Welcome to Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi! We are looking for an exceptional leader who is eager to join our team as the Dakota Lifeways Program Manager.

Formerly known as Lower Phalen Creek Project, Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi is a Native-Led, East Side environmental stewardship nonprofit centered in Dakota values. Our name means “those who take care of Wakan Tipi”. Founded in 1997 by community activists, our project area stretches from Lake Phalen to the Mississippi River and throughout the East Side River District. Our work is powered by a dedicated board, staff, and community of volunteers.  

What Makes Us Special:

1. All of our work —at Wakáŋ Tipi / Bruce Vento Nature Sanctuary, and throughout the East Side —takes place on Dakota land. It is our duty to honor and care for this land with the perspectives, language, and culture of Dakota people at the forefront of our work. To this end, we host a variety of programs that reinforce the relationships Indigenous people have with these spaces, including Traditional Winter Storytelling, Plant Medicine Webinars, and Hike and Harvest programs.
2. We rely on a growing network of Native and non-Native knowledge-keepers with a passion for sharing their expertise.
3. We work with artists, ecologists, Tribal Nations, and many other loving community members who share their cultural and traditional ecological knowledge teachings with our community.

What Does the Dakota Lifeways Program Manager Do:

The Dakota Lifeways Program Manager is responsible for developing and implementing culturally authentic programs that reflect Dakota history, lifeways, language, art, and values. This role will support the initiatives for the Wakan Tipi Center, an intergenerational community gathering space that honors the nearby Wakan Tipi cave and maka paha (burial mounds) as Dakota sacred sites. This role involves managing budgets, coordinating cultural programs for adults and youth, and ensuring compliance with relevant laws and grant requirements. The Program Manager will also maintain partnerships with tribes and community organizations while actively participating in team meetings and staff committees.

Core Duties:

1. With direction and support from the Programs Director, develop and plan culturally specific public programs and public art projects that are based in traditional ecological knowledge and Dakota lifeways.
2. Manage, coordinate and authentically deliver public programs and public art projects for and in community.
3. Collaborate with the leadership team to raise funds that support new and ongoing interpretive efforts through revenue-generating activities and philanthropy. Assist with grant proposal writing when needed.
4. Evaluate and recommend opportunities for improvement for cultural programs and public art annually.
5. Nurture and maintain collaborative relationships with diverse community partners and American Indian tribes.
6. Implement annual work plans and program plans that align with strategic plans.
7. Manage program budgets and assist the Programs Director with budget development

What Are We Looking For:

1. Experience working in American Indian communities and understanding of, and appreciation for, Dakota culture and communities.
2. Experience working with diverse, low-income communities, and/or communities of color. Cultural competence and a commitment to racial justice.
3. Personal integrity and transparency, serving as a role model for others.
4. Eagerness to join a vibrant and bold Native-led nonprofit team.
5. Enthusiasm to champion the work and mission of Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi.
6. Able to prioritize and meet tight deadlines for grant opportunities as they arise.
7. Collaborative and respectful in working across teams.
8. Excellent time management and prioritization skills.
9. Strong oral and written communication skills; experience preparing and delivering public programs and presentations.
10. Highly proficient in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Experience in the non-profit and public sector.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

1. Bachelor’s degree in related field
2. Familiarity with Dakota language
3. Cultural or Interpretive Center, work experience, with specialty in one or more areas: cultural programs, public art.
4. Relationships with Dakota tribal nations, as well as elders, culture bearers, and knowledge keepers in the Twin Cities and the region to engage in work with Wakan Tipi Center’s programs

What We Offer:

1. This position is a full-time, salaried position located in St. Paul, MN.
2. Occasional weekend and evening hours will be required.
3. Expected salary range is: $60,000-$70,000 depending on qualifications and experience.
4. Benefits include 50% employer contribution to employee health and dental, 3% company 401k match, professional development budget, and generous PTO package.

Application Process:

1. Application Deadline: August 11, 2024 at 11:00 PM (CST)

We are working with MinneHR Insights for our hiring process. To apply, please send cover letter and resume via email to Amanda Achterkirch at amanda@mhrinsights.com using the subject line: Dakota Lifeways Program Manager.  

Commitment to our Community: Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every one of the qualifications as described in a job description. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less traditional background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described.

Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against or give preference to any person because of race, color, creed, religion, age, gender, national origin, disability, ancestry, sexual orientation, familial status, public assistance, local human rights commission activity or any other discriminatory basis prohibited by state or federal law.