Program Associate – Stewarding Native Lands

ESSENTIAL FUNCTION/RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist program officers in developing agendas for sessions and workshops at conferences and convenings, along with associated:
  • Selection and management of event sites, site logistics (including space, food, guest rooms), coordination of guest travel, registration management, catering logistics, materials printing and organization, evaluation collection and summary reporting
  • PowerPoint presentations, webinars, and training curriculum
  • Written materials such as invitations, announcements, press releases, agendas, session descriptions, assessments, and evaluations
  • Expense reporting, consultant or speaker payments, and administrative follow-up
• Assist in the implementation and delivery of training and technical assistance through on-site and off-site workshops, conferences, and webinars
• Review and design reports and presentation materials for both internal and external audiences as directed by supervisor
• Maintain excellent relations and communications with co-workers, partners, grantees, and stakeholders
• Review, edit and provide thoughtful feedback on First Nations publications and communication materials
• Assist in the design and development of the Stewarding Native Lands program and evaluation plans and tools
• Participate in pre-conference and conference development under the Stewarding Native Lands program as well as First Nations’ bi-annual LEAD Conference
• Frequent travel may be required – two to three times per month (dependent on national COVID-19 protocols)

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Available to travel for staff meetings and potential site visits
• Available to work in an office setting at minimum two days per week
• Proof of documentation of COVID-19 vaccination
• Bachelor’s degree
• Minimum of one year of relevant experience (e.g., experience in a nonprofit organization, experience as a grant maker/grant seeker) in supporting the implementation of projects and/or coordinating events
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to be a competent self-starter who will take initiative and work independently
• Ability to organize and meet deadlines for a wide variety of job assignments simultaneously, with minimum supervision
• Excellent interpersonal and organizational skills
• Strong administrative ability and attention to detail
• Strong customer service focus
• Strong computer skills, including MS Office, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams
• Knowledge and experience with virtual presentation platforms such as GoToMeeting, Zoom, and GoToWebinar
• Positive attitude, good teamwork skills, and the ability to work closely with people at all levels of experience and proficiency
• A passion for the organization’s mission and advancing Native sovereignty and racial and economic justice

PREFERRED REQUIREMENTS (in addition to MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS)

• Master’s degree
• Two to four years of relevant experience with environmental projects
• Experience working with Indigenous land stewardship practices
• Knowledge of non-profit organizational structure, legal issues, boards of directors, and practices.
• Demonstrated experience working with diverse cultures and specific experience with American Indian communities and cultures
• Knowledge of and/or familiarity with the historical and contemporary legal development and workings/status of Tribal Nations
• Knowledge of and/or familiarity with major topics within conservation, stewardship, and environmental justice
• Demonstrated project management and event coordination experience

MEASURES OF SUCCESS

• Meets program timelines and performs assigned duties
• Allocates and utilizes First Nations’ resources effectively and efficiently
• Is team oriented and open to collaboration with colleagues
• Delivers high-quality materials and resources
• Provides professional customer service within First Nations and with external partners, including funders and grantees
• Adheres to First Nations’ Core Values & Guiding Principles
• Takes ownership of professional development and career goals
• Manages upward to assist with on-time deliverables, projects, and convenings

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS (SUBJECT TO CHANGE FOR PART-TIME EMPLOYEES)

• First Nations’ health insurance contribution that could provide full coverage for employee not including family coverage and/or other supplement benefits
• Employee life insurance with optional supplemental insurance for self and immediate family
• 403b Retirement Plan with up to 3% employee salary match by First Nations
• Flexible Spending Account
• 14 paid holidays per year
• Paid time off from December 26 to January 1 each year during office closure
• 32-hour work week (Monday-Thursday) and paid vacation time starting at 64 hours per year
• Paid sick days for illness or to tend to immediate family health needs