National Geographic Society
Overview
Join to apply for the
Tour Guide (FT)
role at
National Geographic Society . The Museum of Exploration (MOE) Tour Guide presents engaging guided tours to VIPs, donors, and the public. The Tour Guide is the face of the National Geographic Society and must embody the brand. Applicants must be comfortable speaking in front of large groups and present accurate information about National Geographic and its history. This is a flexible role, and hours will vary. Weekend and Holiday work is required. The National Geographic Society headquarters, based in Washington, D.C., is undergoing a significant renovation project on its campus (Base Camp), which will be completed in 2026. Components of the new guest experience will include a pavilion entrance, auditorium, photo gallery, exhibition space, immersive walk-through attraction, retail, food and beverage, education center, archives, tours, and event space. A fully sustainable hotel may also be built and operated by a third party on the campus. The capstone of the renovation is a nighttime courtyard experience. Responsibilities Include
Serve as an interpretive guide for VIPs, donors, and the public, as well as groups ranging from 2–40 people. Relate all current guided tour programs in engaging and informative ways, anticipating visitors’ needs to create a comfortable and inclusive experience. Answer questions about National Geographic, its work, mission, and history with enthusiasm and accuracy. Work as a member of the Visitor Experience Tours team, reporting to the Guided Tour Manager. Research and develop additional tour content to enrich the visitor experience. Assist in ensuring all tour content stays relevant and up to date. Welcome continual learning and development, following current best practices in museum interpretation. Perform other visitor experience related duties as needed to ensure all guests feel welcome. Educational Background
Minimum Years and Type of Experience 2 years of experience working with visitors and/or customers and at least 6 months of experience as a tour guide, museum educator, teacher, actor, or similar position. Experience as a tour guide for a museum or cultural institution strongly preferred. Spanish or ASL fluency is a plus. Necessary Knowledge and Skills
Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills Excellent public presentation skills and ability to engage groups and facilitate tours Ability to learn and retain extensive amounts of information quickly Team-oriented with a strong customer service mindset Flexibility and positivity in dealing with new experiences and people Enjoyment working with the public Ability to react to change quickly and positively 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 rate for this position is $23.50. In addition, the National Geographic Society offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; 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) and 10 days of sick leave; 12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31; 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 Resident - Our Resident category recognizes that certain staff need to be physically present at Base Camp to do their work. Schedule may vary and will be determined with supervisors. 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Join to apply for the
Tour Guide (FT)
role at
National Geographic Society . The Museum of Exploration (MOE) Tour Guide presents engaging guided tours to VIPs, donors, and the public. The Tour Guide is the face of the National Geographic Society and must embody the brand. Applicants must be comfortable speaking in front of large groups and present accurate information about National Geographic and its history. This is a flexible role, and hours will vary. Weekend and Holiday work is required. The National Geographic Society headquarters, based in Washington, D.C., is undergoing a significant renovation project on its campus (Base Camp), which will be completed in 2026. Components of the new guest experience will include a pavilion entrance, auditorium, photo gallery, exhibition space, immersive walk-through attraction, retail, food and beverage, education center, archives, tours, and event space. A fully sustainable hotel may also be built and operated by a third party on the campus. The capstone of the renovation is a nighttime courtyard experience. Responsibilities Include
Serve as an interpretive guide for VIPs, donors, and the public, as well as groups ranging from 2–40 people. Relate all current guided tour programs in engaging and informative ways, anticipating visitors’ needs to create a comfortable and inclusive experience. Answer questions about National Geographic, its work, mission, and history with enthusiasm and accuracy. Work as a member of the Visitor Experience Tours team, reporting to the Guided Tour Manager. Research and develop additional tour content to enrich the visitor experience. Assist in ensuring all tour content stays relevant and up to date. Welcome continual learning and development, following current best practices in museum interpretation. Perform other visitor experience related duties as needed to ensure all guests feel welcome. Educational Background
Minimum Years and Type of Experience 2 years of experience working with visitors and/or customers and at least 6 months of experience as a tour guide, museum educator, teacher, actor, or similar position. Experience as a tour guide for a museum or cultural institution strongly preferred. Spanish or ASL fluency is a plus. Necessary Knowledge and Skills
Excellent interpersonal and oral communication skills Excellent public presentation skills and ability to engage groups and facilitate tours Ability to learn and retain extensive amounts of information quickly Team-oriented with a strong customer service mindset Flexibility and positivity in dealing with new experiences and people Enjoyment working with the public Ability to react to change quickly and positively 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 rate for this position is $23.50. In addition, the National Geographic Society offers a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; 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) and 10 days of sick leave; 12 paid holidays and a paid winter break between December 25 and 31; 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 Resident - Our Resident category recognizes that certain staff need to be physically present at Base Camp to do their work. Schedule may vary and will be determined with supervisors. 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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr