Senior Interpretive Guide

DEPARTMENT: Education                                        
REPORTS TO: Director of Interpretive Programs
CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
SALARY: $31.25/Hour
DATE: April 2025

POSITION OVERVIEW:

Through commemoration, exhibitions, and educational programs, the National September 11 Memorial & Museum remembers and honors the 2,983 people killed in the horrific attacks of September 11, 2001 and February 26, 1993. It further recognizes those who risked their lives to save others, the thousands who survived and all who demonstrated extraordinary compassion in the aftermath of the attacks.

Interpretive Programs is part of the Education Department within the Museum Programs Division. Interpretive Programs plays a key role in the educational mission by delivering engaging programs to the public, 9/11 stakeholders, and special interest groups.

Senior Interpretive Guides deliver artifact-based tours of the National September 11 Memorial & Museum, discussing their background and relevance to diverse audiences. Tours, which take place inside the Museum and on the outdoor Memorial Plaza, cover the history and design of the World Trade Center, precursors to the 9/11 attacks, the events of the day, the ongoing aftermath, and the rebuilding of the site. In addition, Senior Interpretive Guides are self-starters who demonstrate leadership by assisting with Interpretive Programs trainings, leading tours for other programs, routinely assessing and communicating equipment needs, and using sound judgment and customer service skills while staffing the Guided Tours Desk.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

  • Lead tours inside the Museum centered on key artifacts.
  • Lead tours of the outdoor Memorial Plaza centered on the Memorial design and the newly rebuilt World Trade Center.
  • Lead, film, and facilitate Virtual Tours of the Memorial and Museum spaces as needed.
  • Ensure all content delivered to Memorial & Museum visitors is accurate.
  • Create an exceptional Museum experience for all tour participants.
  • Be attentive and provide excellent customer service by selling tickets at the Guided Tours Desk, answering visitor questions, and assisting with wayfinding.
  • Perform opening and closing procedures such as printing tour rosters, monitoring inventory supply, and maintaining the upkeep of shared spaces.
  • Assist with Interpretive Programs trainings by serving as a mentor for new Interpretive Guides, and coaching trainees during practice sessions.
  • Support, communicate, and advocate for the needs of Interpretive Guides.
  • Attend team check-in meetings, departmental meetings, and professional enrichment programming.
  • Track tour schedule and logistics duties through routine usage of Microsoft Office applications including Microsoft Outlook and Microsoft Teams.
  • Independently manage a timesheet and follow time off request guidelines.
  • Continually study the Museum’s content, collection, and resources to build a thorough understanding of the history of the World Trade Center, the events of 9/11, and their ongoing aftermath.

QUALIFICATIONS/SKILL REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
  • Excellent written and oral communication skills.
  • Previous experience in a front-facing visitor services or education position preferred.
  • Experience working with diverse, multigenerational audiences.
  • Able to work weekends, early mornings, evenings, and some holidays.
  • Able to work collaboratively and professionally with staff, volunteers, and the public.
  • Self-starter, takes initiative, and works well independently.
  • Open to accepting guidance, direction, and supervision.
  • Must adhere to a policy of strict confidentiality in terms of information regarding 9/11 victims, bid documents, security and life safety incidents, and labor relations.

REQUIRED SUPPORT FOR ORGANIZATIONAL EVENTS

  • Participate in the annual 5K fundraiser and September 11 commemoration.
  • Assist with other special projects and events in support of the 9/11 Memorial & Museum mission, as assigned

HOW TO APPLY

  • Please indicate the location where job posting was seen
  • Please submit a resume and cover letter to 911mmeducationjobs@911memorial.org
  • Include indicate the location where job posting was seen. 

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The National September 11 Memorial and Museum (9/11 Memorial & Museum) is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants who meet the qualification requirements of the role will receive consideration without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

The National September 11 Memorial & Museum (9/11 Memorial & Museum) is committed to an organizational culture that supports and reinforces our values regarding diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA). We seek to build a collaborative, open, and equitable space where staff want to be, knowing that their contributions, professional expertise, and distinct voices are valued and respected. We encourage and celebrate an inclusive environment where candor and participation, when it comes to sharing ideas and collaborative problem-solving, are welcomed regardless of one’s role at the Museum or background.

Reasonable accommodation may be made for qualified candidates, during the interview process, to enable individuals with disabilities an opportunity to interview.