National Geographic Society · 11 hours ago
Director, Premier Donor Events and Partnership Activations
Washington, DC
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$142K/yr - $150K/yr
10+ years expThe National Geographic Society is dedicated to driving impact through science, technology, education, exploration, and storytelling. The Director, Premier Donor Events and Partnership Activations will be responsible for planning and executing mission-driven events to deepen connections with philanthropic stakeholders and enhance donor loyalty.
Non ProfitSocial ImpactWildlife Conservation
No H1B
Responsibilities
Research, plan and execute mission-immersive Premier donor events, as assigned by the VP, both domestic and international, ensuring the events meet established business objectives and are delivered within budget
Partner with donor and Explorer hosts to design the experience and plan programming to illuminate NGS’ mission and impact
Direct coordination of programming and logistics, high-profile speakers, venue logistics, audio visual production, security protocols, supervision of support staff, travel and vendor logistics
Research venues and vendors, drafting Requests For Proposals, as needed. Negotiate contracts in a manner that is consistent with industry best practices and protects the Society’s interests
Draft and edit marketing materials to promote premier donor events consistent with NGS brand standards, including invitations, program booklets, agendas, websites, online registration forms, event reminders and other guest communications
Brief executive leadership on key event updates and insights throughout the planning process, soliciting feedback and obtaining necessary approvals. Work with GSE Specialist to pull registration data from Swoogo and distribute weekly RSVP reports to Advancement and other internal departments
Exercise budget discipline by making cost-effective decisions and carefully monitoring expenses and revenue throughout the planning process to adhere to established budgets
Develop standards, best practices and templates to collect sensitive personal data and travel information from donor travelers while optimizing user convenience and complying with security and privacy protocols
Work with the Advancement Operations team to ensure data in Raiser’s Edge is accurate to support donor pipeline development
Monitor enterprise calendars, scheduled programming, and mission moments/messaging. Leverage programming, talent and assets and integrate into events as appropriate (i.e. film screenings, museum exhibitions, magazine features, NG Live programs, book signings, and special appearances by channel talent) to create elevated, bespoke experiences and provide VIP access to signature donor audiences.(Museum of Exploration, post opening)
Develop in consultation with the IP team, and execute a robust annual calendar of events which educates, informs and inspires IP stakeholder audiences
Build a strategy for partner activations, sponsorships and events alongside the Institutional Partnerships team that deepens relationships and inspires ongoing giving
Manage logistics and event production for components of large scale industry aligned conferences that the IP team decides to participate in. Work closely with the IP team, the GSE production team and in some cases the Partner to develop a robust program that highlights the partnership with NGS and the funded impact work
Manage a team and budget for MOE VIP Events and National Geographic Expeditions pre trip activities
Monitor NG Expeditions schedule of trips and ensure members of NGS’ senior leadership team, or other Talent are scheduled to make remarks or participate, as appropriate
Ensure that visual speaker presentations meet the high standards of the National Geographic brand
Oversee onstage production of programs including running rehearsals, managing talent, preparing moderators, hosts, and speakers, reviewing and advising on verbal and visual presentations, and collaborating with technical production leads
Manage NGS staff involvement at Society trip receptions such as Around the World Jet Trip Welcome Dinners, including senior leadership team remarks at each dinner and seating of NGS advancement and leadership staff strategically based on guests/RSVPs
Oversee a team of special event managers. In this leadership role you will work in partnership with the Director of Advancement Special Events (ASE) and Operations as well as the Vice President of Global Special Events to support and manage the ASE team, while also at times, supporting the broader GSE Team
This position will meet regularly with your direct reports, providing guidance and feedback while also owning your own portfolio of events
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree required
10+ years in event programming, production, marketing experience or relevant experience
Ability to attend evening and weekend events, as well as travel domestically or internationally to support on-site event execution
Effective written and oral communication skills; proven ability to communicate clearly and concisely to various audiences' enterprise-wide
Excellent critical thinking skills and ability to handle emergency situations, demonstrating sound judgment under pressure
Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
Ability to deliver results with managing competing priorities under tight deadlines
Proactive, self-starter with an entrepreneurial mindset
Ability to work independently and as part of a team
Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to work with diplomacy and tact at all times
Preferred
Experience with event registration platforms and donor management software is considered a plus
Benefits
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
A variety of National Geographic discounts and perks
Company
National Geographic Society
National Geographic Society has funded the best and brightest individuals dedicated to scientific discovery and understanding of our world.
Founded in 1888Washington, District of Columbia, USA
501-1000 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Late StageTotal Funding
$3.5MKey Investors
Principal FoundationAlfred P. Sloan Foundation
2025-11-12Grant· $0.5M
2012-01-01Grant· $1.5M
2008-01-01Grant· $1.5M
Leadership Team
Jill Tiefenthaler
Chief Executive Officer
Caroline Tippett
Vice President of Institutional Partnerships
Recent News
2026-01-20
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