NORTH AMERICAN TRADITIONAL INDIGENOUS FOOD SYSTEMS

Education Director

Position: Education Program Director

Location: Minneapolis, MN

Salary Range: $70,000-$85,000 

Position Summary:  The Education Program Director leads program development and strategic planning as well as supervising and supporting the rest of the education team. The Education Program Director leads curriculum planning and development for the Indigenous Food Lab professional Indigenous kitchen and training center, in conjunction with the Culinary Program Director and working with the Indigenous Education Coordinator.

Job Functions

  • Lead Strategic Planning for the Education Department 
  • Overseeing managers and other employees in their department
  • Ensure Department is fulfilling grant deliverables 
  • Managing Departmental budgets 
  • Communicating with founders and board members
  • Contribute to business plans, budgets and schedules for future expansion
  • Coordinate with other Directors and the ED to identify organizational goals and priorities 
  • Lead Education’s strategy to create more equitable access to programs in underserved communities
  • Develop and implement NATIF’s community engagement strategy and maintain standards for community outreach to meet strategic goals
  • Represent NATIFS at community events and activities as a brand ambassador 
  • Oversee the creation of curriculum/classes
  • Oversee outreach to and recruitment of a diverse audience, from guest educators to students of all ages
  • Oversee partnerships with academia/academic institutions and partners to ensure academic rigor in all programming
  • Lead outreach efforts with reservation and urban Indigenous communities 
  • Utilize Indigenous Education to ensure classes on a variety of curriculum focused on Indigenous food systems
  • Design modular training in response to the needs of our constituents, available as short-run workshops intended to train groups coming from various areas who want to learn specific parts of the work around indigenous foods

Knowledge/Skills/Ability:

  • Proven ability to set and meet expected deadlines in a timely fashion 
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Demonstrated success leading and implementing collaborating teams
  • Experience supporting the development of decolonized environments
  • Demonstrated collaborative style; cultural competency; and effective relationship building
  • Demonstrated success in managing multiple projects concurrently and completing on time
  • Demonstrated success in working effectively with staff at all levels of the organization
  • Ability to easily adapt to change
  • Provide a strong network of contacts and connections to higher education/academia 
  • Provide a strong executive presence and ability to interact with board members
  • Demonstrate strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Demonstrated experience working on reservations and/or within tribal communities

Engagement with NATIFS’ mission:

  • Lead by example
  • Practice Indigenous values identified as NATIFS workplace cultural expectations
  • Represent NATIFS and reflect values in community  
  • Willingly step up as requested 
  • Generate new ideas
  • Work on strategies, activities and funding
  • Engage with board as appropriate
  • Attend and participate in events and meetings
  • Communicate internally in a timely manner

Benefits:

  • Employer pays 100% of health insurance premium, with additional employer contribution to Health Savings Account
  • Employee contribution to 403(b) at 1% or more of salary is matched with 3% of salary employer contribution
  • Four weeks of paid time off + 11 paid holidays per year 

ADA requirements:

NATIFS will provide reasonable accommodations (such as a qualified sign language interpreter or other personal assistance) with the application process upon request as required to comply with applicable laws.  If you have a disability and require assistance in this application process, please reach out to [email protected] for additional information. Additional ADA notice of requirements:

  • Periods of sitting and standing
  • May endure prolonged periods of computer use
  • Written and verbal communication ability
  • Scan, handle and move material efficiently and safely, including lifting or moving up to 40 pounds
  • Flexible work schedule (e.g., occasional nights, weekends, and holidays) and regular attendance necessary
  • Reasonable accommodations can be made as needed

*English speaking, conversational Spanish preferred, with knowledge of Indigenous language value

To Apply or Inquire for Further Information

please send the following materials to [email protected], with the subject line as follows: EPD_(last name)_(first name):

  • One-page cover letter
  • Resume or CV
  • In your cover letter, please mention any experience living in or working in Native communities, and any other experience you believe makes you a successful candidate for this position.

NATIFS is committed to the principle of equity. We actively encourage women, people of color, and LGBTQ individuals to apply for this position and all positions at NATIFS.

NATIFS is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants are considered for employment without regard to age, race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, military status, or any other characteristic as established by law.

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