Visitor Experience Representative

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 Visitor Experience Representative (VXR) is a dynamic individual that assists with the daily operations of the National Geographic Museum of Exploration. The VXR is the face of the National Geographic Society, embodying the brand and institution while providing exceptional customer service. Reporting to the Visitor Experience Supervisors the VXR manages visitor flow, runs coat check operations, assists visitors with wayfinding and facilitates informal exhibit interpretation.

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.

The start date for the position is March 30, 2026.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include:

• Create a memorable experience for visitors by anticipating their needs and providing excellent customer service.
• Clearly communicate information on wayfinding, museum guidelines, facilities, and exhibitions to visitors
• Work with other frontline teams to manage crowd control for daily museum operations and events.
• Through formal training, observation and self-study, acquire knowledge of exhibition content at the MOE.
• Facilitate pulsed exhibit experience with small groups of people.
• Ability to follow routines while prioritizing visitor needs at coat check.
• Assist with lite housekeeping of exhibits as needed.
• Provide on campus event support across the Society as needed, including but not limited to National Geographic Live and Signature Events.
• Navigate a changing environment while maintaining a positive attitude and meeting visitor needs.
• Ability to solve problems in a fast paced environment with knowledge of when to escalate to management to resolve issues.
• Think proactively during slow times to best assist the team during busy times.
• Availability to work days, evenings, weekends and holiday shifts.

Educational Background

High School diploma or GED required additional education a plus.

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

6 months in a customer facing role required. Additional experience working with large groups of people, the public, students, or children a plus.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills
• Ability to learn and retain information quickly
• Team-oriented with strong customer service skills
• Flexibility and positivity in dealing with new experiences and people
• Enjoyment working with the public
• Basic problem-solving skills
• Ability to react to change quickly and positively
• Comfort learning and working with varied technologies and equipment
• Dependability, punctuality, and ability to work cooperatively as part of a team.
• Ability to spend 5+ hours a day navigating our public spaces

Desired Qualifications

Bi-lingual in English and Spanish desired, but not required.

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

No direct report.

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 rate for this position is $21.50.

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 - Staff members who spend 100% of work time on-site at Base Camp, supporting overall campus and museum operations. On-Site staff shifts (spread over seven days a week and 24 hours a day, including holidays) are scheduled by their supervisors and determined by team needs and may be adjusted based on cyclical work cycles and ebbs and flows of work throughout the year.

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.