Manager, Museum Evaluation (Strategic Insights & Initiatives)

How You’ll Contribute

The National Geographic Society invests in a diverse, global community of National Geographic Explorers who are leading a new age of exploration in support of our mission to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world through science, education, and storytelling. These bold individuals represent more than 140 countries and their vast array of backgrounds, perspectives, and fields bring us to the far reaches of the globe.

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. The public-facing portion of this renovation will be the new National Geographic Museum of Exploration. 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.

The Strategic Insights & Initiatives team advises and works with divisions throughout the organization to implement best practices around outcomes-based planning, strategy, measurement, and organizational effectiveness. The team is an in-house resource and authority on research design and methodology, program evaluation, strategy development, knowledge management and analytics.

The ideal candidate for this role is flexible, analytical, able to work independently and collaborate with multiple teams, and has prior experience implementing evaluations in a museum environment. Candidates should also be organized, conscientious, passionate about research for a purpose, and possess strong interpersonal and communication skills. We are seeking a dedicated Museum Evaluation Manager to lead comprehensive assessment and research initiatives that measure the impact and effectiveness of the National Geographic Museum of Exploration’s programs, exhibitions, operations and visitor experiences. This role combines research methodology, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement to inform strategic decision-making and enhance our organization’s mission.

This is a fixed-term position with an end date of 1/14/28.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include:

Exhibition and Event Evaluation Design (10%)

• Design and implement sustainable evaluation frameworks for temporary and permanent exhibitions, and special events

• Develop both formative (during development) and summative (post-implementation) evaluation strategies

• Collaborate directly with NGS Campus & Experiences team and other internal stakeholders on program evaluation design and implementation

Research and Data Collection (50%)

• Develop and maintain visitor and attendee feedback systems (including a Museum and events panel) and data collection protocols

• Design and execute visitor and attendee studies using mixed-methods approaches including surveys, interviews, focus groups, and observational research

• Conduct and manage pre- and post-visit assessments to measure learning outcomes and visitor engagement

• Conduct longitudinal studies to track institutional impact over time

• Assess accessibility and inclusivity of museum offerings across diverse audiences

Data Analysis and Reporting (20%)

• Analyze quantitative and qualitative data using appropriate statistical software and methodologies

• Prepare comprehensive evaluation reports with actionable recommendations for leadership and program staff

• Create data visualizations and presentations for various stakeholder audiences

• Maintain evaluation databases and ensure data quality and security

• Effectively communicate findings to MOE stakeholders and NGS leadership

Team, Divisional and Organization Engagement & Collaboration (20%)

• Train museum staff in basic evaluation concepts and data collection techniques

• Collaborate with visitor services and programmatic teams to integrate evaluation into daily operations

• Support and advise colleagues on ways to create trust, spark growth and encourage innovative work in alignment with the NGS values

• Provides support in the development of inter-team communication and cohesiveness.