Heritage Center Supervisor

Icy Strait Point LLC; Hoonah (AK); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent cultural destination in Hoonah, Alaska, is seeking a Cultural Programs Supervisor. This role involves leading the planning and execution of cultural experiences, coordinating a variety of performances, and ensuring engagement with Tlingit heritage. Ideal candidates should have substantial experience in the tourism industry, significant staff leadership experience, and a strong customer service philosophy. The position requires residing in a remote environment with a commitment to maintaining cultural integrity and guest satisfaction throughout the year.

Qualifications

• 10 years of experience in Alaska's tourism industry, focusing on safety and operations.
• Minimum of 6 years of staff leadership.
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and walk 5+ miles daily.
• Strong customer service philosophy and practices.
• Ability to deliver tour narration and cultural performance content.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop cultural programs reflecting Tlingit heritage.
• Coordinate theatrical production elements for performances.
• Supervise performers and Cultural Ambassadors.
• Ensure safety training and emergency preparedness.
• Uphold principles of authenticity and guest engagement.
• Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise performers, Cultural Ambassadors, sightseeing guides, and drivers.
• Coach team members in storytelling, stage presence, guest engagement, and cultural interpretation.
• 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.

Skills

Tour narration and cultural performance content delivery

Teaching Tlingit culture, history, stories, singing, and dancing

Customer service excellence

Supervisory experience

Adaptability to learning new systems

Education

High school diploma

College degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Office

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 RoleThe 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 ResponsibilitiesProgram 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

QualificationsPreferred 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 EnvironmentAbility 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 OpportunityIcy 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.

PI02ca9a0ac39e-37528-39908084