Senior Manager of Operations, Storytellers Collective (Storytelling)

Company: National Geographic Society
Location: Washington
Posted on: April 1, 2026

Job Description:

How You’ll Contribute The Storytellers Collective is a revenue-generating business inside of National Geographic’s Storytelling division. Currently in our fourth year, we deliver in-person storytelling for impact workshops led by our award-winning Explorers to corporations, foundations, and academic institutions. The Senior Manager of Operations will be responsible for overseeing and optimizing all operational aspects for our workshop programs. This role requires a highly organized, strategic, and proactive individual with a proven track record in operations management and project execution. The Senior Manager of Operations will ensure the smooth and efficient functioning of all workshops, events, and initiatives, contributing directly to the Collective's mission and growth. Your Impact Responsibilities include: Program Management (70%) Strategic Operations Improvement: In partnership with the VP, develop and implement operational strategies that align with the Storytellers Collective's mission, vision, and strategic goals. Identify areas for improvement and implement solutions to enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Program Management Oversight: Manage the full lifecycle of key operational projects, from initiation and planning to execution, monitoring, and closure. Ensure projects are delivered on time, within scope, and within budget. Process Optimization: Continuously analyze existing operational processes, identify bottlenecks, and implement improvements to streamline workflows, reduce costs, and improve overall productivity. Relationship Management: Manage relationships with external vendors, internal partners, and service providers, ensuring coordination and high-quality on-time service delivery. Contract management: Oversight of workshop contract timelines, making sure they are executed in a timely manner, with follow-up for invoicing and payments. Administrative (30%) Budget Management: Works closely with VP to manage budget and to align spending with essential business operations. Collaborate with leadership to develop and manage operational budgets, ensuring responsible spending and accurate financial forecasting. Technology and Systems Management: Oversee the implementation and maintenance of operational systems and tools, ensuring they support the organization's needs and enhance productivity. Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure all operational activities comply with relevant regulations and internal policies. Identify and mitigate operational risks to safeguard the organization's assets and reputation. Reporting and Analysis: Develop and present regular reports on operational performance, key metrics, and project progress to Storytellers Collective leadership and team. Use data to drive informed decision-making.Coordinates internal and external communications, documentation, reports, and presentations. Educational Background Bachelor's degree Minimum Years and Types of Experience 7 years of experience in program and operations management, start-up, journalism or humanities background a plus. Necessary Knowledge and Skills Ability to manage concurrent initiatives and work streams from planning to delivery, utilizing a variety of project management tools and methodologies. Ability to prepare/compose/edit written materials and correspondence. Should have excellent oral and written communications skills. Ability to think creatively, strategically and systematically. Ability to work on multiple projects, under deadlines, with changing priorities in a dynamic, fast-paced, environment. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable insights. Proven experience in program management methodologies and tools. Experience managing new rev-gen sectors within existing business structures. Ability to build report decks in Keynote or work with outside designer. Passion for storytelling and alignment with the mission of the Storytellers Collective. Desired Qualifications An entrepreneurial spirit; familiarity with startup culture. Experience leading or facilitating collaborative projects. Experience with software systems and operations unique to event management and revenue generating businesses. 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 $106,400.00 - $112,000.00. 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 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. W e 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.

Keywords: National Geographic Society, Dale City , Senior Manager of Operations, Storytellers Collective (Storytelling), Science, Research & Development , Washington, Virginia