Welcome to Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi! We are looking for an exceptional leader who is eager to join our team as a Communications 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 Communications Manager Do:

The Communications Manager is a part-time, hybrid role responsible for managing and maintaining Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi’s organizational voice and brand across online, print, and donor-related materials. This includes overseeing and implementing the annual communications plan, managing digital platforms, and designing key collateral.

Core Duties:

1. Implement and evaluate annual communications plan that supports the organization’s goals.
2. Develop and actively maintain brand standards and library of brand/visual assets.
3. In partnership with Director of Development, design and write communications materials including fundraising appeals, monthly newsletters, annual reports, and other materials as assigned.
4. Create and design engaging visual content for all organizational print and digital materials.
5. Maintain the organization’s website, manage internal and online events calendar, create online registration forms for events and programs.
6. Manage WTA’s social media channels, including regular posting and engaging the organization’s online community.
7. Manage relationships with vendors such as designers, printers, video production and volunteer photographers.
8. Event assistance and colleague support when needed
9. Other duties as assigned

What Are We Looking For:

Required Qualifications:

1. 3-4 years professional experience in nonprofit communications, graphic design and marketing, and/or copy writing; related education may be substituted for up to 2 years of experience.
2. Highly self-motivated and self-directed, strong organizational skills and attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple ongoing priorities.
3. Beginner level knowledge of the Daḳota language, familiarity with dialect nuances and commitment to maintaining consistency in WTA’s main orthography.
4. Current knowledge of social media platforms and communications trends.
5. Belief in the values of Daḳota Wic̣oḣaƞ, the Daḳota Way of Life – Respect, Compassion, Generosity, Dependability, and Courage.
6. Eagerness to join a vibrant and bold Native-led nonprofit team.
7. Enthusiasm to champion the work and mission of WTA.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Experience using Canva for design projects and Squarespace for websites.
2. Proficient knowledge of the Daḳota language, understanding dialect nuances and commitment to maintaining consistency in WTA’s main orthography.
3. Connection to and within the Twin Cities American Indian community.
4. Experience working with CRM platforms and newsletter/email marketing software
5. Experience writing or editing talking points, speeches, and organizational key messages for leadership or public use.

What We Offer:

1. This position is a non-exempt, part-time hybrid position with work located in St. Paul, MN.
2. The hourly rate is $30 per hour
3. 20-30 hours/week

Application Process:

1. Application Deadline: Sunday June 29, 2025 at 11:00 PM (CST)
2. Interviews expected in early July

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: Communications 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.