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.

The Retail Sales Associate assists in daily operations in the Museum of Exploration Shop and associated retail outlets across Base Camp, and external pop-up events. The Retail Sales Associate is responsible for servicing visitors, maintaining organization of all retail outlets, performing the functions of a cashier, and supporting the fulfillment activities of the retail outlets. The Retail Sales Associate reports to the Store Manager, Retail Shop and operates within the Hospitality Team for the Museum of Exploration.

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.

The start date for the position is March 30, 2026.

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include:

Customer Service (70%)

• Provide exceptional customer service in accordance with the National Geographic visitor service philosophy

• Utilize the Retail POS to process purchases, exchanges, and returns within the Museum of Exploration Shop, retail outlets across Base Camp, and at external pop-up events

• Upsell add-on items during visitor transactions

• Maintain an organized and orderly environment for ease of navigation and execution of retail operations within the retail outlets

• Stay up to date on product knowledge in order to answer customer inquiries quickly and efficiently

• Answer customer questions about the Museum of Exploration, including exhibits and events

Merchandise Processing and Inventory Control (30%)

• Support the Retail Warehouse Team in transferring merchandise from the warehouse to the sales floor

• Place product quickly and accurately as it is brought from the warehouse to the sales floor

• Assist the Assistant Manager, Retail Shop in merchandising and setting product displays

• Complete the damage process for merchandise that is returned damaged or is damaged on the sales floor

• Assist the General Manager, Retail Shop with monthly cycle counts and inventory spot checks

• Be able to support the Warehouse Team in the warehouse if needed

• Participate in the annual inventory process

Educational Background

High school Diploma preferred.

Minimum Years and Experience

0–1-year experience in a retail store setting preferably in a museum or visitor attraction.

Knowledge and Skills

• Experience in a visitor attraction or museum retail shop or warehouse

• Cash-handling experience

• Attention to detail

• Strong written and oral communication skills

• Collaborative mindset and ability to work in a team or group to accomplish a task

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Workplace tools

Desired Qualifications

• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with shifting priorities

• Proactive customer service mindset

• Ability to work nights and weekends as needed

• Be able to lift up to 25lbs

Collaboration and Teamwork

Support various teams as needed, providing cross-trained coverage for breaks, absences, or high volume. Assist with general museum tasks such as maintaining public spaces, providing basic visitor assistance, and helping with event setup/breakdown.

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 hourly rate for this position is $21.50. Employees in positions who are assigned to a shift that starts or ends between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. are entitled to shift differential pay of 10% of base pay for the hours worked between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.

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 - Staff members who spend 100% of work time on-site at Base Camp, supporting overall campus and museum operations. On-Site staff shifts (spread over seven days a week and 24 hours a day, including holidays) are scheduled by their supervisors and determined by team needs and may be adjusted based on cyclical work cycles and ebbs and flows of work throughout the year.

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.