Deputy Director

(Future Co–Executive Director)

Indigenous Roots & Reparation Foundation (IRRF)

Status: Part-Time (¾ time), Non-Exempt

Reports to: Executive Director

Annual Wage Range: $50,250 – $57,500 DOE (¾ time) DOE, with potential increase upon securing additional organizational funding

Location: In-person, in-office position (Wenatchee, WA.) Engagement required at IRRF community and land-based program sites (Washington State), 

About Indigenous Roots & Reparation Foundation (IRRF)

The Indigenous Roots & Reparation Foundation (IRRF) is an Indigenous-led nonprofit established in 2021 to preserve history, culture, traditions and language through education and advocacy. We are rooted in relationship, reciprocity, and repair. Our work centers Indigenous sovereignty, land stewardship, cultural preservation, and community healing. We partner with organizations, Tribes, Elders, youth, and allies to build programs and systems that honor Indigenous knowledge and create lasting impact across generations.

At IRRF, leadership reflects the circle—not the hierarchy. We are intentionally building a shared leadership model grounded in Indigenous governance values of balance, accountability, and collective care.

Position Overview

The Deputy Director is IRRF’s primary internal leader, responsible for day-to-day operations, program integrity, people and culture, and organizational health. This role is designed as a pathway to shared executive leadership, with the clear intent of transitioning into a Co–Executive Director position upon mutual readiness and Board approval.

Working closely with the Executive Director, Board of Directors, staff, and community partners, the Deputy Director ensures that IRRF’s daily work reflects its mission, values, and commitments to Indigenous communities.

This is a leadership role for someone who can hold systems and relationships with care—balancing operational excellence with deep community accountability.

Core Responsibilities

Organizational Operations & Internal Systems (Lead Authority)

• Oversee day-to-day operations, administration, and internal workflows
• Maintain effective systems for recordkeeping, data management, and reporting
• Support implementation of Board-approved organizational and HR policies
• Ensure internal compliance with nonprofit and employment regulations

Program Oversight & Community Engagement

• Lead planning, implementation, and evaluation of IRRF’s cultural, educational, and land-based programs
• Ensure programs center Indigenous knowledge, language revitalization, environmental stewardship, and intergenerational learning
• Maintain relationships with Elders, youth, cultural practitioners, Tribes, and community partners
• Support culturally grounded workshops, gatherings, and community events

People & Workplace Culture (Lead Authority)

• Supervise designated staff, contractors, and volunteers
• Lead hiring, onboarding, mentorship, and professional development processes
• Foster a workplace culture centered on wellness, belonging, and relational accountability
• Support HR systems that reflect IRRF’s values and legal requirements

Financial & Resource Management (Shared Responsibility)

• Manage internal budgets and track expenditures within Board-approved parameters
• Support grant writing, reporting, donor stewardship, and community fundraising efforts
• Collaborate with the Executive Director to ensure funding decisions honor community priorities and sustainability

Organizational Strategy & Shared Leadership

• Collaborate with the Executive Director and Board to implement IRRF’s strategic plan
• Lead internal capacity-building, evaluation, and planning initiatives
• Participate in Board meetings, committees, and governance development
• Contribute to succession planning and the transition toward a Co–Executive Director model

Advocacy, Communications & Partnerships (Shared)

• Represent IRRF in coalitions, advocacy spaces, and community forums
• Support communications strategies that uplift Indigenous voices and community impact
• Help coordinate storytelling gatherings, public events, and advocacy campaigns

Facilities, Land & Operations Support

• Assist with management of IRRF facilities and land-based program sites
• Support long-term planning for land stewardship, accessibility, and sustainability

Qualifications

Required

• Demonstrated experience in nonprofit, Tribal, or community-based leadership
• Strong organizational management, operational, and people leadership skills
• Experience overseeing programs, staff, or multiple initiatives
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Deep understanding of Indigenous values, relational leadership, and community accountability
• Online file management, Google, and email. Proficiency with Google (Docs, Sheets, Slides, Form, or Apple Numbers, similar tools) and Adobe Acrobat DC. 
• Ability to adapt to new technologies and systems 
• Growth-oriented
• Purpose-driven
• Resourceful and action-oriented 
• Ability to work in both an office setting and land-based activities and cultural events
• Ability to occasionally lift items up to 60lbs

Preferred

• Lived or professional experience in Indigenous education, cultural preservation, language revitalization, or land-based learning
• Experience building and sustaining partnerships with Tribal Nations and community organizations
• Familiarity with HR, fundraising, or nonprofit operations
• Bilingual or bicultural experience
• Experience working with Indigenous communities of our local area

Personal Attributes

• Grounded in cultural humility and shared leadership
• Strong listener and collaborator
• Comfortable leading both systems and relationships
• Adaptable, reflective, and community-accountable
• Passionate about healing, reparative practices, and cultural continuity

Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $50,250 – $57,500 DOE (Part-Time; ¾ time) DOE, with potential increase upon securing additional organizational funding
• Benefits: Insurance stipend; generous paid time off including office closure in December; professional development support
• Schedule: Approximately 30 hours per week; flexible scheduling with occasional evenings and weekends for community events

Why This Role Matters

This position is ideal for someone who believes leadership is shared, relational, and accountable to community. As Deputy Director, you will help steward IRRF’s present while shaping its future—building systems that allow Indigenous leadership, culture, and land-based work to thrive for generations.

To Apply

Please submit:

• A resume
• A cover letter or a video/audio statement sharing:
• Why you are drawn to IRRF
• How your experience connects to Indigenous community-centered leadership
• What you hope to contribute and learn as we move toward shared leadership
• 3–5 current professional references

Email applications to: Recruiter, Colleen Malmassari, at colleen@back40advisors.com

Priority Deadline: March 15, 2025 (applications accepted until filled)

IRRF is an equal opportunity employer. We strongly encourage Indigenous, BIPOC, and community-rooted candidates to apply.

Pay: $50,250.00 - $57,500.00 per year

Work Location: In person