Description

Organization Overview

The Liljestrand Foundation was established by the Liljestrand family in 2007 to preserve and share Liljestrand House — a defining work of Hawai‘i architect Vladimir Ossipoff — and to foster dialogue on imaginative design. The Foundation’s vision is a world where timeless design is the foundation for every endeavor.

Listed on the Hawaii and National Registers of Historic Places, Liljestrand House is recognized as an outstanding example of Ossipoff’s work and mid-twentieth century modern architecture.

Now at a defining moment in its evolution, the Foundation has completed a strategic planning process and is entering an exciting phase of implementation focused on sustainable growth, increased impact, and deeper community engagement. This is a unique opportunity to join a small and visionary team as it reimagines how a historic site can serve as a vibrant platform for design, dialogue, and cultural leadership in the 21st century.

Position Summary

The Operations & Visitor Experience Manager is a key operational role responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations, visitor experience, and public-facing activities of Liljestrand House. The position leads tour operations, hospitality, volunteer coordination, events, site readiness, general upkeep and maintenance. It also supports audience development, communications, and earned revenue initiatives that expand visitation and strengthen the Foundation’s reach and sustainability.

This role requires a highly organized, resourceful, and hospitality-minded professional with strong operational judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic historic house environment. The Manager will work closely with the Executive Director to ensure smooth and responsive daily operations, deliver an exceptional experience for visitors and partners, and identify opportunities to grow tours, retail, rentals, and other visitor-based revenue. This is a hands-on management role that combines operational oversight with active participation in the day-to-day needs of the house. As the primary on-site operational lead, the Manager will exercise initiative and independent judgment while helping build the systems and capacity necessary for the Foundation’s continued growth.

Key Responsibilities

Visitor Experience & Tour Operations

• Oversee tour scheduling, visitor logistics, and guest experience
• Coordinate group tours, private visits, student tours and special access requests
• Ensure the house is consistently tour-ready, welcoming, and well presented
• Identify opportunities and implement strategies to expand tours, visitor offerings, and earned revenue
• Answer and manage the Liljestrand House main phone line and general email inbox, responding to inquiries and directing calls and emails as appropriate.
• Serve as backup tour guide as needed

House Operations & Facilities Coordination

• Oversee day-to-day site operations and systems to ensure Liljestrand House is well cared for, operationally prepared, and consistently ready to welcome visitors.
• Maintain day-to-day house and visitor readiness, including light housekeeping and upkeep, plant care, and presentation of visitor areas and grounds.
• Coordinate the Foundation’s calendar of tours, events and programs
• Monitor maintenance needs and coordinate with contractors and service providers as needed
• Manage ordering, purchasing, and inventory of house, office, program, and hospitality supplies; including local errands and pickups as needed

Programs, Events & Hospitality

• Oversee and facilitate outside rentals, including retreats, photo and film shoots, wedding ceremonies, and other special events, including preparation, hospitality, setup, and breakdown.
• Coordinate logistics, vendors, supplies, and operational details for public programs, donor events, and special Foundation gatherings.

Audience Development, Marketing & Communications Support

• Support efforts to increase awareness, visitation, and engagement through outreach to community groups, tourism partners, schools, and other organizations.
• Assist with social media planning and content creation, including capturing photos, videos, and stories from tours, programs, and events
• Support promotional efforts through social media, email, website updates, and partner communications

Retail & Revenue Support

• Oversee shop operations, inventory management, and merchandise presentation
• Manage development of new products and visitor offerings aligned with the Foundation’s mission 

Volunteer Coordination

• Oversee docent and volunteer scheduling, communication, and engagement
• Support volunteer retention and cultivation, including volunteer events and programs

Other

• Perform other duties as assigned in support of the Foundation’s operations, programs and mission

Work Environment & Schedule

• Full-time, five-day-per-week position based primarily on-site at Liljestrand House
• Schedule includes approximately two Saturdays per month for public tours, with additional weekends as needed for programs and events
• Frequent evening hours are required; flexibility in the five-day work schedule is provided to accommodate evening and weekend commitments.
• Work takes place in a historic house environment that is not air-conditioned
• Position requires an active, hands-on approach to site operations, including regular movement throughout the property, standing and walking for extended periods, and lifting or moving supplies, furnishings, and event materials.
• Must be comfortable working independently, exercising sound judgment, and responding to operational needs in real time

Compensation and Benefits

This is a salaried position. Benefits include comprehensive health insurance coverage (medical, dental, vision) paid time off and paid holidays in accordance with the Foundation’s schedule. Access to a retirement savings plan (401k) is also offered.

How to apply: Please submit a resume, LinkedIn profile and a cover letter detailing your interest in the position and how your background aligns with the Foundation’s mission to info@liljestrandhouse.org. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled, with an anticipated start date of December 1, 2026.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• 3–5 years of professional experience in operations, hospitality, visitor services, events, cultural organizations, or a related field
• Strong organizational and problem-solving skills, with demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently, and exercise sound judgment
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with a strong commitment to hospitality and guest experience
• Experience coordinating tours, events, programs, or other public-facing activities, including working with vendors, volunteers, or service providers
• Proficiency with standard office and digital tools and comfort learning scheduling, ticketing, CRM, and other organizational systems
• Valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle (Liljestrand House is not accessible via public transportation).

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a museum, historic property, cultural organization, visitor attraction, or similar public-facing environment
• Experience developing tours, visitor experiences, rentals, retail, or other earned-revenue opportunities
• Experience with audience development, community outreach, marketing, or tourism partnerships
• Experience with social media, photography, video, content creation, or design tools such as Adobe InDesign and Photoshop
• Interest in or knowledge of architecture, design, historic preservation, museums, or Hawai‘i's cultural landscape