Director & Associate General Counsel, Operations, Museum, Technology

How You’ll Contribute

The Legal and Business Affairs team provides strategic, practical, and timely legal and business advice and support to all Society divisions in support of our mission. As a member of LBA, the Director and Associate General Counsel is responsible for providing legal support for the operational aspects of the Museum of Exploration, our reimagined headquarters including an expanded museum, public spaces, and immersive experiences set to open in 2026. The primary subject areas for this role are expected to include supplier, technology, and human resources issues. Major tasks will include giving legal advice, negotiating contracts, and addressing emergent issues. A key requirement for this position is a growth mindset and enthusiasm for tackling unexpected issues. The position may provide broader support to the Society’s operational divisions (e.g., Campus & Experiences, Human Resources, Technology) as needed.

This position will report to the Vice President, Senior Associate General Counsel for Privacy, Technology, Facilities, and Operations, and will also work closely with team members including the Sr. Director & Associate General Counsel, Employment Law & Ethics.

Your Impact

Your Impact

Responsibilities Include:

Supplier (20–40%)

Support the Vice President, Senior Associate General Counsel for Privacy, Technology, Facilities, and Operations on general supplier issues, particularly those relating to the Museum of Exploration and the Campus & Experiences division generally:

• Draft, negotiate, and manage supplier contracts such as consulting/project management contracts and outsourced services contracts.
• Provide ongoing legal support and guidance to NGS Facilities team.  

Technology & Privacy (20–40%)
Support the Vice President, Senior Associate General Counsel for Privacy, Technology, Facilities, and Operations on technology issues, particularly those relating to the Museum of Exploration, and:

• Negotiate contracts with technology suppliers and professionals.
• Resolve privacy questions and handle privacy operational matters.
• Advise on AI adoption and usage.

Employment (20–40%)
Support Sr. Director & Associate General Counsel, Employment Law & Ethics in support for the Museum of Exploration:

• Advise on leave and accommodation management.
• Draft and negotiate staffing agreements and review independent contractor arrangements; draft and negotiate vendor contracts for Human Resources.
• Support or lead employment or ethics investigations.

Other legal matters as the need may arise (10%)

What You’ll bring

Educational Background

JD with license to practice as an attorney in DC.

Minimum Years and Types of Experience

6+ years of relevant legal experience, including in the businesses described above and experience in the areas of contract negotiation and providing legal guidance to all levels of staff.

Necessary Knowledge and Skills

• Experience advising on employment policies, employee investigations, leave and accommodation management, and overtime and FLSA compliance.
• Skilled in drafting and negotiating supplier contracts
• Strong understanding of technology and data governance
• Superior writing and analytical skills required, and an ability to quickly learn the fundamentals of different areas of the law
• Ability to interface effectively with all levels of staff strongly required

Desired Qualifications 

• A growth mindset and flexibility to tackle unexpected issues or develop skills in new legal areas as they emerge over time.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and oral communication skills to effectively interface well with internal and external clients in a highly professional manner.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously and ability to work independently
• Exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail required
• Ability to meet designated deadlines is also a critical qualification
• Must be able to maintain the highest level of confidentiality and be able to handle sensitive materials
   

Direct Reports

None

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 $171,000.00 - $180,000.00.

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.

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.