Assistant Manager, Public Programs and Docent

Assistant Manager, Public Programs and Docent

Visitor Services Department

Reports to Manager, Public Programs and Volunteer Engagement and Director, Visitor Services

Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum – Honolulu, HI
Full-Time | Hourly | Visitor Services Department

Compensation: Contingent upon qualifications and experience. Hourly Rate range from $20 - $22 hour

About Us

The Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, located on historic Ford Island, shares the legacy of Pearl Harbor and the stories of aviation that defined the Pacific during World War II. As stewards of this sacred site, we create meaningful and transformational experiences that honor veterans, educate visitors, and inspire future generations.

We are seeking an energetic, guest-focused leader to join our Visitor Services team as a Assistant Manager, Public Programs & Docent. This is more than a job — it’s a calling to connect guests from around the world to one of America’s most important stories.

Summary:

The Assistant Manager, Public Programs and Docent directly reports to and assists the Manager, Concierges, Public Programs, & Volunteer Engagement in the execution of their duties and responsibilities. This position is largely responsible for planning, organizing, staffing and executing public programs as directed. The public programs are currently monthly and established programs called PHAMily Fun Day. There is an expectation these programs will grow in offering as well as participation. The Assistant Manager is responsible to lead and assist in the recruitment and administrative logistics of VIP, volunteer support and administrative functions. Supports staff with delivering consistent, exceptional customer service, simulators operations, and other floor duties as required including conducting docent led tours. Responsible to create and deliver a memorable experience for all guests and training/coaching volunteers to do the same. This position is responsible for developing and implementing engaging public programs, managing docents, and fostering community relationships. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication and organizational skills, along with a passion for education and public engagement.

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversight, development and execution of Public Programs, and Presentations through the Visitor Experience Department.
• Recruit and coordinates exhibitors, vendors and volunteers for public programs.
• Provides entertaining, educational, engaging, informative, and historical, memorable tours of historic Pearl Harbor locations visible from the Ford Island Tower as needed.
• Assists visitors in exhibit galleries, operates simulators and conducts presentations and/or guided tours.
• Assists the Concierges, Public Programs, & Volunteer Engagement Manager in the execution of their duties and responsibilities.
• Responsible to assist in developing and managing budget.
• Assists departmental staff in planning, evaluation, and administrative duties, as needed.
• Develops positive and effective working relationships with colleagues and partners.
• Facilitates teamwork and lives and operates with Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum’s Values
• Other duties as assigned

What You’ll Do:

• Bring history to life through dynamic, engaging tours of Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum from the iconic Ford Island Control Tower.
• Design and deliver public programs such as PHAMily Fun Day and special visitor experiences.
• Operate and demonstrate interactive exhibits and flight simulators, making each moment exciting and memorable.
• Support and grow our volunteer engagement program(s) through recruitment, training, facilitation, leadership, and coordination.
• Collaborate with Museum leaders to execute high-quality guest programming and VIP experiences.
• Deliver world-class guest service by creating welcoming, respectful, and inspiring visitor interactions and experiences.

What We’re Looking For:

• A natural storyteller and performer who loves engaging audiences.
• Highly guest-service oriented, with patience, empathy, and enthusiasm.
• Strong communicator who can remain calm and effective in high-traffic settings.
• Creative, resourceful, and proactive — someone who sees challenges as opportunities.
• Enjoys planning, organizing, and leading memorable public programs.
• A leader, trainer, coach and engaging presenter.
• Comfortable working at heights (in the Tower) and lifting up to 25 pounds.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred (combination of education and experience may substitute).
• Public speaking, teaching, or theater background strongly desired.
• Museum, education, or tourism experience a plus.
• Aviation or air traffic control knowledge helpful, but not required.

Why Join Us

• Be part of a mission-driven team preserving and sharing a story that shaped the world.
• Gain hands-on leadership experience in program management and visitor engagement.
• Work in a globally significant, historic location where your efforts directly impact how millions of visitors understand Pearl Harbor.
• Competitive pay and benefits, with opportunities for growth and professional development.

Apply Today

If you’re ready to inspire, engage, and make history come alive for guests from around the world, we’d love to hear from you.

Apply now by submitting your Cover Letter, Resume and Employment Application to: hr@pearlharboraviationmuseum.org or through our Career Site: https://www.pearlharboraviationmuseum.org/about/careers/

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Free parking
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person