Manager of Hawaiian Culture

Located on the coveted south shore of Maui in Wailea, Fairmont Kea Lani is Hawaiʻi’s only all-suite and villa luxury oceanfront resort. This newly transformed, distinctive property is located on the sunny shores of Polo Beach amongst 22 acres of tropical landscape, offering authentic Hawaiian cultural experiences and genuine personal service that embody the spirit of Aloha.

From full-moon staff hikes and beach clean-ups to appreciation luncheons and birthday holidays, our team provides endless opportunities to learn and grow in both your personal and professional development. Live and work in a place you love!

What is in it for you:

• Comprehensive benefits package (Medical, Vision and Dental) including extended benefits like; Basic insurance, TDI and Long-Term Disability for regular Full-time and Part-time employees
• 401(k) retirement savings plan and matching program
• One complimentary meal for all employees who work more than 6 hours per day
• Food & Beverage discount at Fairmont Kea Lani (venue specific and discount may vary)
• Wellness Offerings
• Exclusive employee benefit card offering discounted rates in Accor worldwide
• Learning programs through our Academies
• Opportunity to develop your talent and grow within your property and across the world
• Ability to make a difference through our Corporate Social Responsibility activities

As our Manager of Hawaiian Culture (MoHC), you will be responsible for managing and implementing the property’s strategic cultural plan and integrating cultural values, concepts, and knowledge throughout all departments and practices of the company.  The MoHC ensures all operations, practices, communications, and company actions are culturally correct, sensitive, and relevant.

Salary Range: $80,000 - $90,000

What you will be doing: 

• Develop, manage and execute Hale Kukuna’s vision, operations and budget
• Ensure effective utilization and productivity of all staff through staff planning, hiring, training and scheduling
• Develop communication strategies and execute annual cultural events and pop up programs within the hotel, while raising the profile for the hotel and the brand
• Creation and management of daily, weekly, and monthly cultural activities, workshops, and classes
• Strategic development of revenue-generating cultural classes, retail opportunities, and community partnerships
• Conceptualization and implementation of “signature” events, activities and games that are place-based and culturally grounded.  These events must also benefit the community, enhance guest experience, be specific to the place, and fill a gap in the annual event calendar.
• Continually work towards further integration of indigenous Hawaiian knowledge systems into the corporate structure and within all departments
  • Development of internal cultural ambassador group
  • Create/maintain relationships and database of cultural practitioners
• Work with the Executive Committee and all departments to elevate the level of cultural competency, consistency, and sensitivity within and throughout departments.
• Strategically create, facilitate, and execute opportunities to practice culture at the highest standards to various audiences.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with community groups, cultural organizations, and lineal & cultural descendants.
• Function as Cultural spokesperson for Fairmont Kea Lani ensuring cultural integrity & appropriateness of Sales/Marketing and social media campaigns, collateral and digital portal.
• Serve as key contact to develop and build positive relationships with local schools and organizations
• Participation in meet-and-greets (FAM visits), cultural welcome & departure ceremonies for clients.
• Maintain atmosphere of aloha spirit by providing engaging, personalized, timely, and efficient service to our discerning guests
• Focus attention on guest needs, remaining calm and courteous at all times
• Promote and enforce health and safety awareness as well as to have a complete understanding of the emergency procedures
• Follow hotel and departmental policies, procedures and service standards.  Create and maintain department specific policies, procedures and service standards.
• Contribute to the improvement of the operation by contributing ideas, making suggestions, soliciting feedback  and actively participating in departmental communication meetings
• Actively participate and promote the Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui’s environmental program and department specific initiatives in working towards sustainable operations
• Additional duties as necessary and assigned

Your experience and skills include:

• Minimum four (4) years in similar roles within hospitality or related industry  
• Minimum five (5) years experience teaching Hawaiian culture/history with curriculum development and training experience required
• Experience working with the Native Hawaiian community
  • Strongly Preferred: Existing relationships with cultural practitioners and community members
• Experience with public speaking and the development and delivery of training curriculum
• Experience with managing budget and staff
• Experience with Executive level leadership
• Must be able to speak, read, write and understand English language
• Must be proficient in Hawaiian language
• Highly versed in Hawaiian history
• Requires strong communication skills in both verbal and written 
• Must be able to read and write to facilitate the communication process
• Must be service oriented and capable of communicating effectively with persons involved in all levels of authority, both internally and externally
• Must possess basic computational ability
• Must possess computer skills, including, but not limited to, Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook
• Trained in traditional cultural practices under a recognized Kumu, Olohe, or other recognized traditional knowledge lineage
• Strongly Preferred: Knowledgeable in numerous cultural practices including lā’au lapa`au, hula, oli, haku mele/oli, hana no`eau (kapa, `ohe kāpala, hulu, lei, carving, weaving), lawai`a, mahi`ai, mo`olelo, genealogy
• Strong understanding of loina Hawai`i (Hawaiian values), lawena Hawai`i (Hawaiian behavioral conduct), and mo`omeheu Hawai`i (Hawaiian culture)
• Must be able to multi-task and be detail-oriented in a fast paced, high volume environment 
• Must have ability to work independently and to prioritize or seek clarification in prioritizing work assignments
• Maintain a professional working environment and attitude

All Candidates must be in possession of identification proving authorization to work in the United States as defined in the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986 (IRCA). This Position does not offer sponsorship of Work Visas. Resumes submitted that cannot fulfill these requirements will not be considered.

Our commitment to Diversity & Inclusion:
We are an inclusive company and our ambition is to attract, recruit and promote diverse talent.

Join our ‘ohana today:  Visit our website to learn more about living and working for Fairmont Hawai’i.  www.fairmonthawaiijobs.com

Why work for Accor?

Discover a world where life pulses with passion!​

Join the Accor Group, an ecosystem of over 45 brands, 5,600 hotels, 10,000 restaurants and lifestyle places, that welcome you.  With us, your personality is valued, your opportunities for growth know no boundaries.  Every action you take has a positive and memorable impact on the experience of our customers, your colleagues, and also, on the planet, contributing to pioneering the art of responsible hospitality.

Hospitality is a work of heart #fairmontcareers #alwayskealani