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), 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.Your Impact
The AV Programmer is responsible for the functionality and reliable operations of the experiential technology at National Geographic Society’s Museum of Exploration (MOE). The AV Programmer reports to the Technical Project Manager, and will plan, develop, and update AV programming, scripts, applications, and digital content throughout the MOE and for National Geographic Society’s Traveling Exhibitions. The MOE includes interactive applications, immersive experiences, and theatrical linear media that run on a show-controlled timeline. This team will work closely with AV Technicians to ensure a zero downtime, ever-changing experience.
Responsibilities Include:
Operational (70%)
Participate in the design, development, installation, and support of AV, Show Control, Lighting, and Network systems
Program media servers and systems to deliver large scale media experiences
Program, test, and install updated content throughout the Museum of Exploration
Monitor the control, media, and network systems to ensure systems operate reliably and within established performance criteria for daily operations, events, and emergency scenarios
Apply strong control, networking, and signal path troubleshooting skills
Planning (20%)
Create AV and Control design, programming specifications, and performance specifications for projects (Concept, Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documents, As-built drawings, and Commissioning procedures)
Assist with technical oversight, network implementation, system configuration, red lines, and design questions during integration and commissioning of systems
Communicate and coordinate technical design solutions with internal teams, installation teams, and creative teams
Reporting and Data Management (10%)
Establishes KPIs to measure application and museum performance
Presents monthly reports to department leadership on any ongoing, or resolved technical issues, as well as content updates and application usage
What You’ll Bring
Educational Background
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Entertainment Technology, Theater, or related discipline. Certifications and equivalent experience in related areas will be considered.
Minimum Years and Type of Experience
3+ years of work experience within the Audio/Visual programming industry
Proven experience in at least one of the following areas: Audio system integration and programming, Video system integration and programming, Show Control integration and programming, Interactive or web based software programming and scripting
Knowledge and Skills Required
Knowledge of audio-visual, control, networking, and lighting solutions across both live and themed entertainment industries
Knowledge of current products and trends in audio, video, show control, and/or related industry
Strong troubleshooting skills in control, programming, networking, and signal path
Understanding of industry best practices
Excellent oral and written communication skills
Ability to work and problem solve independently to meet deadlines
Ability to interact positively and productively with teams across organizational lines
Good organizational, work management, and time management skills
Desired Qualifications
Knowledge of Show Control Systems such as ISAAC, Navigator, Q-SYS, Medialon, Node-Red, Crestron
Knowledge of Audio processing systems such as Q-SYS, Barco E2, Analog Way Aquilon
Knowledge of media servers such as Pixera, 7th Sense, Disguise, Green Hippo, Watchout
Knowledge of programming/scripting languages such as Lua, JavaScript, Node-Red, Python, Touch Designer, Unreal engine
User Interface development including HTML and CSS knowledge
Knowledge of advanced network design methods applied to AV systems (routing, VLANs, QoS, IGMP, PTP)
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 salary range for this position is $81,700.00 - $86,000.00.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; 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
Resident - Our Resident category recognizes that certain staff need to be physically present at Base Camp to do their work. Some Resident staff must be at Base Camp every day to do their jobs, while others may only need to be physically present onsite some of the time to meet looming deadlines or to get work done and may require a unique schedule. As such, this category has been revised to provide maximum flexibility depending on what’s required for each individual role. The days Resident staff come into the office will be determined by their teams and workflow, and they should work with their supervisors to determine their specific schedule. And throughout the year, their schedule may be adjusted based on cyclical work cycles, deadlines, and/or ebbs and flows of work.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.