Sr. Manager, Reference & Research

How You’ll Contribute

The Storytelling team works to expand the organization’s impact through journalism, photography, film/video, web content, mapping, and data visualization. As one of the largest funders to individual storytellers in this work, it also identifies key grantmaking, and fellowship opportunities with creative talent. Much of the team's programmatic activity is focused on identifying and building capacity for the next generation of diverse storytellers.
Reporting to the Director of Outreach and Engagement, the Senior Manager of Reference and Research oversees all reference and research activities for Special Collections, including the timely management and routing of incoming requests, conducting reference interviews, scheduling visits, conducting and compiling research, directing rights research and fulfilling media requests, and referring users to relevant resources outside of NGS.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include

Reference Services (70%)

• Oversee reference services to National Geographic staff and external researchers.

• Promote the collections and facilitate equitable access and use

• In coordination with the Director of Outreach and Engagement, supports colleagues across Special Collections to answer inquiries effectively and thoroughly in person and remotely

• Manage reading rooms by setting schedules for monitors, visitors, overseeing the process of retrieval and return or library and archival materials

• Track the use of collections and compile statistics for security purposes and strategic planning

• Evaluate and fulfill special requests for digital media

• Oversees Interlibrary loan program with the Librarian for Transformation 

• Create and communicate clear policies and procedures for reference, research, and media request fulfillment

Research (30%)

• Collaborate with the Director of Outreach and Engagement to support the work of research grantees and external community groups

• Conduct in-depth research consultations to ensure information needs are met

• Conduct and/or coordinate historical research for NGS staff

• Conduct and facilitate the rights research and clearance with the assistance of the Legal team

• Train staff and external researchers on the use of collection catalogs, databases, electronic collections and resources, and digital asset management systems

• Develop research guides and other resources to support user engagement with, and increase awareness of, Special Collections systems and materials.

Educational Background

Bachelor’s Degree

Minimum Years and Type of Experience

• 7+ years of progressive responsibility in an Archives, Special Collections Library, museum, or similar setting.

• 3+ years management experience with demonstrated experience providing information and resources to a diverse clientele.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Broad knowledge of National Geographic history, organization, and mission.

• Strong customer service focus, with well-rounded analytical and prioritization skills. Ability to work well under pressure.

• Demonstrated commitment to open and equitable access

• Ability to collaborate effectively within and across diverse teams

• Understanding of restrictions on use of and access to collections material and how to manage them

• Knowledge of standards and best practices (including access to and handling of) in special collections and archives

• Effective written and verbal communications skills. Must have attention to detail.

• Experience in creating research guides and online learning materials

• Knowledge of best practices in providing research support and teaching with primary sources

• Ability to lead people and to contribute to teams

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 $99,700 - $105,000.

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.