Deputy Director

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.

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

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

$50,250 – $57,500 annually, part time position