Cultural Programs Lead – Tlingit Heritage Experiences

Huna Totem Corporation; Hoonah (AK); On-site; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Icy Strait Point, owned by Huna Totem Corporation, seeks a Cultural Programs Supervisor to lead and evolve signature cultural experiences, including the Tlingit Cultural Theatrical Show and tours, blending cultural stewardship with operational excellence. You will work with Elders, artists, and guides to ensure authentic storytelling and high production quality.

The role requires leadership, strong customer service, and the ability to manage rehearsal, safety, and guest engagement while living

Qualifications

• Preferred 10 years of experience in Alaska's tourism industry, with emphasis on safety and operations.
• Experience teaching Tlingit culture, history, stories, singing, and dancing.
• Minimum 6 years of staff leadership experience.
• Strong customer service philosophy and practices.
• Ability to deliver tour narration and cultural performance content.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and adaptable to learning new systems.
• Valid driver's license with a clean driving record.
• High school diploma required; college degree preferred.
• Willing to comply with pre-employment and ongoing drug and alcohol testing.

Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, scheduling, execution, and growth of cultural programs and performances.
• Coordinate theatrical production elements including scripts, sound, lighting, costuming, and staging.
• Facilitate creative workshops to evolve storytelling, choreography, and music rooted in Tlingit culture.
• Collaborate with Elders and culture bearers to ensure respectful, accurate interpretation.
• Develop pre-show, post-show, and on-site storytelling moments that deepen guest connection.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise performers, Cultural Ambassadors, sightseeing guides, and drivers.
• Coach team members in storytelling, stage presence, guest engagement, and cultural interpretation.
• Foster professionalism, confidence, and cultural pride through mentorship and feedback.
• Conduct performance reviews, rehearsals, and ongoing development conversations.
• Oversee rehearsal and performance logistics and daily cultural programming.
• Ensure safety training, emergency preparedness, and seasonal drills.
• Manage schedules, guest flow, and capacity using FareHarbor and internal systems.
• Maintain inventory of regalia, props, equipment, and cultural materials.
• Deliver welcoming, meaningful, and memorable guest interactions.
• Uphold Icy Strait Point's guiding principles: Best, Authentic, Profitable.
• Model cultural respect, storytelling excellence, and stewardship in every encounter.

Skills

Leadership

Public speaking

Cultural interpretation

Customer service

Microsoft Office

Education

High school diploma

College degree preferred

Tools

FareHarbor

Internal systems

Job description

Icy Strait Point, owned by Huna Totem Corporation, seeks a Cultural Programs Supervisor to lead and evolve signature cultural experiences, including the Tlingit Cultural Theatrical Show and tours, blending cultural stewardship with operational excellence. You will work with Elders, artists, and guides to ensure authentic storytelling and high production quality.

The role requires leadership, strong customer service, and the ability to manage rehearsal, safety, and guest engagement while living