Front Desk Associate

About Dovetail + Co

We are in the business of creating beautiful experiences, one detail at a time. Dovetail + Co is an owner, creator, and operator of exceptional hotels and experiential real estate. Our approach is multi-disciplinary, collaborative, and results driven. Dovetail + Co's diverse portfolio of award-winning hotels includes Wayfinder Waikiki, Wayfinder Newport; Cambridge Beaches, Bermuda; Urban Cowboy Lodge; and Now Now Noho. We are based in NYC.

About Collective Retreats Governors Island

We are excited to unveil Dovetail’s latest partnership with Collective Retreats Hotels. Collective Retreats Governors Island is a seasonal hospitality property located in Governors Island, in New York City, just minutes from Manhattan.

The retreat features 29 luxury glamping accommodations, along with a large-scale events venue hosting a range of private and corporate events throughout the season. The property also includes a full food and beverage offering, with one on-site restaurant and one bar serving both overnight guests and event attendees.

Operating on a seasonal basis, the retreat requires a hands-on and adaptable approach to managing all aspects of operations, guest experience, and team performance during its active months.

Job Overview

We are looking for a warm, detail-oriented, and guest-focused Front Desk Associate to serve as the first point of contact for all guests at Collective Retreats Governors Island. You will be responsible for delivering a seamless arrival and departure experience, managing reservations, and supporting guests throughout their stay with enthusiasm and care.

Our ideal candidate brings a natural hospitality instinct, a calm and professional demeanor, and the ability to manage multiple tasks in a fast-paced, outdoor seasonal environment. You will work closely with the General Manager, Concierge, and broader property team to ensure every guest interaction reflects the retreat's signature style - warm, unhurried, and deeply attentive. This is a seasonal role running alongside the retreat's operating season (approximately end of April through November 2026).

Essential Functions & Responsibilities

Guest Services & Front Desk Operations:

· Greet and welcome all guests upon arrival, ensuring a smooth and memorable check-in experience consistent with Collective Retreats brand standards

· Manage check-out procedures, including folio review, payment processing, and farewell interactions

· Serve as the primary point of contact for all guest inquiries, requests, and concerns throughout the duration of their stay

· Maintain thorough knowledge of all accommodations, amenities, F&B offerings, and on-site programming to provide accurate and enthusiastic guidance to guests

· Coordinate with housekeeping, F&B, and operations teams to fulfill special guest requests and ensure seamless service delivery

· Handle guest complaints and service recovery with professionalism, empathy, and a solution-oriented approach

Reservations & Administrative:

· Manage reservations in the property management system (PMS), including bookings, modifications, cancellations, and room assignments

· Process payments, issue receipts, and maintain accurate records of all front desk transactions

· Monitor daily arrivals and departures, preparing the front desk for each shift and communicating key guest information to the team

· Respond to reservation inquiries via phone and email promptly and professionally

· Maintain accurate guest profiles and preferences to support a personalized experience across stays

Concierge & Experience:

· Proactively anticipate guest needs and offer recommendations for on-island activities, dining, and programming

· Coordinate ferry schedules, transportation, and other logistics for guests as needed

· Assist in the coordination of guest programming, amenity setups, and in-room special occasion arrangements

· Partner with the Events and F&B teams to support guests attending on-site events or private gatherings

Property & Team Support:

· Maintain a clean, organized, and welcoming front desk and check-in area at all times

· Support the General Manager with daily reporting, shift handovers, and operational communication

· Participate in pre-shift briefings and team meetings to stay informed on property updates, VIP arrivals, and programming

· Assist with other property tasks as directed, reflecting the collaborative, all-hands nature of a seasonal boutique operation

Compensation

· The Front Desk Associate role offers an hourly rate of $20.00 - $22.00 per hour, depending on experience and qualifications. Wages will be paid in accordance with Dovetail's regular payroll schedule.

· This position is not eligible for benefits; however, it offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience within a distinctive, growing hospitality portfolio.

Knowledge, Requirements, and Skills

· 1-3 years of experience in front desk, guest services, or a related hospitality role preferred

· Warm, professional, and guest-focused demeanor with a genuine passion for hospitality

· Strong communication skills - comfortable engaging with guests, colleagues, and vendors in person, by phone, and via email

· Highly organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to manage competing priorities during busy periods

· Experience with property management systems (PMS); familiarity with platforms such as Cloudbeds, Opera, or similar is a plus

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook)

· Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, as required by the seasonal schedule

· A calm, solutions-oriented approach to guest service recovery and problem-solving

· Comfort working in an outdoor, nature-forward environment - this role operates on an island, accessible by ferry

As part of an organizational culture that embraces change and progress, this job description does not seek to limit the tasks and responsibilities of the position. Rather, it acts as a springboard for future career and personal development within the property team and the entire Dovetail portfolio.

Join Dovetail and do something different with a truly one-of-a-kind hospitality experience!

We are an equal opportunity employer. We actively respect the right of any qualified individual who performs to Dovetail’s standards to work. Discrimination based on gender, age, race, religion, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, or any other characteristic not related to performance, ability or attitude protected by state or federal law, will not be tolerated.

If interested, please send your resume and a brief cover letter to Julie Vieilledent at [email protected] and Shawn Cioto at [email protected].

Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Work Location: In person