Native Arts, Language and Knowledge (NALK) Senior Program Officer

The Senior Program Officer is responsible for the planning, implementation, and management of the Luce Indigenous Knowledge Fellowship (the Fellowship Project), a multi-year, complex project under the NALK. The Senior Program Officer will often direct the efforts of program officers and program associates on various aspects of the Fellowship Program by providing direction, setting goals, giving feedback and coaching, and ensuring professional development and training. The Senior Program Officer is also responsible for the management and supervision of consultants and/or any direct reports assigned. A successful candidate should be self-motivated, taking initiative in implementing projects from start to finish with minimal supervision in a fast-paced work environment.

The Senior Program Officer will work in close collaboration with other First Nations program staff, in addition to the leadership team; the finance department to ensure accurate accounting for grant-related income and expenditures; and First Nations’ development, grantmaking, and communications staff members.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree
• Demonstrated level of mastery of Senior Program Officer functions and competencies
• Extensive external peer network
• Experience managing a fellowship program and portfolio of grantees
• Experience supporting Indigenous leaders engaged in advancing Indigenous knowledge fields
• Availability to travel frequently as needed (up to 2 to 3 times monthly on average)

Preferred Requirements

1. Master’s Degree
2. Minimum of two years of experience in a supervisory role
3. 7 to 10 years of relevant experience
4. Minimum five years of experience working in a nonprofit organization, (e.g. experience in nonprofit organization and/or as a grantmaker/grantseeker)
5. Knowledge of principles and techniques of nonprofit capacity building, program administration and project management, and financial management.
6. Supervisory/management experience

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

1. Demonstrated experience working with diverse cultures/audiences, and specific experience with American Indian, Alaska Native and/or Native Hawaiian communities and cultures.
2. Demonstrated expertise in project and program management
3. Strong computer skills with knowledge and experience with Microsoft Office 365 Suite including, but not limited to, Outlook, Word, Excel, and Teams
4. Knowledge and experience with virtual presentation platforms including, but not limited to Zoom
5. Strong written and verbal communication skills
6. Strong customer service focus, centering First Nations’ values of kindness, respect, and trust

Excellent interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills

1. Competent self-starter who takes initiative and works independently
2. Strong administrative ability with keen attention to detail

Ability to organize and meet deadlines for a wide variety of job assignments simultaneously, with minimum supervision

Ability to present to and facilitate small and large audiences in training or conference settings

Positive attitude, good teamwork skills, and the ability to work closely with people at all levels of experience and proficiency

MEASURES OF SUCCESS

Project timelines and expectations are met

Budget parameters are met

Evaluations represent expected project outcomes, value, and program impact

Effective resource allocation

Adheres to First Nations’ Core Values & Guiding Principles

Potential direct reports receive: Frequent feedback and appropriate coaching; Annual performance evaluations; and training and development

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORKING CONDITIONS

1. Prolonged periods of time sitting at a desk and working on a computer
2. Moderate noise consistent with general office environment
3. Move for periods of time up to one hour during an 8-hour day
4. Capable of communicating and interacting with leadership, staff, and associates
5. Lift, push, pull, or carry various objects of 1-10 pounds on occasion
6. Hybrid work schedule possible after first 90 days of employment (two days in office, two days at home)

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Provide strategic thought leadership for the Fellowship Project specific to Indigenous knowledge fields
2. Perform overall planning and management of the Fellowship Project, including:
   • Develop overall project plan, including key milestones, assigned resources, and timelines
   • Manage and/or implement all aspects of the Fellowship Project to include evaluation design, grants monitoring, financial monitoring, and reporting
   • Design in-person fellowship convenings, such as:
     • Agendas, meeting logistics

Manage and implement the Fellowship application and selection process, including engaging the advisory committee for the Fellowship Project

Ensure timely and accurate reporting to funders

Act as the main project liaison with the accounting, communications, and grantmaking department, to ensure comprehensive project reporting and compliance

Contribute to stakeholders’ conversations on supporting Indigenous knowledge and knowledge holders

• Work with the program director to identify new and creative project strategies

Supervise current or future direct reports: Set direction and goals; Provide feedback and coaching on performance; Conduct annual performance evaluations; Ensure professional and career development and training as appropriate

Job duties listed are not intended to be all-inclusive; Employee may be required to perform other job-related duties as assigned.

$70,400 to $94,250 annually