What are the responsibilities and job description for the Heritage Center Supervisor position at Icy Strait Point LLC?
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.