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 Museum 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.Your Impact
Responsibilities Include
Exhibitions Operations and Coordination (30%)
Proactively identify and pursue new business opportunities for traveling exhibitions, building a robust pipeline of potential clients.
Develop and execute sales strategies aligned with organizational goals to achieve revenue targets.
Cultivate relationships with museums, zoos, aquariums, botanical gardens, cultural institutions, and other potential partners to drive sales and long-term collaborations.
Track RFPs and proposals, prepare customized pitches, and negotiate contracts to close deals effectively.
Monitor and report on sales performance, leveraging CRM tools to provide actionable insights and ensure progress toward KPIs.
Exhibition Planning and Client Execution (30%)
Collaborate with the Exhibitions team to ensure sales strategies align with exhibition timelines and operational capabilities.
Partner with creative and project management teams to align client needs with exhibition offerings, ensuring seamless delivery and high client satisfaction.
Provide input on pricing models and budgets to maximize profitability while meeting client requirements.
Act as the primary point of contact for clients during the sales process, ensuring clear communication and delivering exceptional service.
Market Outreach and Business Development (40%)
Represent the organization at trade shows, industry events, and networking opportunities to promote exhibition offerings and establish new connections.
Develop marketing materials and sales presentations in collaboration with the marketing team to support outbound sales efforts.
Maintain an active presence in industry networks to build brand visibility and uncover new leads.
Responsible for prospecting new clients and opportunities, outbound outreach and relationship management to generate new business opportunities.
Develop compelling proposals, negotiate contracts and drive partnerships to expand exhibition reach.
Achieve annual revenue targets by identifying new markets and optimizing sales strategies to maximize deal conversions and long-term client success.
Outreach to new leads.
Necessary Knowledge and Skills
Highly organized and detail-oriented with strong interpersonal and communication skills.
Proven ability to manage complex schedules and coordinate cross-functional teams.
Proficient in CRM systems (e.g., Salesforce), project management software and Google Office Suite.
Experience in sales, drafting proposals, and client management.
Adept at prioritizing multiple projects and ensuring timely execution in a fast-paced environment.
Experience within the current market segments for traveling exhibits.
Educational Background
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Marketing or a related field preferred.
Minimum Years and Types of Experience
5+ years of experience in business development.
Multilingual with experience working within a global environment preferred.
Supervision
No direct reports
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 $109,200 - $115,000.
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
Hybrid - At the Society, we believe in the advantages of coming together to build community, mentor and learn from colleagues, and connect more deeply with our mission. As a result, the majority of our staff are Hybrid. Our Hybrid category requires that staff work at Base Camp two days each week: every Tuesday and Wednesday. Hybrid staff are also always welcome to come in additional days each week if preferred.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.