Production Manager, Blue Boundaries (ISL)

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

Job Description:

How You’ll Contribute The National Geographic Society Storytelling Mission Program works to expand the organization’s impact through journalism, photography, film/video, web content, mapping, and data visualization. As the largest funder to individual storytellers in this work, it also identifies key grantmaking and fellowship opportunities with creative talent. The division’s Impact Story Lab (ISL) builds on National Geographic’s legacy as a global leader in using storytelling to drive positive change. The ISL produces world-class film, audio, photography, VR/AR experiences, and other media that furthers the goals of the organization and its programs. By combining creative excellence with groundbreaking research, ISL advances the field of “impact media” and contributes to National Geographic Society’s mission of illuminating and protecting the wonder of our world. The Production Manager plays a crucial role in managing the processes of ISL projects, with a specific focus on the new Blue Boundaries program and other Zenith-level programs. Reporting to the Director of Operations, the Production Manager is responsible for managing production logistics, keeping projects on schedule and within budget, and supporting the daily operations of the team. This is a fixed-term position for a period of six-years, contingent upon grant funding. Your Impact Responsibilities: Operations (25%): Support the implementation and continued improvement of workflows and processes. Manage logistics throughout a project’s life cycle, from development through delivery, including complex international field production. Provide support to the team regarding adherence to NGS administrative policies, protocols, and procedures. Ensure legal and insurance compliance for all productions. Investigate and implement technologies and software that will support the functioning of the Lab. Budgeting (25%): Support the Director of Operations in creating and managing project budgets. Track both the direct costs and staff time associated with each project budget to ensure that projects remain within approved budgets and that staff are efficiently utilized. Scheduling (25%): Work with the Director of Operations and Producers to create production schedules for all projects. Manage schedules and milestones from intake to delivery. Remind Producers of upcoming deadlines and assist in reworking schedules if necessary. Track multiple projects at any given time, ensuring delivery dates are met. Manage Vendors (25%): Act as the main point of contact for vendor contracts and invoices. Negotiate agreements, draft contracts, generate purchase order requisitions, process and track all project-related invoices, and complete all relevant financial forms to engage and pay vendors. Educational Background Bachelor's degree required. Minimum Years and Types of Experience 5 years of media production experience 3 years of experience as a Production Manager overseeing staff. Necessary Knowledge and Skills Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to learn quickly and adapt to new situations. Understanding of operations of media production is required. While in-depth technical skills are not required, the Production Manager must be familiar with all aspects of production so that they can communicate effectively with the production team. Excellent collaboration skills. Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and complex working relationships. Able to work proactively to solve problems. Excellent written, verbal, communication, collaboration and interpersonal skills are required. Microsoft Office and Google Workspace. Supervision 1 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 $104,500.00 - $110,000.00. 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, Washington DC , Production Manager, Blue Boundaries (ISL), PR / Public Relations , Washington, DC