What Does National Geographic Society Do?

Total employees686
HeadquartersWashington
Founded1888

The National Geographic Society is a global nonprofit organization committed to exploring, illuminating, and protecting the wonder of our world. For over 135 years, it has funded groundbreaking science and exploration, shared compelling stories, and supported education initiatives to generate solutions for a healthier and more sustainable future. The Society empowers a global community of Explorers, scientists, educators, and storytellers to drive positive change and inspire people to care about the planet. Key areas of focus include conservation, education, scientific research, and storytelling, aiming to achieve a planet in balance.

Where Is National Geographic Society's Headquarters?

HQ Function

Serves as the central hub for the Society's global operations, including grant-making programs, educational outreach, the National Geographic Museum, extensive archives, and administrative functions supporting its worldwide network of Explorers.

Notable Features:

The campus includes the National Geographic Museum (open to the public), Gilbert H. Grosvenor Auditorium, historic Hubbard Hall (the original headquarters building), a research library, and environmentally conscious building designs. It often hosts exhibitions, lectures, and film screenings.

Work Culture:

A mission-driven and collaborative environment, deeply rooted in scientific inquiry, exploration, education, and storytelling. Employees are passionate about the Society's legacy and its role in understanding and protecting the planet. Emphasis on innovation, global impact, and diversity.

HQ Significance:

An iconic institution in Washington D.C., symbolizing over a century of exploration, discovery, and commitment to geographic knowledge. It's a center for convening thought leaders, showcasing groundbreaking work, and engaging the public in critical global issues.

Values Reflected in HQ: The headquarters embodies the Society's core values: exploration (through support for Explorers), education (museum and outreach), conservation (sustainable practices), and storytelling (venues for sharing discoveries). The open campus and public museum reflect a commitment to sharing knowledge.

Location:

The National Geographic Society has a profound global presence, supporting and collaborating with thousands of Explorers, scientists, educators, and storytellers in over 140 countries. Its functions supported globally include: funding scientific research, exploration, and conservation projects; providing educational programs and resources for K-12 students and educators; empowering storytellers to document and share impactful narratives; and convening experts and communities to address critical planetary issues. The Society operates through a comprehensive grant program, fellowships, strategic partnerships, and educational outreach, ensuring its mission resonates and creates impact worldwide.

Street Address:

1145 17th Street NW

City:

Washington

State/Province:

D.C.

Country:

USA

Where Else Does National Geographic Society Operate Around the World?

Global Programmatic Hubs & Regional Liaisons (Various)

Address: N/A (Operations are globally distributed through grantees and partners rather than numerous traditional branch offices)

To extend the Society's reach in exploration, scientific research, conservation, and education by empowering local talent, funding projects, and addressing region-specific challenges and opportunities across the globe.

Buying Intent Signals for National Geographic Society

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Notable news
Hiring actively
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
Corporate Finance
*Example signal, not calculated in real time

Who's Leading National Geographic Society? Meet the Executive Team

As of April 2025, National Geographic Society' leadership includes:

Jill Tiefenthaler - Chief Executive Officer
Julie K. Agnew - Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer
Valerie Craig - Chief Science and Programs Officer
Davina P. Durgana, Ph.D. - Chief Impact Officer
Tony Luckett - Chief Marketing and Communications Officer
Ian Miller, Ph.D. - Chief Science and Innovation Officer
Alex Moen - Chief Explorer Engagement Officer
Kara Ramirez Mullins - Chief Advancement Officer
Yalmaz Siddiqui - Chief Sustainability Officer

Who's Investing in National Geographic Society?

National Geographic Society has been backed by several prominent investors over the years, including:

As a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, the National Geographic Society is not funded by 'investors' in the commercial sense. Its work is made possible through a diverse range of funding sources:
Individual Donors: Contributions from people around the world who support its mission.
Foundations and Corporations: Grants and sponsorships from philanthropic foundations and corporate partners.
Endowment: Investment income from its endowment.
Program Revenue: Revenue generated from educational programs, events, and historically, media properties (now largely managed by National Geographic Partners, a joint venture with The Walt Disney Company, which provides some funding back to the Society).

What Leadership Changes Has National Geographic Society Seen Recently?

Hire3
Exits0

In the past 12-18 months, the National Geographic Society has made significant new appointments to its executive team, particularly strengthening its financial, marketing, sustainability, and impact leadership to further its global mission. No major C-level departures have been publicly announced during this period.

New Appointments:

Julie K. Agnew, Julie K. Agnew appointed as new CFO and Treasurer.
Tony Luckett, Tony Luckett joined as Chief Marketing and Communications Officer.
Yalmaz Siddiqui, Yalmaz Siddiqui appointed as Chief Sustainability Officer.
Davina P. Durgana, Ph.D., Dr. Davina P. Durgana appointed as Chief Impact Officer.

What Technology (Tech Stack) Is Used byNational Geographic Society?

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National Geographic Society Email Formats and Examples

Common email formats for National Geographic Society employees typically use a combination of the first name and last name, or first initial and last name, with the domain @ngs.org.

[first_initial][last]@ngs.org (e.g., jdoe@ngs.org) OR [first].[last]@ngs.org (e.g., jane.doe@ngs.org)

Format

example: flastname@ngs.org or first.lastname@ngs.org

Example

75%

Success rate

What's the Latest News About National Geographic Society?

National Geographic Society Press RoomMay 15, 2024

National Geographic Society Announces 2024 Class of Emerging Explorers

The National Geographic Society today announced its 2024 class of Emerging Explorers, a group of 15 incredible individuals from around the world who are using science, storytelling, education, and technology to shine a light on the wonder of our world and generate solutions for a more sustainable future. These changemakers are conducting innovative work in their respective fields, from uncovering ancient civilizations to developing new conservation technologies and empowering Indigenous communities....more

National Geographic Society BlogApril 22, 2024

National Geographic Society Reaffirms Commitment to 'Planet Possible' on Earth Day 2024

On Earth Day 2024, the National Geographic Society highlighted its ongoing commitment to fostering a 'Planet Possible' through its diverse portfolio of initiatives. This includes significant investments in protecting critical species and habitats, advancing solutions to the climate crisis, and empowering the next generation of environmental stewards through education and storytelling....more

National Geographic Education BlogMarch 8, 2024

National Geographic Society Launches New Educational Resources for Understanding Biodiversity

To enhance understanding of global biodiversity, the National Geographic Society's Education program has launched a new suite of free educational resources for K-12 classrooms. These resources include interactive maps, lesson plans, and multimedia content designed to engage students with the importance of biodiversity and conservation efforts worldwide, aligning with the Society’s mission to illuminate and protect the wonder of our world....more

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