Reports to: Director Environment and Special Projects
Supervisory Role: No
Status: Full-time; Exempt
Travel: Yes; up to 35%
Location: Remote/East Coast based employer
Application Deadline: Until Filled
Funding: USDA Grant Award (15-month position)
About Native Americans in Philanthropy
Native Americans in Philanthropy envisions a future with healthy and sustainable Native communities supported by responsive philanthropy. Our mission is to promote equitable and effective philanthropy in Native communities. We do this by increasing engagement and funding to Native-led organizations; increasing and supporting Native professionals in philanthropy; and transforming and influencing the philanthropic sector to be in alignment with an Indigenous worldview.
About the Position
Native Americans in Philanthropy (NAP) enter into a cooperative agreement with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), Office of Tribal Relations (OTR) to increase access to USDA’s historic investment in working lands conservation programs and federal lands tribal co-stewardship opportunities – particularly as related to expanded support for indigenous plants and animals on the landscape. NAP will be collaborating to forge public private partnerships to increase investment in this work and to provide guidance on how this may align with buffalo restoration and access to USDA programs that focus on food sovereignty. The Project Manager will work closely with the Director of Environment and COO to coordinate and oversee the projects according to deadlines and deliverables under the grant. Under the Cooperative Agreement, NAP will host three (3) convenings which bring USDA program subject matter experts (with a focus on FPAC and USFS conservation and co-stewardship programs), tribal government officials, and private/philanthropic funders together to 1) encourage use of USDA’s programs, and 2) increase the breadth and impact of federal investments through leveraging of additional private and philanthropic funding. NAP will also provide USDA a plan to institutionalize philanthropy roadmap for future public private partnership success based on the convenings and feedback.
Primary Responsibilities
- Develop and implement project schedules and objectives, ensuring the initiative's goals and objectives are met efficiently.
- Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure project tasks are on schedule.
- Understand the USDA programs and the ability of Tribes to access these programs, limitations on access and ow the programs work best.
- Seek opportunities on areas that philanthropy could partner with the USDA to enhance access to funding.
- Organize listening series virtually and in-person to gather facts from Tribal officials and Tribal stewards regarding the effectiveness of USDA programs and the benefits and limitations. The in-person gathering requires establishing the meeting opportunity (in conjunction with another Tribal gathering), ensuring speakers and setup, presentation materials, and event management.
- Develop reports for informing the USDA on the progress of all activities.
- Create a repository of funders interested in the work, application requirements, and forge relationships to create a roadmap for a public private partnership with the USDA.
- Work with the ITBC and other herders to understand their needs.
- Serve as an internal resource for all activities related to bison, bison restoration, bison funding and manage various aspects of this work to ensure achievement of the organization’s goals.
Non-Essential Job Functions
Other related duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skill & Ability
- Knowledge of project management software tools and CRM, such as Sales Force.
- Knowledge and understanding of Indigenous cultures, particularly relating to environmental practices and resource management with a focus on bison.
- Strong leadership skills with a dedication to driving and achieving results.
- Knowledge in federal government and Tribes
- Excellent verbal, written communication, and interpersonal skills.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
Physical Requirements
- This position requires travel up to 35% of the time for meetings and conferences.
- Must be able to lead Zoom and other video conference calls and use computer equipment.
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in project management, Environmental Science, or a related field, plus at least five years of experience in project management, preferably in conservation, environmental, or nonprofit sectors. Relevant work experience project managing activities relevant to bison conservation, restoration, and food sovereignty, may be substituted for the academic requirements.
- Must have experience working with bison or other habitat restoration.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Apply Today
To apply, submit a cover letter and resume here.
Commitment to equity
Native Americans in Philanthropy is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on job-related qualifications and ability to perform a job, without regard to age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, creed, national origin, disability, genetic information, veteran status, citizenship, or marital status, and to maintain a non-discriminatory environment free from intimidation, harassment or bias based upon these grounds.
Americans with Disability Act
Native Americans in Philanthropy complies with federal and state disability laws and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. If reasonable accommodation is needed to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and/or to receive other benefits and privileges of employment, please contact jziegler@nativephilanthropy.org.
