Tour Guide

JOB TITLE : Tour Guide (Full Time)

REPORTS TO

Site Manager

DATE : January 2024

FLSA STATUS

Nonexempt

COMPENSATION

$25-$30 / hr

ABOUT THE MUSEUM OF AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY

The Museum of African American History, founded in 1967, is New England’s largest museum dedicated to preserving, conserving, and interpreting the contributions of African Americans.

With locations in Beacon Hill and Nantucket Island, and two Black Heritage Trails®, the museum tells the story of organized black communities from the Colonial Period through the 19th century.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Museum of African American History is seeking a full-time Tour Guide to join our team. Reporting to the Boston Site Manager, this role is ideal for individuals passionate about storytelling, meeting diverse audiences, and sharing the rich history of African Americans.

The successful candidate will be reliable, gracious, and enjoy interacting with the public. Responsibilities include providing general admission tours, conducting special programs for school groups, and assisting with opening and closing procedures.

OVERVIEW

We are seeking an enthusiastic and knowledgeable Tour Guide to join our team.

As a Tour Guide, you will have the opportunity to showcase your passion for history, culture,

and landmarks while providing an exceptional experience for our guests.

If you enjoy working with people and have a knack for storytelling, this is the perfect role for you.

$25 / hr with housing for the season on Nantucket or $30 / hour without housing.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide interpretive tours and programs for museum visitors, including general admissions, school groups, corporate groups, and dignitaries.
• Serve as a subject matter expert on African American history, facilitating engaging and interactive tours.
• Collaborate with the Director of Education and Interpretation to develop and implement interpretive programs for school groups.
• Attend training sessions and participate in evaluations to enhance tour guide skills and knowledge.
• Assist with opening and closing procedures of museum buildings.
• Continuously learn about African American history to improve accuracy and visitor learning.
• Participate in offsite museum programming as needed.

DESIRED SKILLS & ABILITIES

Minimum Qualifications :

• Proficiency in African American history, especially in 18th and 19th century America.
• Strong communication skills (oral, written, active listening).
• Ability to engage with a diverse variety of visitors and groups.
• Excellent customer service skills.
• Flexibility and adaptability to handle unforeseen circumstances.

Requirements :

• High School Diploma with some college coursework in African American studies.
• American history, communications, social science, humanities, or related field is preferred.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities are a plus.
• Completion of Tour Guide training program and ongoing professional development.
• Ability to work weekends, holidays, and evenings as required.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Adobe software.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Special Requirements :

• Willingness to work weekends, nights, and holidays to accommodate museum programming.
• Willingness to perform additional assigned functions as needed.

TYPICAL PHYSICAL / SOCIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Professional communication skills with staff, visitors, and stakeholders.
• Ability to lift and carry items weighing up to 15 lbs.
• Ability to escort tour groups through multi-floor, multi-site facilities.

Last updated : 2024-05-07