Cultural Support Specialist
Join the Circle
When you come to work at MIGIZI you join a legacy that spans back to 1977. MIGIZI’s mission is to provide a strong circle of support that nurtures the educational, social, economic, and cultural development of American Indian youth. We are passionate about the success of our young leaders and make sure resources are available while using our voice to advocate for equitable education for our community. Our vision is for American Indian youth to be acknowledged and honored for their sacred gifts and boundless potential – which they share – as leaders – with their communities and nations. When you join the Circle, you join a tradition in investing in our future leaders for generations to come.
About the Role
At MIGIZI, we operate four key programs: First Person Productions, Green Tech, CLAW, and our Best Buy Teen Tech Center. This position is focused on our CLAW Program (Culture, Leadership, Academics, and Wellbeing), which provides essential academic and cultural support for Native youth in-school, after school, and during the summer.
As a CLAW Cultural Support Specialist, you will plan, coordinate, and facilitate weekly
cultural programming for Native youth at MIGIZI partner schools (Westonka, White
Bear Lake, Fridley etc.) as well as our after-school activities at our main facility. Your
role will involve fostering a supportive and enriching environment that promotes both
cultural identity and academic success. During the school year our afterschool
program runs from 4pm - 6pm and in the summer 9am - 3pm.
This position reports directly to the Program Director
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
● Design and implement culturally grounded in-school, after-school and summer programming in collaboration with the Program Director and CLAW team.
● Develop an annual work plan based on the MIGIZI logic model to meet program goals.
● Ensure the program aligns with grant outcomes, objectives, and deliverables during the annual planning process.
● Serve as an advocate, mentor, and support for youth in partner schools, assisting them with academic and cultural development.
● Work with the Academic Support Specialists to identify students’ academic needs, such as tutoring or credit recovery.
● Organize and facilitate cultural workshops, inviting cultural knowledge keepers from the community to participate as needed.
● Co-lead the Native Youth Leadership Network, promoting civic engagement and cultural pride.
● Manage day-to-day project activities and collaborate with program teams regularly.
● Monitor, track, and modify youth individualized learning plans.
● Assist students with exploring post-secondary opportunities and provide guidance.
● Support youth transportation, including driving a 15-passenger van.
● Engage youth as active partners in activities and communicate with their families as necessary.
● Collect data, share stories, and assess outcomes to inform strategy through regular meetings.
● Maintain accurate program records in organizational databases (e.g., Salesforce).
● Assist in and contribute to monthly project reports
● Network within institutions and systems to strengthen relationships and opportunities
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
● Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience required
● Minimum three years experience planning, coordination and successful implementation of cultural programs with American Indian youth
● Experience facilitating youth programming
● Contribute to a cooperative, collaborative and flexible work team environment
● Model positive behaviors to youth and staff
● Proven ability to actively engage youth and their families/guardians Knowledge of American Indian values and cultural practices
● Knowledge of and familiarity with Minneapolis/St. Paul American Indian communities
● Background and ability to work with youth in a variety of settings and
● on a variety of projects
● Computer skills (MS Word, Excel and Powerpoint)
● Maintain confidentiality of required information
● Good driving record and ability to transport youth with an organizational vehicle.
● Submit to a criminal background check as a prerequisite
● Additional duties as assigned by supervisor
Work Environment
Cultural Support Specialists work in MIGIZI offices, schools, or in a field environment with youth programming. They spend time traveling and implementing programming. A great deal of time may be spent standing and walking.
Other
● This is a full-time, 40 hour/week in-person position
● Working weekdays until 7pm (M-Th) and some weekends
● Reliable transportation, valid driver’s license, and automobile insurance
● Background check
● Ability to lift 50 lbs.
Benefits
● Salary Range: $50,000 - $55,000
● Generous PTO and Holidays
● Excellent benefits including; health and dental, LTD, STD and Life insurance, 401 k contribution
Apply
1. Email Kelly@migizi.org with the subject line: Cultural Support Specialist *Your Name*
2. Include in the email your cover letter on why you would be a good fit at MIGIZI and your resume.
3. Include two professional references.
DEADLINE TO APPLY IS February 26, 2024
EEO: It is the policy of MIGIZI to recruit, hire, train, promote, and otherwise make personnel decisions without discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, marital status, political affiliation, affectional orientation, gender identity, status with regard to public assistance, disability, sex, age, or any other classification protected by law.
