Heritage Center Supervisor at Icy Strait Point LLC

Summary:

Icy Strait Point is a world-class Alaska Native-owned destination dedicated to sharing our land, culture, and way of life with guests from around the world. The Cultural Programs Supervisor is responsible for leading, growing, and delivering high-quality cultural experiences, including the Tlingit Cultural Theatrical Show and Hoonah Sightseeing Tours and other cultural related activities. This role combines leadership, cultural stewardship, performance coordination, and guest service excellence to create meaningful, authentic, and memorable experiences.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Program Leadership & Development

Lead the planning, scheduling, execution, and continuous development of the Tlingit Cultural Theatrical Show, Hoonah Sightseeing Tours, and other cultural related activities.
  Integrate theatrical production elements including script development, lighting, sound, costuming, set design, and stage management to ensure professional presentation and seamless show delivery.
  Facilitate workshops and creative sessions to continually evolve storylines, choreography, and musical components reflective of Tlingit heritage and local perspectives.
  Work collaboratively with Elders, culture bearers, artists, and storytellers to ensure accurate, respectful, and inspiring cultural interpretation.
  Develop pre-show and post-show engagement opportunities, on-site storytelling vignettes, and ambassador-led activities that connect guests with Tlingit culture throughout Icy Strait Point.

Team Development & Performance Excellence

Recruit, train, schedule, and supervise performers, Cultural Ambassadors, sightseeing guides, and drivers.
  Ensure cross-training between performance and site interpretation roles to strengthen guest engagement across multiple touchpoints.
  Coach and mentor team members to foster skill development, confidence, professionalism, and cultural pride, providing guidance in both cultural accuracy and performance excellenceincluding storytelling, voice, stage presence, and guest engagement.
  Conduct performance reviews, regular team meetings, and provide ongoing feedback for growth and success.
  Encourage creativity and continuous improvement through rehearsal evaluations and cultural interpretation feedback loops.

Operations & Safety Management

Oversee all theatrical production logistics, ensuring smooth coordination of rehearsals, performances, and site programming.
  Ensure that all staff are trained in safety procedures, guest handling, emergency response, and equipment use; lead safety briefings and conduct at least two drills per season.
  Monitor and adjust tour and show schedules to optimize guest flow, capacity, and operational efficiency; maintain accurate data in both FareHarbor and internal dispatch systems.
  Manage inventory of performance materials, theatrical props, cultural regalia, tour supplies, and operational equipment, ensuring proper care, repair, and storage of all assets.

Guest Experience & Cultural Integrity

Maintain high standards of guest service, ensuring meaningful interaction and a welcoming atmosphere.
  Uphold and model Icy Strait Points guiding principles: Best, Authentic, Profitable, championing authentic representation and storytelling excellence in every cultural encounter.

Requirements:

• Preferred 10 years working in tourism industry in Alaska, with emphasis in safety and operations.
• Experience teaching Tlingit Culture, stories, singing, dancing and history.
• Minimum 6 years experience managing staff.
• Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office Suite, and aptitude for learning other computer programs.
• Outstanding customer service philosophy and practices.
• Must be able to conduct and deliver the tour content and narration for both Tribal Performance and Hoonah Sightseeing 
• Must possess a valid drivers license with a clean driving record. 
• High school or equivalent education with college degree preferred.
• Willing to submit to pre-employment, random, post-accident and reasonable suspicion of drug and alcohol testing.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment:

• Able to lift 25 pounds, stand for extended periods, and walk 5+ miles daily
• Willing to live in a remote, rural community for minimum of 7 months per year
• Comfortable traveling by small plane of ferry to and from a remote setting
• Able to walk and drive on gravel roads in inclement weather

Icy Strait Point is a Native-owned and operated enterprise and offers Native Preference under P.O. 93-638.  Applicants must have proof of legal authority to work in the United States.