Heritage Center Supervisor

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

Cultural Programs Supervisor 9 months on, 3 months off paid year round. Icy Strait Point | Hoonah, Alaska

Share culture. Lead with purpose. Create experiences that endure.

Icy Strait Point is a world-class, Alaska Native-owned destination rooted in Haa Aaní - the ancestral land of the Huna Tlingit people. Built on the site of a historic salmon cannery, Icy Strait Point welcomes guests from around the world while honoring the culture, stories, and way of life that have sustained this community for generations.

We are seeking a Cultural Programs Supervisor to lead and evolve our signature cultural experiences, including the Tlingit Cultural Theatrical Show, Hoonah Sightseeing Tours, and other cultural programming. This role blends cultural stewardship, leadership, performance coordination, and operational excellence to deliver meaningful and authentic guest experiences.

The Role

The Cultural Programs Supervisor is responsible for the planning, delivery, and continuous development of cultural programs that reflect Tlingit heritage with integrity, professionalism, and pride. This position works closely with Elders, culture bearers, artists, performers, and operational teams to ensure cultural accuracy, high production quality, and exceptional guest engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Development

• 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

Team Development & Performance Excellence

• 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

Operations & Safety

• 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

Guest Experience & Cultural Integrity

• 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

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

Physical & Work Environment

• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and stand or walk for extended periods (5 miles daily)
• Willingness to live in a remote rural community for a minimum of 7 months per year
• Comfortable traveling by small plane or ferry
• Able to work outdoors and travel on gravel roads in varied weather conditions

Native Preference & Equal Opportunity

Icy Strait Point is a Native-owned and operated enterprise and offers Native Preference under P.O. 93-638. Applicants must have legal authorization to work in the United States. We are committed to creating a respectful, inclusive, and culturally grounded workplace.