Director of Culture (Salary)

Human Resources Team • Waimea, HI

11d

About The Position

At Mauna Kea Resort, culture is at the heart of everything we do. More than a destination, our resort is a living connection to place, people, and tradition—where relationships are honored, stories are shared, and the spirit of Aloha is experienced in meaningful ways. As part of our iconic collection of resorts, we are committed to stewarding authentic cultural experiences that reflect respect for ʻike Hawaiʻi and a deep sense of belonging.
We are seeking a Director of Culture who is passionate about preserving and elevating Hawaiian culture through purposeful leadership, storytelling, and community connection. This role is ideal for a visionary cultural leader who takes pride in guiding immersive experiences, building trusted relationships with cultural practitioners and stakeholders, and ensuring authenticity across all cultural programming for guests, homeowners, club members, and the resort community.
In this role, you will provide strategic direction and oversight for cultural initiatives rooted in moʻolelo (storytelling), traditional practices, and place-based experiences. You will collaborate closely with internal teams and community partners to expand and enhance cultural offerings while upholding integrity, cultural protocol, and alignment with resort values. You will also provide leadership support for departmental operations as needed, including scheduling, payroll coordination, and internal planning, ensuring seamless integration of culture into the overall guest experience.
Our culture is built on respect, collaboration, and kuleana (shared responsibility). We empower our leaders to lead with intention, represent culture with care, and inspire others through education and engagement. Here, your voice is respected, your knowledge is valued, and your leadership has a meaningful impact on how culture is experienced across the resort.
As a Hawaii Business Magazine “Best Places to Work” recipient for five consecutive years, we proudly invest in our people through competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, leadership development opportunities, recognition programs, and exceptional travel perks through Marriott and Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts Worldwide.
If you are ready to lead with authenticity, strengthen cultural connection, and help shape experiences that honor Hawaii’s past, present, and future, we invite you to join us.

Requirements

• Must be able to work long and irregular hours
• Must be able to work at least 50 hours per week.
• Must be able to handle stressful situations.
• Stand and walk to supervise departmental operations; oversee activities and services to guests throughout the hotel.
• Must be able to verbally communicate ocean awareness conditions over the phone or in person.
• Effectively communicate in emergencies to appropriate resort employees and rescue personnel over the phone, radio, or in person.
• Must be able to communicate verbally and in writing to employees, managers, guests, and vendors.
• Must be able to give tours and talk to groups of people
• Skills to effectively supervise and manage the department and meet goals.
• Must be creative, knowledgeable in Hawaiian culture

Nice To Haves

• 2 years associate’s degree preferred
• First Aid/CPR Certification preferred or must become certified within a reasonable time after hiring.
• Three years of work-related experience in a hospitality managerial capacity, preferred

Responsibilities

• Create a spirit of Aloha and share the cultural connection of ʻōuli through hotel guests, Homeowners and their guests, and club members’ experiences.
• Support cultural activities at both properties with the Aloha Ambassadors and the ability to cover the basic role of an Aloha Ambassador in support of the cultural experiences.
• Develop a stronger sense of the Mauna Kea Resort employee community by participating in All Employee meetings, Ho’omaka, and/or other training determined by Human Resources.
• Prepare the annual operating and CIP budget for the department.
• Establish department policies and standard operating procedures, and ensure hotel safety rules on the use of the pool and equipment are enforced.
• Train, evaluate, lead, motivate, coach, and discipline all employees in the beach and pool department to ensure that established cultural and core standards are met.
• Ensure department staff are trained and properly certified in safety, emergency, department procedures and standards, activities, and guest relations.
• Forecast labor and scheduling needs to maintain all department standards.
• Responsible for scheduling, labor cost, and the department’s operating expense.
• Participate in group preconference meetings, events/cultural lectures, group cultural classes, or other experiences as determined by the Catering department.
• Participate in site inspections, media on property visits, and willingness to attend client events or travel for sales trips, including in-person client meetings, receptions, lectures, etc., as directed by the Director of Sales & Marketing.
• Develop and define products, executing a business plan that promotes departmental and resort profitability.
• Assist with other kuleana as directed by management.
• Conduct regular department meetings.
• Attend resort management meetings.
• Relieve Aloha Ambassadors as needed
• Maintain department bulletin board

Benefits

• medical, drug, vision, and dental care
• life insurance
• paid vacation and sick leave
• dining, and golf discounts
• team member recognition programs
• training and career opportunities
• leadership development opportunities
• exceptional travel perks through Marriott and Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager
• Education Level: Associate degree
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees