Operations Manager

Job Description

Title: Operations Manager

Location: 4055 Pāpū Circle, Honolulu, HI

Reports to: Deputy Executive Director

Status: Full Time – Exempt

Shangri La is a vibrant compound situated on a spectacular, 5-acre, oceanside property in Honolulu. It integrates a 14,000-square-foot house with multiple outbuildings, comprising a series of interlocking spaces, both indoors and out: rooms, courtyards, lanais, terraces, gardens and numerous water features. The property includes spaces for reflection and for gatherings.

Historically operated exclusively as a museum to showcase some of its collection of 4,500 objects from diverse Muslim cultures, Shangri La is in the midst of a strategic transformation that envisions the institution as a global center for personal and societal transformation.

Shangri La is owned and operated by the Doris Duke Foundation (DDF), whose mission is to build a more creative, equitable and sustainable future. We work across three areas: arts & culture, nature, and health & well-being. In addition to Shangri La, DDF operates five national programs as well as Duke Farms, a New Jersey-based center for applied conservation and sustainability. Headquartered in New York City, DDF’s activities are guided by the will of Doris Duke, who endowed the foundation with financial assets that currently total over $2 billion. To learn more, visit

POSITION

The Operations Manager is a strategic, hands-on leader responsible for the day-to-day operations of Shangri La. This role oversees facilities and grounds management, safety and security, capital improvements, environmental initiatives and operational support for programs and events. Working closely with the Deputy Executive Director, this role directly supervises teams responsible for maintenance, groundskeeping and security. The Operations Manager ensures that people, systems and spaces operate efficiently, safely and in alignment with the foundation’s mission and compliance standards, and drives outcomes that enhance guest experience, supports staff well-being and promotes long-term stewardship of the center.

As Shangri La evolves into a global center for personal and societal transformation, the Operations Manager plays a key role in aligning operational systems with this vision. This means not only ensuring that buildings and grounds are safe and functional, but also fostering a welcoming, mission-aligned environment where hospitality and care are deeply integrated into the guest and staff experience. The successful candidate brings a mindset of service, collaboration and growth, and helps guide others in adopting this approach across operational and security functions.

YOUR IMPACT AT DDF

As the Operations Manager, you will:

Ensure operational excellence across campus.

Oversee daily operations of Shangri La’s facilities and grounds, ensuring that buildings, landscapes and infrastructure are safe, well maintained and aligned with the site’s historic character.

Lead safety and security systems.

Manage security protocols and emergency preparedness procedures to ensure the 24/7 safety of staff, visitors, collections and property.

Advance capital projects and sustainability goals.

Coordinate capital improvements and environmental initiatives that support Shangri La’s long-term stewardship and commitment to sustainability.

Support programmatic and event operations.

Partner with internal teams to ensure seamless logistical support for events, residencies, tours and programs, including managing vendor relationships and internal coordination.

Develop and lead operational staff.

Supervise and support the performance and growth of facilities, grounds and security teams, fostering a positive and accountable team culture.

Manage budgets and operational compliance.

Prepare and monitor operations and capital budgets, oversee contractors and ensure full compliance with local regulations and foundation standards.

WHAT YOU BRING

Bachelor’s or associate degree, or equivalent experience, in facilities management, operations, engineering or a related field.

Demonstrated expertise in facilities operations and project management, including capital projects.

Proven ability to supervise and manage multidisciplinary teams, including responsibility for hiring, training and performance development.

Strong interpersonal and leadership skills with the ability to motivate teams, foster collaboration, maintain high morale and guide staff through organizational and cultural change.

Broad knowledge of building systems, trades and vendor management.

Strong communication, organizational and problem-solving skills.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and general business tools, with a tech-forward mindset and willingness to adopt new technologies that enhance operational efficiency and communication.

Knowledge of emergency response, risk mitigation and sustainability practices.

A results-oriented approach with strong skills in strategic planning and prioritization.

We recognize that not every candidate will meet every qualification listed. If you are passionate about our mission and believe you have the skills and experience to perform the essential functions of this role, we encourage you to apply.

WHAT WE OFFER

An anticipated salary range of $102,400 to $153,600. The final offer will depend on experience.

Industry-leading benefits, including a 15% employer contribution to your 401(k), comprehensive health insurance, four weeks of paid vacation with additional paid time off and matching gift benefits of up to $20,000 per year—all designed to support employees’ well-being, productivity and engagement.

A values-driven culture rooted in integrity, excellence, collaboration, openness, imagination and a deep commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

The Doris Duke Foundation is committed to inclusive hiring and equal employment opportunity. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations and communities to apply. Our recruiting and employment practices adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation in the job application process is needed, please contact us here.

Full-time