Welcome to Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi! We are looking for an exceptional leader who is eager to join our team as a Director of Land and Environment.

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 Director Do:

The Director of Land and Environment leads WTA’s department in protecting and restoring natural habitats within cultural landscapes while managing staff, contractors, and programs. This role oversees project management, budget and grant administration, and secures funding to support restoration, stewardship and cultural preservation initiatives. By collaborating with community stakeholders and internal teams, the Director advances WTA’s strategic priorities and mission.

Core Duties:

1. Lead and supervise the Land and Environment Department staff and interns, including hiring, onboarding, and professional development.
2. Plan and oversee implementation of environmental restoration and stewardship projects and cultural resource management plans, including terrestrial and aquatic habitat restoration, invasive species control, endangered species protection, and trail building.
3. Develop and oversee departmental work plans and budgets, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
4. Coordinate site partnership meetings with the City of Saint Paul and other key partners at Waḳaƞ Ṭípi, including Tribal Nations, the MN Indian Affairs Council, the State Historic Preservation Office, and the MN Dept of Natural Resources.
5. Engage stakeholders and lead and oversee community outreach efforts, including committees, focus groups, and public events.
6. Represent the organization in external committees and public engagements, promoting its mission and initiatives.

What Are We Looking For:

1. Bachelor’s degree in environmental sciences, sustainability, or a related field.
2. Minimum of two years of leadership experience in developing and managing environmental programs.
3. Experience in nonprofit fundraising and grant writing.
4. Experience working with American Indian communities.
5. Understanding of cultural and natural resource management from an Indigenous land management perspective.
6. Availability and ability to travel locally and nationally, and to work evenings or weekends as needed; possession of a personal vehicle, valid driver’s license, and insurance.

Preferred Qualifications:

1. Master’s degree in natural resources management, public policy, or a related field.
2. Bilingual skills in one or more of the following languages: Dakota, English, Hmong, Somali, and/or Spanish.
3. Established relationships with communities in Saint Paul’s East Side and Lowertown, as well as with Twin Cities American Indian communities and Minnesota Dakota tribal communities.
4. Proven success in community organizing and connecting with American Indian, cultural communities, and under-represented groups

What We Offer:

1. This position is a full-time, salaried position located in St. Paul, MN. Hybrid work options available.
2. Expected salary range is: $80,000-$95,000 depending on qualifications and experience.
3. Benefits include 75% employer contribution to medical and dental, up to 3% employer 401k match, annual professional development budget, and generous PTO package

Application Process:

1. Application Deadline: Sunday, June 29, 2025 at 11:00 PM (CST)
2. Interviews are expected 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: Director of Land and Environment

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.