POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy CEO, the Director of Language and Culture (Director) develops, coordinates, and implements language and culture programs to promote traditional practices and ensure preservation of culture for the next seven generations.  The Director will oversee all aspects of language, culture, repatriation and historic preservation to expand and enhance cultural opportunities.

 ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: (includes, but is not limited to, the following):               

Leads strategic planning process allocating funding to Division priorities and aligning program goals with Division strategies Develops and sustains partnerships with internal and external stakeholders including community members, committees, and organizations; Collaborates in developing cultural/language resources, programs, and activities to ensure that Tribal language and traditions are preserved, promoted and passed on for future generations. Supervises hires, trains, directs, evaluates, handles discipline and termination, approves time and leave of subordinate employees.  Leads, motivates, and fosters a cooperative team environment.  Guides and directs staff in developing comprehensive program proposals, presenting plans and implementing initiatives. Researches, plans, and implements new culture/language resources, programs and activities, such as classes and language immersion, for diverse learners. Conducts gap analysis and evaluates program effectiveness to identify additional needed resources to meet community needs and division goals and focus on continuous process improvement. Oversees Sault Tribe Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation and Historic Preservation, historically sacred land issues dealing with gravesites and/or cemeteries, and re-internment. Oversees maintenance of Division vehicles, equipment, and properties that serve as gathering places for Tribal and community members.        Develops, updates, implements, and enforces departmental policies and procedures to guide decision-making, define expectations and align with organizational goals and values while ensuring consistent adherence of Tribal and departmental policies.         Grant administration including actively researching and identifying funding opportunities, directing the writing and timely submission of grant applications and reports, and ensuring regulatory compliance.     Financial and budgetary administration including developing and modifying budgets, monitoring expenditures, submitting reports, and ensuring compliance with funding regulations.                    Oversees marketing of programs, educational outreach activities, and the dissemination of all informational materials to increase access to and participation in cultural activities. Accurately compiles data and prepares timely reports for the Tribal Board of Directors (BOD) and Executive Office.                    Provides timely and thorough communication of plans, requests, and recommendations to the Tribal (BOD), Executive Office, Tribal members, team members, and community as necessary. Writes responses to cultural inquiries and white paper requests on various cultural topics. Attends and participates in various meetings, trainings, conferences and workshops to stay abreast of regulations, opportunities, and standard practices. Represents the department on appropriate committees, contributes expertise, provides leadership, coordinates responsibilities, and updates staff and upper management.                                                             

ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES: (includes, but is not limited to, the following)

All other job-related duties as assigned.                                                                   

CONTACTS:         

Immediate peers, peers in other departments, immediate supervisor/manager, managers in other departments, executives, Board of Directors, outside vendors/service providers and customers, both Sault Tribe and the general public. Tribal elders and traditional Ojibwe people, Anishinaabe knowledge carriers, Community Members, Federal, State and other Tribal agencies.                                                  

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

The position is sedentary, primarily sitting, lifting a maximum of 25 pounds. Physical factors include constant use of near vision and typing; frequent sitting; use of midrange vision, occasional standing, walking, carrying, lifting, stooping, kneeling, climbing, pushing, reaching, manual handling; use of hearing, smelling, far vision, depth perception, color/field of vision, travel and bending. Working conditions include occasional exposure to weather, extreme cold, and noise and frequent contact with the public. Potential hazards include constant computer use, typing, occasional travel by car and plane, moving mechanical parts, chemicals, infectious exposure, public contact, and equipment. Protective equipment/clothing needed to perform the job includes a hazard kit with protective gloves, mask, personal protective equipment, as well as clothing appropriate for working outside, gathering medicines, materials and other resources.

REQUIREMENTS:

Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Native Studies, Historic Preservation, Public or Cultural Administration, or related field required. Master’s Degree preferred.

Experience: Minimum of 5 years fiscal and program management experience required in addition to education requirement. Experience with state and federal grants and contracts preferred. Minimum of 5 years working with children of all ages, tribal elders and culturally diverse community groups required. Minimum of 5 years supervisory experience required.   

Certification/License: First Aid and CPR Certification preferred. Must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable by the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Must comply with annual driver’s license review and insurability standards with the Sault Tribe Insurance Department. Will be required to undergo and successfully pass a background check.  Will be required to complete and pass pre-employment drug testing.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: Must have diverse, advanced knowledge related to administration of cultural programs with extensive knowledge of traditional Anishinaabe Bimaadiziwin. Must be culturally competent and be able to interact positively with people of diverse backgrounds.  Must be enthusiastic and actively participate in the Division’s activities and events.  Must be spiritually strong to deal effectively with troubling situations. Daily practice of Anishinaabemowin with, at minimum, a novice level of Anishnaabemowin preferred.  Must have knowledge of or the ability to learn the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act and the National Historic Preservation Act. Must have developed leadership abilities and be able to think analytically and develop strategic plans.  Knowledge of principles of accounting preferred. Ability to learn laws, regulations, and requirements of division required. Knowledge of Tribal organizational structure and government preferred. Must be highly organized with the ability to multi-task and meet goals and deadlines. Must be accurate and have a high attention to detail Must have good project management skills and the ability to meet project deadlines. Must have demonstrated knowledge in grant and financial administration.  Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to write clear, concise and grammatically correct works is required.  Strong customer service and interpersonal skills are required.  Must have strong public speaking skills and be effective in facilitating formal and informal meetings and conferences. Must have excellent dispute resolution skills and the ability to remain calm during stressful situations. Ability to develop, implement and evaluate cultural and language programs required. Must be able to effectively prioritize and resolve multiple department issues and projects. Computer proficiency with demonstrated ability in using Microsoft Office Suite including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Access required. Prior knowledge and experience using JD Edwards accounting software preferred.    Must be able to work with little to no supervision. Must maintain strict confidentiality. Native American preferred.