Safety Manager

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). In 2026, we are opening the Museum of Exploration, featuring 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.

Job Profile Summary

The Safety Manager serves as the Subject Matter Expert (SME) for workplace safety and health, acting as a key partner to the Senior Director of Security. This role is responsible for the operational execution of the Society’s safety strategy across a complex campus, including a high-traffic museum, a state-of-the-art auditorium, and live event spaces.

The successful candidate will demonstrate a high degree of ownership over safety processes, moving beyond task execution to lead the implementation of safety programs with minimal day-to-day guidance. We are looking for a professional with direct experience in museum or live venue environments who can proactively identify hazards unique to public attractions and provide expert recommendations to leadership.

We are seeking a team member who values interoperability and is ready to jump in and support colleagues across different projects when needed. At the Museum of Exploration, we believe that our greatest successes come from shared expertise and a willingness to step outside of a single role. This isn't just a part of the job; it's a core aspect of how we operate and collaborate, reflecting the spirit of partnership that defines National Geographic's culture.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include:

• Program Leadership & Strategic Audit (30%): Design and lead the comprehensive safety audit program and Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) for the Museum of Exploration and Base Camp. Identify complex risks inherent in live events and immersive exhibits, developing actionable mitigation strategies. Present high-level findings and risk-reduction roadmaps to the Senior Director.

• Regulatory Compliance & Hazardous Materials (20%): Act as the primary authority for Safety Data Sheet (SDS) management and chemical safety. Develop and oversee protocols for the safe handling of materials in archives, exhibition spaces, and retail/F&B operations, ensuring the Society meets all local and federal environmental standards.

• Operational Safety & Equipment Oversight (15%): Establish safety standards and training programs for specialized equipment (e.g., aerial lifts for lighting/exhibits, forklifts). Manage vendor relationships for preventive maintenance and ensure that all staff and third-party contractors adhere to NGS safety benchmarks.

• Curriculum Development & Training (15%): Develop and spearhead a robust safety training curriculum, including OSHA-required training (HazCom, BBP, PPE) and specialized museum safety modules. Empower management teams to champion a culture of safety within their respective departments.

• Incident Investigation & Root Cause Analysis (10%): Lead investigations into accidents or near-misses, utilizing root cause analysis to overhaul existing procedures and prevent recurrence. Partner with Legal and HR as needed to document and resolve high-priority safety incidents.

• Administrative Ownership (10%): Oversee the integrity of safety records, reporting systems, and documentation. Ensure the department is "audit-ready" at all times regarding regulatory and organizational requirements.

Minimum Education Required

Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Safety, Environmental Health, or a related field required.

Candidates will also be required to have or acquire the following certifications:

• IATA (International Air), IMDG (International Maritime), DOT 49CFR (US Domestic)

• Radioactive and IATA Lithium Batteries

• OSHA 1910 General Industry and OSHA 1926 Construction

• First Aid/CPR/AED Instructor Level (preferred) or Provider Level

The following professional designations are strongly preferred:

• Certified Safety Professional (CSP) or Associate Safety Professional (ASP)

• OSHA 30-Hour (General Industry or Construction)

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

• 5+ years of professional experience in workplace safety or environmental health and safety (EHS).

• Direct experience in a museum, gallery, or live entertainment venue is highly preferred, with a demonstrated understanding of the safety challenges associated with public crowds and complex technical productions.

• Proven track record of managing safety programs independently, with minimal day-to-day oversight.

• Extensive experience conducting audits, developing safety training programs, and managing OSHA compliance.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Deep mastery of OSHA standards (1910 and 1926) and their application in mixed-use environments (office, retail, and construction).

• Ability to partner with senior leadership to align safety goals with broader organizational objectives.

• Proven ability to identify a problem, develop a solution, and execute without needing step-by-step guidance.

• Exceptional ability to translate complex safety regulations into understandable practices for diverse staff and visitors.

• Advanced knowledge of SDS systems, digital reporting tools, and incident tracking software.

Supervision

• May oversee third-party safety consultants or contractors.

• Acts as a functional lead for safety-related tasks across various NGS departments.

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 $107,350.00 - $113,000.00.

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

On-Site Flex - Staff members who must be physically present at Base Camp to do the vast majority of their work supporting overall building and museum operations. On-Site Flex staff hours are determined in consultation with supervisors, and are responsive to the needs of the MOE and other building operations, often including nontraditional (M-F, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) work hours.

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.