Welcome to Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi! We are looking for an exceptional leader who is eager to join our team as an Interpretive Programs 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 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 Dakota lifeways and indigenous land stewardship programming.
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 knowledge keepers, artists, healers, ecologists, Tribal Nations, and many other community members who share their cultural and ecological teachings with our community.

What Does the Exhibits and Interpretive Programs Manager Do?

As part of the Programs Team, the Interpretive Programs Manager will oversee the creation and management of permanent and temporary exhibits and related programming for Wakan Tipi Center. This role ensures that all exhibits and programs align with our strategic goals, honor Indigenous cultural heritage, and appropriately connect the community to the local landscapes.

Core Duties:

1. Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners and American Indian tribes.
2. Lead the planning and execution of exhibits, public art, and interpretive programming that are culturally authentic and community-driven.
3. Develop systems for sourcing contributions to exhibits, installations, and programs related to Dakota history, culture, language, art, and values.
4. Work with the team to secure funding for both new and ongoing interpretive work, including revenue-generating activities and philanthropy. Assist with grant writing as needed.
5. Create and deliver interpretive educational programs that align with the Center’s exhibits and strategic plans.
6. Provide high-quality public education for various audiences, including adults, college students, and K-12 learners, from both Native and Non-Native communities.

What Are We Looking For:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in public history, museum studies, heritage studies, or a related field. Equivalent professional work experience can be substituted for education.
2. Minimum 1 year of professional experience in a related field
3. Knowledge of and experience in American Indian history and culture, environmental conservation, climate, environmental justice, and Dakota culture and lifeways.
4. Strong oral and written communication skills; experience preparing and delivering public presentations and written reports.
5. Familiarity with Dakota culture and language.

Preferred Qualifications and Skills:

1. Fluency with Dakota culture and language.
2. Knowledge and understanding of and local American Indian sacred sites and culturally significant sites.
3. Possess established relationships with Dakota tribal nations, and Dakota elders, culture bearers, and knowledge keepers to engage in Wakan Tipi Center’s exhibits and interpretive project development.
4. Experience working with diverse, low-income communities, and/or communities of color, demonstrating cultural competence and a commitment to racial justice.

What We Offer:

1. This position is an exempt, full-time position located in St. Paul, MN.
2. The salary range is $60,000-80,000 depending on qualifications.
3. Benefits include 75% employer contribution to employee health and dental, 3% company 401k match, 100% employer paid LTD, STD and life insurance, annual professional development budget, and generous PTO.

Application Process:

Preferred application Deadline: July 27, 2025

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: Interpretive 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.