Director of User Services – Archives & Access

National Geographic; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 131,000 - 138,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) retirement savings plan with 6+

Flexible paid time off (up to 22 days)

Paid holidays and winter break

Parental leave and adoption benefits

Learning and development opportunities

Lifestyle Spending Account

Employee discounts

Job summary

National Geographic Society is seeking a Director of User Services for Special Collections to lead access to physical and digital collections and to guide research services and exhibitions strategy. The role will oversee a public reading room refurbishment, rights workflows, and engagement with diverse communities, including underserved groups.

The position requires a BA and a preferred MS in Library/Information Science or related field, with 10+ years in archives or museums and 3+ years of

Qualifications

• Experience leading a reference service or similar client‑focused program.
• Experience managing and developing systems and resources.
• Demonstrated commitment to open and equitable access.
• Understanding of restrictions on use of and access to collections material and how to manage them.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee a vibrant reference and research program that promotes National Geographic’s legacy internally and outside NGS through physical and digital collections and information resources and digital technologies that expand impact and improve services.
• Present finding aids, digital collections, research services, access procedures, copyright and restrictions, and historical information with clarity and accessibility at the forefront.
• With the CHHC Project team and Storytelling program officers, support new programs for storytelling and descendant community grantees.

Skills

Reference services

Rights management

Data analysis

Leadership

Education

Bachelor's degree

Master's degree in Library/Info Science or related

Job description

National Geographic Society is seeking a Director of User Services for Special Collections to lead access to physical and digital collections and to guide research services and exhibitions strategy. The role will oversee a public reading room refurbishment, rights workflows, and engagement with diverse communities, including underserved groups.

The position requires a BA and a preferred MS in Library/Information Science or related field, with 10+ years in archives or museums and 3+ years of