Program Director

• Event Production: Manage planning, logistics, scheduling, and implementation of community training, and all programs and events. Assist Consultant Specialist with SDNTA board meetings. Develop community-based outreach and education initiatives.
  
• Community Collaboration: Build our partnerships with Tribal communities, Economic Development Committees, South Dakota Tourism Department and Native-owned businesses to identify, plan, and implement culturally sensitive, sustainable tourism offerings. Will be the boots-on-the-ground for all events and programs. Build out a volunteer engagement and inclusion program that involves Youth Leaders.
  
• Grant Execution: Assist in delivering priority projects identified by SDNTA’s Programs & Advocacy Team in strict alignment with grant goals and deliverables. Assist in managing the project budgets and reporting when needed.
  
• Tour Operations: Pilot existing tour experiences and contribute to designing an SDNTA-managed tour operation model to coordinate and promote Native-led itineraries and communities. Work directly with Tribal nations for input and communication for project direction and priorities.
  

• Daily Administration: Will be responsible for answering organizational inquiries from the website while working with the Board of Directors to assist in answering these inquiries in a timely manner. Will help maintain official files, records, and digital assets. Assist with administrative tasks when needed.
  
• Data Tracking: Gather project and program metrics, track participant attendance, and compile impact data to assist with grant compliance and reporting as well as to help with future technical info required for success. Create a shared database, updated group text and updated group email chains for the Board of Directors.
  
• Budget Support: Assist leadership and consultant in monitoring project budgets and preparing documentation for upcoming grant proposals and monthly reviews.
  

• Tribal Engagement: Build and maintain trusted relationships with Tribal leaders, government agencies, and grassroots partners across South Dakota's Tribal Nations. Task is to reconnect in a partnership with each of the nine Tribal councils and individual organizations by engaging in-person visits. Set up quarterly meetings and provide quarterly reports to the tribes.
  
• Network Outreach: Assist in conducting community outreach to expand SDNTA’s network, ensuring equitable representation and identifying local points of contact in each Tribal Nation. Work directly with SD Tourism and Tribal Relations and Economic Development to help define partnership and continue to build progress.
  
• Public Relations: Support marketing and storytelling efforts by drafting community newsletters, social media content, and press releases. Work with Administrative Specialist to update SDNTA website to include accomplishments, press coverage and news coverage and assist in marketing strategies for entrepreneurs. Will help create and launch a Marketing & Media Committee to help SDNTA to present promotional materials to support our tribal nations and the people.
  
• Representation: Will represent SDNTA at conferences, events and meetings to advance awareness of the organization’s mission.
  

Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of professional experience in tourism, economic development, community engagement, or nonprofit operations or a related field.
  
• Demonstrated experience working within Native American communities and cultures is requested.
  

• Cultural Competence: Knowledge of Tribal governments, businesses, and socioeconomic structures.
  
• Project Management: Proved ability to manage varied daily workloads, prioritize tasks independently, self-starter, and able meet strict deadlines. Ability to pivot when needed.
  
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to act as a primary point of contact for stakeholders, volunteers, and board members.
  
• Technical Proficiency: Experience with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, virtual meeting platforms (Zoom/Meet), and digital communication or social media tools.