Description

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.

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.

Requirements

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background

Bachelor’s degree in Museum Studies, Education, Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology or related field

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

5+ years of experience in program evaluation in cultural or educational settings
Demonstrated experience with both quantitative and qualitative research methodologies

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

Proficiency in statistical analysis software (R, Excel or similar)
Experience with survey design platforms (Qualtrics, SurveyMonkey, etc.)
Strong data visualization skills (Tableau, Excel, or similar tools)
Knowledge of evaluation frameworks specific to informal learning environments
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with ability to translate complex data into accessible insights
Strong project management capabilities with experience managing multiple concurrent evaluations
Understanding of museum operations and the unique challenges of measuring impact in informal learning settings
Ability to determine and prioritize impactful research questions aligned with strategic goals

Desired Qualifications

Master’s degree, ABD or PhD in relevant field or additional certification in program evaluation
Experience with visitor tracking technologies and digital analytics
Knowledge of museum education theory and best practices
Familiarity with accessibility standards and universal design principles
Experience presenting research findings to a lay audience
Bilingual in English and Spanish a plus
Strategy and/or operations experience a plus