Job  Board

About Waḳaƞ Ṭípi

From time immemorial and across generations, Waḳaŋ Ṭípi has been a site of cultural practice, gathering, and connection for the Dakota Oyate and other Native Nations. Today, Waḳaŋ Ṭípi Awaŋyaŋkapi is a Native-led environmental nonprofit that protects and honors this sacred place through cultural education, environmental restoration, and community connection. We accomplish this work through indoor and outdoor exhibits, place-based interpretive and cultural programs, land restoration and stewardship, immersive experiences, and partnerships that advance Indigenous perspectives in conservation, public policy, and land management. Our work also includes restoring Phalen Creek and the surrounding landscape to improve ecological health while reconnecting people to the land and its cultural significance. Opened in 2026, the Waḳaŋ Ṭípi Center serves as our home base and is an intergenerational gathering place rooted in Dakota values, where people come together to learn, heal, and strengthen relationships with one another and with this sacred place.

Why This Role Matters

As Waḳaƞ Ṭípi Awaƞyaƞkapi continues to grow, we are seeking a Deputy Director who will help shape the next chapter of our organization. This is more than a leadership position—it is an opportunity to help build the systems, culture, and organizational capacity needed to support a thriving team, deepen community relationships, and advance our long-term vision.

Working in partnership with the Executive Director, the Deputy Director will strengthen internal operations while helping ensure our work remains grounded in Dakota values, community accountability, and a commitment to caring for people and place. The successful candidate will be a collaborative leader who is energized by building healthy organizations, supporting staff growth, and creating the conditions for lasting impact. Their leadership will help ensure that Waḳaƞ Ṭípi Awaƞyaƞkapi —and Waḳaŋ Ṭípi Center—continue to serve as spaces for learning, healing, stewardship, and connection for generations to come.

Position Summary

The Deputy Director serves as a strategic thought partner to the Executive Director and a key member of the Leadership Team, helping guide the organization's growth, strengthen internal operations, and cultivate a healthy, values-driven workplace culture. This position provides leadership for human resources, organizational development, and operational systems while supporting strategic planning and organizational effectiveness across all departments.

Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Deputy Director works collaboratively with directors, staff, and the Dakota Advisory Council to ensure the organization's work remains grounded in Dakota values, community priorities, and relational accountability. The ideal candidate is an experienced and collaborative leader who inspires trust, develops people, and embraces community-guided leadership. As Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi continues to grow, this role will help build the systems and culture needed to advance our mission while caring for our people and honoring the guidance of the communities we serve.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Growth

• Partner with the Executive Director to advance strategic people & culture and operations
• priorities.
• Foster a collaborative leadership culture grounded in Dakota values, relational accountability, and
• shared responsibility.
• Provide organizational leadership, continuity, and decision-making support while helping guide
• the organization's continued growth.

People & Organizational Culture

1. Lead efforts to recruit, develop, and retain a values-aligned team through effective leadership, professional development, and performance management.
2. Build a healthy workplace culture that promotes collaboration, wellness, accountability, and continuous learning.
3. Coach and support Directors in strengthening leadership practices, communication, and team development.

Community-Guided Leadership

• Partner with the Dakota Advisory Council to ensure organizational priorities, programs, and policies are guided by Dakota values, perspectives, and community knowledge.
• Cultivate respectful, reciprocal relationships with Dakota community members, Elders, and cultural knowledge holders.
• Strengthen communication between the Advisory Council, Board, staff, and Executive Director to support community-guided decision-making.

Operations & Organizational Excellence

• Strengthen organizational systems, policies, and operational practices that support long-term sustainability and effectiveness.
• Oversee human resources, organizational policies, and internal systems while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and organizational standards.
• Promote collaboration across departments by aligning organizational systems, communication, and shared priorities.

Required & Preferred Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Minimum seven (7) years of leadership experience in nonprofit, community-based, Tribal, governmental, educational, environmental, cultural, or Indigenous-led organizations, including at least three (3) years supervising staff.
• Working knowledge of Dakota culture, language, history, lifeways, and contemporary issues, with the ability to respectfully apply this knowledge in organizational leadership and community partnerships.
• Proven success in building and fostering healthy workplace culture through effective staff leadership, professional development, performance management, and culturally responsive organizational practices.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage budgets, systems, and organizational
  operations.
• Ability to pass a background check.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Demonstrated long-term relationship and trust-building experience within Dakota
   communities.
2. Experience working with Tribal governments, Indigenous organizations, or community-led advisory bodies.
3. Experience leading programming rooted in land-based practices, cultural revitalization, or Indigenous healing frameworks.
4. Experience with museum, cultural center, interpretive, or public education environments.
5. Experience advancing Indigenous approaches to stewardship, cultural interpretation, or sacred site protection.
6. Experience implementing HR systems, organizational development frameworks, or
   leadership development programs.
7. Experience supporting organizations through growth, capital projects, or major transitions.

Organizational Values & Leadership Philosophy

We are seeking a leader who values collaboration over hierarchy, builds relationships before making decisions, approaches challenges with humility and curiosity, and understands that caring for people and place are inseparable.

We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may come from a less formal background. We would encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our qualifications described. Waḳaƞ Ṭípi Awaƞyaƞkapi is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Compensation & Benefits

• $110,000 - $130,000 annual salary
• 15 days PTO, 4 days paid cultural leave, earned sick & safe time
• 11 paid holidays
• 401k Retirement with 3% match
• Medical, dental, vision, life, short term and long-term disability insurance
• Generous annual professional development budget
• Flexible work arrangements (if applicable)

How to Apply

Email resume and a cover letter speaking to leadership experience and connection to this work to Amanda Achterkirch at hiring@wakantipi.orgby by November 3rd at 11:59 pm.