuminate and protect the wonders of our world. The Education and Community Engagement (ECE) division serves this mission by amplifying and extending the work of NGS explorers into classrooms and communities, helping educators and young people develop an explorer mindset and inspiring them to learn about, care for, and protect our world. The division seeks to help the world understand the importance of geography – seeing the connections, interdependencies, and patterns that shape human and natural systems on our planet.

To accomplish its goals and to extend reach and impact, ECE cultivates strategic partnerships; manages education-focused endowments, fellowships and grants; creates and disseminates education content and programs for Explorers and learners of all ages domestically and internationally; connects Explorers to classrooms and communities; and engages youth in the mission by building Explorer-focused innovative learning opportunities. These educational resources and experiences bring a multiplicity of perspectives, and are accessible on a continuum of no-, low-, and high tech capacities at scale across the globe. The newly openedMuseum of Exploration (MOE) is a new avenue for amplifying the work of NGS Explorers and applying ECE learning design principles and expertise.

Reporting to the Manager of Museum Education, the Specialist of Museum Education contributes to museum learning projects designed to advance the learning impact of the MOE and inspire educators and learners of all ages to care about and protect the wonder of our world. Education is a crucial part of NGS and the MOE, which aims to foster in visitors an Explorer Mindset—the knowledge, skills and attitudes National Geographic Explorers bring to their work to solve the world's most pressing problems—and includes a dedicated space for student groups called the Learning Launchpad. As such, the Specialist will work collaboratively with the Manager and across teams and departments to support the educational goals and activity associated with the ECE division and the MOE. This role requires working flexible hours, including evenings and weekends as required.

Your Impact

Responsibilities include:

Program Development and Coordination (65%)

- In collaboration with the MOE team, in alignment with ECE learning design approaches, and under the direction of Manager, contribute to the development, implementation and refinement of educational programming, workshops and events at the MOE, both for specific and general learner and/or educator audiences.
- Work with the ECE and MOE teams to plan and refine age-appropriate, low-production effort and engaging educational activities, such as pop-ups, Ask Me’s, and takeaways with Explorers, staff and other subject matter experts.
- In coordination with Manager and MOE leaders, support training opportunities for Museum floor staff to enhance the visitor experience by increasing the teams’ abilities to deliver informal learning.
- Under the guidance of evaluation managers, participate and contribute to reflections and assessments of museum learning materials, programs, processes and procedures.
- Assist manager in the research and development of interpretative materials.

School, Youth and Community Engagement (25%)

- Support ECE and MOE teams in building and maintaining relationships and increasing visibility of education resources through outreach activities.
- Support the fulfillment of learning programs, workshops, events and educator resources along with public programming at the museum. This may include delivery or administrative support.

Team and Organization Collaboration (10%)

- Assist in the planning, coordination and implementation of cross-team projects as they relate to ECE, Visitor Services, Museum Operations, and Public Programs teams, interfacing with relevant departments within the Society and external partners.
- Support a culture of curiosity, empathy, responsibility, inclusivity, while strongly promoting collaboration and innovation.
- Develop and maintain strong, positive and empathetic working relationships with key departments and external partners to ensure work is executed at a high level and outcomes are met.

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Educational Background

Bachelor’s degree in Education, Geography, Museum Studies, Science, Social Science–or equivalent work experience in informal education.

Minimum Years and Types of Experience

3+ years of related experience in one or more of the following:

- 1-3 years in museum education or related public programming roles
- Education program development and delivery for informal environments (such as museums, libraries, archives, or other out-of-school spaces) and audiences
- Experience working with a cross-section of age groups and communities

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

- Excellent organizational skills, high attention to detail and thorough record-keeping.
- Strong understanding of learning theory and pedagogy, particularly across age bands for informal learning environments.
- Experience with understanding target audiences and developing or adapting education resources/programs.
- Excellent interpersonal skills and cultural competency.
- Highly developed oral and written communication skills and ability to work with individuals and groups at all levels.
- Capacity to work on multiple projects, under deadlines, with changing priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Proficiency in Google Suite and Microsoft Office.

Desired Knowledge and Skills

- General understanding of accessibility standards and experience applying them.
- Public speaking and presentation development skills.
- Familiarity with content and information management systems.
- Familiarity with ed tech and project management tools.

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 $61,750.00 - $65,000.00.

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.

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.