Paralegal

How You’ll Contribute

The Legal and Business Affairs (LBA) team provides strategic, practical, and timely legal and business support to all National Geographic Society divisions in service of our mission. The Paralegal will be an integral part of the LBA team, delivering substantive legal and operational support to attorneys across a broad portfolio of work, including fundraising and events, vendor agreements, grantee engagement, education, planned giving, and organizational compliance.
This role is designed for a highly capable paralegal–someone who is detail-oriented, analytically minded, and comfortable handling a high volume of contract and research work with increasing autonomy. You will help translate high-level legal guidance into well-organized, accurate, and efficient day-to-day execution. Topics within the Paralegal’s purview will include fundraising and events, vendor agreements, grantee engagement, education, and planned giving.
This position reports to a Senior Director and Associate General Counsel (“SDAGC”) within the LBA team.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include:

• Contract Drafting & Review (45%). Independently draft agreements based on organizational templates (e.g., vendor agreements, independent contractor agreements, program documents, event production agreements). Conduct initial review of third-party and non-standard agreements; identify deviations, risks, or issues, and summarize key points for attorney evaluation. Draft routine amendments, releases, notices, and related legal correspondence.

• Research & Compliance Support (25%). Perform targeted legal and factual research using electronic research platforms. Prepare clear, concise written summaries of findings for attorney review. Assist in developing internal guidance materials, checklists, and training resources related to compliance, contract processes, or new legal requirements.

• Legal Administration & Management (20%). Maintain and manage contract and matter-tracking systems, ensuring accuracy and adherence to records management and audit policies. Coordinate signature routing, finalize documentation, and support contract close-out. Proactively identify opportunities to streamline administrative processes and improve departmental workflows.

• Client Support & Interaction (10%). Serve as a professional, reliable point of contact for internal clients. Respond to routine inquiries, triage incoming requests, and ensure accurate routing to attorneys as needed. Help maintain smooth communication between clients and the LBA team.

What You’ll Bring

Educational background BA degree or a paralegal certificate from an accredited program required.

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

4+ years of paralegal experience in a corporate, nonprofit, law firm, or in-house setting, with a strong focus on contract drafting or contract lifecycle management.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Word and Google Suite; experience working with databases or contract management platforms (e.g., Agiloft or similar). Strong legal research skills.

• Ability to interpret and summarize contract terms with accuracy and clarity. Exceptional attention to detail and high standards for grammar, formatting, and document organization.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; professional presence with all levels of internal and external stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to manage competing deadlines and prioritize a high volume of work.

• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and exercising sound judgment.

Desired Qualifications

• Familiarity with nonprofit or tax-exempt legal considerations (fundraising, charitable solicitation, compliance) is a plus.

• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.

• Self-motivated, organized, and proactive in identifying and addressing administrative or operational needs.

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 $37.46 - $39.43.

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.

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.