Program Director - "Restoring Traditional Ojibwe Food Systems and Cultural Practices"

Feb 04, 20160

Bemidji Area Indian Center

303 Railroad Street SW, P O Box 1123

Bemidji, MN 56619-1123

Mission Statement: To strengthen the lives of Anishinaabe families by promoting cultural lifeway experiences and programs that support healthy lifestyles and positive community relationships.

Job Brief: We are looking for a part time Program Director to organize and coordinate the BAIC project and assist with resource development for a twelve month period.

Job Description

Job Title: Program Director

Project Title: “Restoring Traditional Ojibwe Food Systems and Cultural Practices”

Location: Bemidji, Minnesota

Duration: 12 months / 50% PT

Compensation: Based on experience and qualifications

Duties and Responsibilities

Establish an office, and acquire all necessary office equipment and supplies in order to do so;

Acquire Peachtree or other appropriate accounting software program, and establish and implement an accounting system for the BAIC;

Implement all policies and processes that have been approved by the BAIC Board of Directors, and develop policies, as appropriate, for Board consideration and approval;

Implement operating budgets, and prepare budgets, as appropriate, for Board consideration and approval;

Prepare and submit all required reports to grant and government agencies;

Research, identify, and develop future funding opportunities for the BAIC;

Attend all Board meetings and report to the Board on a regular basis on operational, fiscal, policy, governance, and other matters as appropriate;

Build relationships with identified and potential partners and key stakeholders in the Bemidji community to assist in planning activities;

Provide leadership and initiative to galvanize and implement the development of the BAIC project “Restoring Traditional Ojibwe Food Systems and Cultural Practices”, in accordance with the grant requirements, as follows:

-Place traditional knowledge and practices in the forefront of project development

-Work with partners to implement aspects of project, as appropriate

-Plan, organize and implement the four seasonal indigenous ceremonial celebrations and feasts

-Plan, organize and implement the four seasonal cultural teachings on traditional foods and the four seasonal experiential traditional food gathering activities

-Plan, organize and implement the four seasonal traditional food preservation activities and cooking demonstrations

-Plan, organize and implement the four talking circles for evaluation purposes and collect and analyze the data, as appropriate

Develop, promote, advertise, and market all BAIC program activities and events in order to engage a wide range of program participants and collaborate with other agencies to assist with marketing efforts, including recognition of funding sources;

Promote and develop inter-generational leadership & activities;

Promote the larger vision of the BAIC through promotion of sustainable communities, community health and renewal, environmental justice, sacred sites protection, and Ojibwe language and culture.

Responsible for the organization's consistent achievement of its mission, vision and financial objectives.

Qualifications

Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Business, American Indian Studies, Natural Sciences, or related field and or equivalent experience and education.

Extensive knowledge and experience working with American Indian communities.

Substantial and demonstrated experience in building new community-based programs based on grant guidelines.

Demonstrated experience in planning and delivery of programs and services to American Indian families.

Computer and technology skills, including Word and Excel.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Some knowledge of budgeting and bookkeeping experience.

Grant-writing and fundraising knowledge and experience.

Send Resumé and Cover Letter to:

Bemidji Area Indian Center

P.O. Box 1123

Bemidji, MN 56619-1123

Closing Date: February 29, 2016