Job Title: Tour Guide (FT)

Company: National Geographic Society

Location: USA

Job Type: Full Time

How You’ll Contribute

Who We Are
The National Geographic Society headquarters, based in Washington, D.C., is undergoing a significant renovation project on its campus (called Base Camp), which will be completed in 2026. Components of the new guest experience will include 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. A fully sustainable, on-brand hotel may also be built and operated by a third party on the campus. The capstone of the renovation is a one-of-a-kind nighttime experience in the courtyard.

How You’ll Contribute
Job Description Summary
The Museum of Exploration (MOE) Tour Guide is a dynamic individual that presents engaging guided tours to VIP’s, donors, and the public. The Tour Guide is the face of the National Geographic Society and must embody the brand. Applicants must be extremely comfortable speaking in front of large groups of people 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.

We are seeking a team member who values interoperability and is ready to jump in and support colleagues across different projects when needed. At the Museum of Exploration, we believe that our greatest successes come from shared expertise and a willingness to step outside of a single role. This isn't just a part of the job; it's a core aspect of how we operate and collaborate, reflecting the spirit of partnership that defines National Geographic's culture.

The start date for this position is January 12th 2026.
Your Impact

Responsibilities include:

Serve as an interpretive guide for VIP’s, donors, and the public as well as other groups ranging from 2- 40 people.

Relates all current guided tour programs in engaging and informative ways, anticipating visitors' needs creating a comfortable and inclusive experience for all visitors.

Answers questions about National Geographic, its work, mission, and history with enthusiasm and accuracy.

Works 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.

Assists in ensuring all tour content stays relevant and up to date.

Welcomes continual learning and development, following current best practices in Museum interpretation.

Performs other visitor experience related duties as needed to ensure all guests feel welcome.

What You’ll Bring

Educational Background

Bachelor’s degree preferred

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, 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.

Posted: 18/11/2025