Assistant Innkeeper

Who We Are:

Founded in 1891 by a group of visionary volunteers, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) is the Massachusetts' premier conservation and preservation organization. The Trustees’ preserves, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts. Our properties are open to all, and we thrive by involving as many people as possible in all that we do. We aim to protect special places for future generations to enjoy in perpetuity, and have helped protect more than 50,000 acres, including 27,000+ acres on more than 120 reservations that are open to the public. As a non-profit conservation organization, we are funded and supported entirely by our visitors, supporters, volunteers, and our 100,000 Member households. We encourage you to learn more about The Trustees on our website, .

Posting Information:

Salary:  $61,250-$78,750 

Please note that new employees are placed in the range between $61,250 and $71,750 to allow for an equitable starting salary process and continual salary growth during an employee’s time at the Trustees. 

Housing:  Housing is provided, and the Assistant Innkeeper must live on property. 

Hours per week: 40 

Job Classification:  Full-Time, Exempt 

Job Type:  Onsite 

Location:  The Inn at Castle Hill, Ipswich, MA 

What You’ll Do:

Your Impact:

Are you passionate about providing guests with an experience they will never forget? As the Assistant Innkeeper at the Inn at Castle Hill, you’ll provide top-notch service and hospitality in an iconic setting where guests can explore the historic structures, beautiful beaches, and the lush landscapes of the Crane Estate. 

The Role:

As the Assistant Innkeeper, you’ll support the Innkeeper with overall management and hospitality of the Inn at Castle Hill, including daily operations and support functions.

Specifically, you’ll be responsible for: 

Management 

• Steward the Inn building and Tavern, including scheduling and overseeing all renovations and routine maintenance

• Oversee the management of the Inn and ensure that all standards are met and all procedures followed to ensure safety of inn staff and guests.

• Develop new standards to enhance guest service, food and beverage service, and efficient operations of the Inn.

• Develop food and beverage programs.

• Prepare and cook gourmet breakfasts, cocktails, and beverages as needed.

• Oversee front desk operations, fielding inquiries and ensuring efficient reservations, check-in, and check-out.

• Oversee Tavern events, including corporate retreats, wedding buyouts, dinners, and corporate meetings. 

• Work with brides, grooms, event planners, and other tavern users to ensure that their needs are met.

• Oversee and perform tavern set-up and breakdown.

• Assume room cleaning and maintenance roles when appropriate staff is not available. Check guestrooms and common areas for cleanliness, presentation, and readiness for guests. Wash, dry, fold, and store laundry as necessary.

• Attend property staff and local committee meetings, as assigned, to maintain strong and effective communications.

• Work with other Trustees staff members in the region as well as volunteers and committees.

• Supervise and train front desk staff, servers, and housekeepers and be able to perform their tasks when necessary.

• Develop the social, technical, and analytical skills of the staff as appropriate for their positions.

• Create and manage weekly staff schedule for Inn staff and assist the Innkeeper with payroll management as well as hiring new seasonal staff.

• Ensure the staff act in a professional, courteous manner. 

• Act as Innkeeper in absence of Innkeeper.

Guest Services 

• Greet all visitors to the inn in a professional, welcoming manner and create an atmosphere of warmth and excellent service for guests. 

• Promote Trustees membership and link guests to the work of The Trustees,

• Introduce guests and visitors to the services of the Inn as needed.

• Handle all telephone calls in friendly, appropriate manner.

• Respond to guest’s needs and answer guest’s questions and concerns with objectivity and graciousness.

• Provide Concierge Service, helping to direct guests to area attractions and securing dining reservations.

Financial Management and Marketing

• Ensure accuracy of guest invoices and payments. 

• Accurately post all cash, credit card, and other payment information.

• Prepare end-of-day financial statements; reconcile room sales and food and beverage sales.

• Purchase all food, beverage, housekeeping, and other supplies according to the needs of the Inn and inventory levels.

• Prepare and manage the budget and follow budget guidelines for all expenses. 

• Ensure annual revenue goals are met.

• Develop annual marketing and advertising plan for the Inn, including management of Inn’s media presence, seasonal -eblasts, and targeted networking.

• Manage the Inn’s social media channels, website, online reviews, and online presence. Assist and collaborate with overall Crane Estate social media initiatives as needed.

• Develop and market opportunities to enhance guests’ experience at the Inn and other Trustees properties through packages, collaborations, and special events.

• Collaborate with area Chambers of Commerce, MOTT, North of Boston, CAVB, NEIRA, Select Registry, and other tourism organizations to promote visibility of the Inn and the Trustees. 

This is a full-time, exempt position (40 hours per week) reporting directly to the Innkeeper. Please note that the Assistant Innkeeper is provided with Trustees housing and is required to live on site. 

Requirements

What You’ll Need:

Skills and Experience:

• 3 to 5 years of experience in hospitality or hotel operations 

• 3 to 5 years of supervisory experience 

• Excellent communication and relationship skills 

• Ability to effectively collaborate with Trustees staff

• Excellent management skills, with experience leading and supporting a team

• Experience managing business social media accounts (e.g., Instagram, Facebook), including content creation, scheduling, and audience engagement

• Ability to create and execute basic marketing strategies that promote the inn, drive bookings, and reflect the property’s brand through engaging visual and written content 

• Ability to live on property. 

• A Bachelor of Science degree in Hotel Administration (preferred).

• ServeSafe Certification (preferred) 

• TIPS Training Certification (preferred) 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Current authorization to work in the United States – a candidate must have such authorization by his or her first day of employment. 

• A valid driver’s license, as well as a satisfactory driving record as outlined in The Trustees’ driving policy. [if needed] 

• A satisfactory criminal background (CORI) check. 

Don’t quite have all the skills and experience listed above? We still want to hear from you! Research shows that historically marginalized groups are less likely to apply if they do not meet every single requirement. We are committed to building a diverse team and encourage you to apply even if you are missing some of the skills and experience above.

Questions? Contact our People team at [email protected] .

Benefits

Your Benefits:

• Housing: Housing is provided and the Assistant Innkeeper must live on property. 

• Sick time: 15 days per year 

• Vacation time: 20 days per year (prorated) 

• 12 observed holidays, 3 floating 

• Health insurance: You are eligible to participate in the Trustees health insurance benefit via Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS). BCBS also offers additional benefits, such as fitness reimbursement and rewards for healthy habits.  

• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance 

• Massachusetts Paid Family Medical Leave 

• Life Insurance  

• 401k with 5% match after 1 year of employment 

• Employee Assistance Program: Free access to a confidential service that helps employees and their communities with personal and work-related issues, such as mental health support, counseling, and financial advice.  

• Reciprocity: Enjoy access to free and discounted admission and membership to more than 50 nearby museums and cultural institutions for Trustees Staff, Volunteers and Interns. 

• Discounts: Enjoy free entry to all Trustees properties, discount event tickets, and discounted merchandise at our stores and on stays at our inns.  

• Day of Wonder: Spend one workday per year to exploring a Trustees property 

• Day of Service: Spend one workday per year to helping with a project at a Trustees property  

Equal Opportunity and Diversity: 

The Trustees is a proud equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any protected status including, but not limited to, age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual preferences, nation of origin, religion, or disability status and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with varying abilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants. We aspire to reflect and effectively serve the residents and communities of Massachusetts, who are at the core of our mission.    

The Trustees’ commitment to advancing the organization’s vision for this work may be found here:  Diversity, Belonging, Inclusion and Equity .

 It is unlawful in Massachusetts to require or administer a lie detector test as a condition of employment or continued employment. An employer who violates this law shall be subject to criminal penalties and civil liability.  

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible work environment. To request reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please contact us at [email protected] .