Tour Operations / Program Manager (Part-Time)

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary :

The United States Lighthouse Society (USLHS), dedicated to the preservation of lighthouses and maritime heritage, is seeking a detail-oriented and organized individual to manage and operate  its lighthouse tour program. The Tour Operation and Management position is responsible for planning, coordinating, and overseeing USLHS tours, both domestic and international. The USLHS Tour Operations Program Manager may but will not be required to personally lead tours —this is typically done by volunteers from the organization. This part-time role involves working closely with volunteers, lighthouse organizations, and service providers to deliver exceptional tour experiences that promote lighthouse preservation.

Key Responsibilities :

• Research and plan lighthouse tours by analyzing and recommending potential destinations, coordinating routes, and scheduling visits to key points of interest, including lighthouses and other cultural / historical sites.
• Create and refine detailed tour itineraries, incorporating historical and logistical information for lighthouses, transportation, accommodations, and meals.
• Communicate with lighthouse organizations, hotels, restaurants, and other vendors to confirm availability, pricing, and services.
• Ensure tour logistics are efficiently managed, including transportation arrangements (bus, boat), accommodation coordination, and meal reservations.
• Work with the USLHS staff to determine pricing and promotional materials for tours.
• Oversee communications with tour registrants / participants, including sending emergency contact forms, itinerary updates, and meal options.
• Coordinate with volunteers and tour guides to ensure smooth on-the-ground operations during the tour.
• When the Tour Operations Program Manager personally leads tours, manage participant experience during tours, including leading group activities, providing historical context, and handling any issues that arise.
• Work with individual tour leaders to prepare post-tour reports and feedback summaries for future improvement.
• Work and coordinate activities primarily with the USLHS Executive Director and the Tours Committee.
• Manage standard operating procedures for tour leaders and for the tour program.
• Recommend leaders for individual tours.
• Recruit, train and help motivate / lead volunteer tour leaders.
• During the conduct of any USLHS tour, be available and reachable 24x7 to assist with any emergencies.
• The USLHS is a small, dedicated group of individuals both volunteers and paid staff that pitch in to do the tasks which keep our non-profit growing and which saves lighthouses.  Therefore, employees may have other various duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills :

Preferred Experience :

Work Schedule :

This is a part-time position, requiring approximately 15-20 hours per week, with the possibility of additional hours during active tour periods. Some flexibility is needed for occasional travel during tour operations.

To Apply :

Please submit your resume and a cover letter by email detailing your relevant experience to :   Jeff Gales, Executive Director   jeff@uslhs.org.  Please visit the Society’s website to learn more at uslhs.org.