Cost Manager, Facilities & Capital Planning

About Base Camp

The National Geographic Society headquarters, based in Washington, D.C., owns and self-manages its nearly 900,000 square foot campus (called Base Camp). Base Camp comprises 5 buildings with structures from 1904 to present day, including three buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

The National Geographic Society headquarters, based in Washington, D.C., is undergoing a significant renovation project on its campus (called Base Camp). In 2026, we are opening the Museum of Exploration, featuring 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.

Future phases of the project will include an immersive walk-through attraction, additional meeting and dining space, and sleeping rooms. In addition, Base Camp has significant ongoing capital renewal projects to identify, recommend, and execute.

The Cost Manager, Facilities & Capital Planning reports to the Vice President, Facilities & Capital Planning And assists in managing the design, construction, and experiential fit out costs of all ongoing and future campus projects. This position coordinates with existing project management resources, third party consultants and NGS internal staff. This role is responsible for providing finance support for campus projects including budget analysis, monthly project cost reporting and analysis, month-end close requirements, cash flow tracking/forecasting, and other project work within tight deadlines.

Your Impact

Responsibilities

• Facilitate the development of multi-year capital plans and annual operating budgets, utilizing historical data and lifecycle analysis for long-term asset management. (30%)
• Complete monthly project cost reporting for projects and distribute to the team. Work with the Facilities & Capital Planning team and the overall Campus and Experiences Team to update project budgets and communicate all project issues on a routine basis. Provide financial auditing of all projects. (20%)
• Prepare cash flow projections on a routine basis (weekly, monthly, quarterly). Communicate results and variance explanations to the Vice President, Facilities & Capital Planning. (15%)
• Prepare and validate detailed construction cost estimates, feasibility studies, and Rough order of Magnitude (ROM) assessments for proposed facility upgrades or new builds. (10%)
• Review, audit and approve contract drafts, purchase requisitions, and invoices/payment applications related to projects. Research vendor payment issues and make recommendations for resolution. (5%)
• Assist in the vendor bid and award process including cost comparison and bid review meetings. (5%)
• Improve reporting processes wherever possible, independently perform ad hoc financial analysis flawlessly. (5%)
• Compile annual capital expenditure project requests and annual cost center budgets, as necessary. (5%)
• Work with the finance team, where applicable. Provide guidance and support to the organization for Government grants that can be utilized to cover ongoing and future project costs. (5%)

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background

• Four-year college degree in finance, accounting, construction management, business, or related field

Minimum Years And Type Of Experience

• 5 years of working experience with 3+ years of direct experience in general accounting principles required

Necessary Knowledge And Skills

• Proficiency in Excel and Google Sheets
• Proficiency in Workday budgets
• Superior interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work in a fast paced, multi-phase project environment with shifting priorities
• Ability to identify and implement more efficient practices
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team
• Construction budgets and accounting a plus

Desired Qualifications

• Workday Project Budgets experience
• Prior project experience in construction
• Preferred credentials include Project Management Professional (PMP), Certified Cost Professional (CCP), or MRICS.

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 $106,400.00 - $112,000.00.

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

On-Site Flex - Staff members who must be physically present at Base Camp to do the vast majority of their work supporting overall building and museum operations. On-Site Flex staff hours are determined in consultation with supervisors, and are responsive to the needs of the MOE and other building operations, often including nontraditional (M-F, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.) work hours.

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.