Manager, Event AV Technology

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), 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. The capstone of the renovation is a one-of-a-kind nighttime experience in the courtyard.

Job Description Summary

The Manager, Event Technology will be responsible for the successful audio visual production of live events in Base Camp event spaces. The Manager will plan and coordinate technical production requirements with internal and external customers as well as management and other colleagues. They will identify staffing needs based on the complexity of production requests to ensure proper personnel support, drawing upon both internal staff as well as contractors, when required. The TM will develop and improve strategic event plans, assign preparation and production responsibilities to AV technicians, and participate in hands-on work including house lighting programming and control, microphone/sound programming and control, video playback and programming, camera operation and switching, broadcasting over video and Internet, and recording of events.

Additional management responsibilities include oversight of event facilities, as well as lifecycle management of all technical systems contained within. This role will lead technical support activities conducted by AV technicians and will take ownership of escalated support when necessary. Additionally, the position will participate in on-call and other shift rotations during non-business hours.

Your Impact

How You'll Contribute

Responsibilities Include:

Operational (50%)

• Assist internal stakeholders and outside vendors with the planning and technical design of each event.

• Work directly with other Experience Technology teams to plan and operate the event spaces, ensuring the space is operational for the live event, as well as operational for the next public show after the event.

• Manage technical rehearsals alongside the Events and Operations teams to ensure client satisfaction.

• Able to install, maintain, and operate AV equipment; use power tools; lift heavy loads up to 50 lbs.; and work at heights using ladders, scaffolding, or lifts.

Management (20%)

• Provide technical leadership to AV Technicians to ensure they can successfully operate each event type in each event location.

• Lead production planning and collaborate with customers and internal staff to ensure the technical requirements are met and properly supported for each event.

• Plan resources, internal and external, to support events in each space. Hire and manage third party support vendors, where appropriate.

Planning (20%)

• Collaborate with the Director, Event Technology in policy, procedure, and governance activities.

• Assist the Director, Event Technology in equipment tracking and logging to ensure system failures are preventable and readily resolvable.

• Work with internal teams and event stakeholders to continually improve technical processes for each event space and event type.

Reporting (10%)

• Track and report technical equipment usage and issues with the remaining Experience Technology team.

• Work closely with the Director, Event Technology to measure team performance and present continual improvement solutions.

What You'll Bring

Minimum Education Required:

Bachelor's degree in Audiovisual/Broadcast Engineering or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.

Minimum Years and Type of Experience:

A minimum of 5 years experience managing live event productions and other special events. A minimum of 5 years experience in hands-on audio and video engineering as well as theater production.

Knowledge and Skills Required

In-depth knowledge of live audiovisual event production in fixed theater facilities as well as open/public spaces. Ability to function in a dynamic environment subject to changes in schedules and priorities. Ability to participate in multiple projects concurrently from inception to completion with limited management supervision. Excellent oral and written communication skills. Ability to interact positively and productively with teams across organizational lines. Strong customer service, troubleshooting and problem solving a must.

Supervision

Contract staff

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 $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; 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.