Tour Guide

The Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation is the number one source for education, public art, and archival collections for people seeking the truth about the Black Panther Party. We have been dedicated to preserving and promoting the legacy of the Black Panther Party since 1995 and continue our mission through the Black Panther Party Museum (BPPM).

Schedule: Part Time

Position Summary

As a Tour Guide at the Black Panther Party Museum, you are more than a narrator – you’ll be an ambassador of one of the most important movements in American history. This role is about more than walking visitors through exhibitions. It’s about storytelling, dialogue, and connecting history to present struggles for justice. You’ll lead engaging tours that bring the Panthers’ history to life, inspire critical dialogue, and connect past struggles to present realities.

We are looking for three passionate Tour Guides to join our team. More than just walking visitors through exhibitions, our guides help bring history alive, connecting past struggles to present realities, and creating space for dialogue, learning, and inspiration.

Tour guide Responsibilities & Duties

  • Welcome visitors from all walks of life, levels of knowledge, and interests to create a safe, inclusive environment for learning and discussion.

  • Lead guided tours of the Museum, its exhibitions, and neighborhood landmarks tied to the history of the Black Panther Party.

  • Deliver accurate, engaging, and accessible historical narratives to a diverse audience of visitors, including students, researchers, and the general public.

  • Maintain knowledge of exhibitions, artifacts, public art projects, and current programs.

  • Provide accurate information about the Museum’s mission, membership, and events.

  • Assist with visitor questions, orientation, and wayfinding before and after tours.

  • Participate in ongoing training on the history, principles, and legacy of the Black Panther Party.

  • Support the Museum’s community-centered approach by fostering respectful dialogue and visitor engagement.

  • Collect visitor feedback and contribute insights to improve the overall visitor experience.

  • Collaborate with staff on special events, public programs, and educational initiatives.

  • Other duties as assigned.

visitor experience duties

  • Greet visitors and act as a first point for questions, providing information related to their visit, the museum’s amenities and opportunities, exhibitions and programs, as requested.

  • Support the museum’s membership program through promotion and sign-ups.

  • Assist with sales of tickets and merchandise using the museum’s point-of-sale system.

  • Help maintain visitor-facing spaces, ensuring they are clean, stocked, and welcoming.

  • Participate in visitor market research by collecting visitor feedback and comments.

Qualifications & Skills

  • A high school diploma is required; college coursework in history, African American Studies, political science, education, or related fields is preferred, but not mandatory.

  • Strong interest in and/or knowledge of the Black Panther Party, the Civil Rights Movement, and Bay Area history.

  • Experience in public speaking, education, performance, or guiding groups.

  • Experience in customer service, education, or community engagement roles (minimum two years preferred).

  • Excellent storytelling, communication, and interpersonal skills.

  • Ability to engage with diverse audiences, from school groups to international visitors.

  • Reliable, punctual, and professional, with strong team collaboration skills.

  • Ability to work independently, take initiative, and remain flexible in a dynamic environment.

  • Fluency in additional languages, especially Spanish, is a plus.

Working Conditions

  • Must be available Wednesday–Saturday from 10 AM – 3 PM.

  • Must have a flexible schedule for special events, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.

  • Must be comfortable working in active, public-facing spaces with large crowds.

  • Must be able to stand/walk for extended periods and lead tours indoors and outdoors.

  • Occasional lifting up to 15 lbs. may be required.

$25.00/ hour

All jobs posted will remain open until filled.

Location: 1427 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94612.

Please send your resume and a brief cover letter or statement of interest describing why you’d like to join the Black Panther Party Museum team to careers@hueypnewton.org with “Tour Guide” in the subject line.

By joining our team, you’ll help ensure that the Panthers' legacy continues to educate, inspire, and empower future generations.

The Dr. Huey P. Newton Foundation is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. No person shall be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, age, genetic information, ancestry/national origin, marital status, disability, medical condition, HIV status, sexual orientation, veteran/military status, and any other category protected by federal or state law.