Independent Tour Guide

The Museum of Arts and Design (MAD) seeks a creative, engaging independent tour guide to develop and lead private, in-gallery tours of the Museum’s upcoming exhibition

Nike:
Form Follows Motion (on view from Sept. 12, 2026 through March 7, 2027).

The guide will create an informative and conversational tour for a range of Museum audiences, offering insight into the history of Nike, the rare archival materials on view, and the iconic brand’s connection with New York City’s legendary streetwear culture. The ideal candidate is a dynamic storyteller with public speaking experience, a great sense of humor, a solid background in athletic footwear design history and innovation, and a genuine desire to connect with diverse audiences.

This is a temporary contract position that pays $150 per tour, dependent on demand for private bookings. The position will support the Museum’s Marketing, Communications, and Group Sales teams and reports to the Visitor Experience Manager.

Private tour bookings are scheduled according to incoming requests, so in this role the guide will be expected to be available at least three days between Tuesday-Friday, with some flexibility on the weekends.

• Conduct research using independent resources and Museum-provided materials.
• Develop a tour that weaves the Nike:
  Form Follows Motion exhibition narrative with the history and culture of New York City streetwear.
• Lead engaging, informative tours for diverse adult audiences, ranging from university students to seniors.
• Communicate with the Visitor Experience Manager and Group Tours Coordinators regularly to determine availability and confirm dates and times for private tour bookings.
• Attend the exhibition’s docent training tour.
• Submit invoices biweekly in a timely fashion.

• Background in leading tours or comparable interactive experiences.
• Availability to lead 45-minute to 1-hour private tours during the week, usually Tuesday-Friday, with occasional weekend tours.
• Background in design history, with a focus on athletic footwear and sports apparel. Knowledge of the New York City’s 80’s-90’s sneaker culture is highly preferred but not required.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with the Visitor Engagement, Marketing & Communications, and Curatorial department teams.
• Ability to receive and implement constructive feedback.
• Promptly respond to email and phone communication with Visitor Experience Manager and Group Tours Coordinators.
• Ability to adhere to schedules, deadlines, and administrative guidelines.

• Proven experience in a public-speaking role (educator, actor, tour guide, performer, teacher assistant, etc.) in a museum, theater, or comparable setting.
• Ability to research, develop, and execute an engaging and informative tour experience for a wide range of visitors with varying degrees of information about the subject matter (novice to knowledgeable).
• BA or higher in a relevant field (Art, Design, Marketing, etc.)