Overview

ABOUT THE ORGANIZATION:

First Peoples Fund is a national non-profit organization founded in 1995. First Peoples Fund recognizes the power of art and culture to bring about positive change in Native communities, beginning with individual artists and their families.

Through grants and awards, FPF provides Native artists, culture bearers, and cultural practitioners with monetary support, networks, financial services and training to flourish as entrepreneurs and community leaders. Through community and youth development programs, First Peoples Fund supports the work of artists and culture bearers to teach cultural and entrepreneurial practices, deepen artistic and cultural identity and increase their access to financial resources.
The Program Manager, Oglala Lakota Artspace (OLA) plays a central role in the development, implementation and coordination of the programs of First Peoples Fund at the Oglala Lakota Art Space, as well as the Rolling Rez Arts Bus; workshops, cultural events, and training and support programs designed for artists and community partners.  The Program Manager works collaboratively with members of the Programs team, the Finance and Compliance Director, the Associate Director, Evaluation and Research, the Associate Director of Development, the Associate Director of Communication, external trainers and consultants to plan, implement, and manage all program activities that support artists.  works closely with other program managers to ensure community partner outreach, the placement of projects, support of artists, and training activities support the overall program outcomes and First Peoples Fund theory of change.

The OLA  is the first dedicated art space in the Pine Ridge Reservation. The facility includes artist studio spaces, the Wichapi Olowa Recording Studio, workshop and classroom spaces, a performance space, and offices for partner organizations. This support position is integral to providing a safe and welcoming space for the community to engage in cultural, creative, and educational activities based in Collective Spirit®.

Pay: This is a full-time exempt/salary position. The salary range is $60000 to $75000 annually. Pay may vary depending on your location, skills, and experience.

Location/Travel Requirements: This position is based out of the Oglala Lakota Artspace building in Kyle, SD. Occasional travel will be required for this position and the candidate must have a valid driver’s license to do so.

Pre-screen: Upon offer, employees will be required to complete and pass a background check.

MAIN DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Scheduling and coordinating of  Oglala Lakota Artspace’s programming including but not limited to FPF trainings, trainings by partner organizations, workshops conducted by artists and culture bearers, public events, outreach, and Artists in Residence (AiR) program.
  • Ensure clear communication with artists, culture bearers, guest trainers, and other staff members or advisors; arrange for preparation and travel times; identify and introduce appropriate community partners and collaborators, etc.
  • Foster relationships with individual artists/groups and respond to queries. Prepare materials and documentation for trainer selection processes.
  • Foster relationships and communications with additional artists, culture bearers, program staff, community partners, and audiences in tandem with the Program Manager while maintaining safety standards.
  • Participate in revising the future of the Rolling Rez Arts Bus and potentially oversee future RRA operations and programs.
  • Support marketing and communications consultant with the development and implementation of community outreach and marketing strategies as appropriate.
  • Coordinate photo and video documentation and archiving.
  • Manage budgets and grant deliverables, provide input on grant development in support of programming, participate in strategic planning
  • Enter all workshop/class registration information into Salesforce as required
  • Must adhere to all policies and procedures regarding the safety and security of facility and community members

Education:

Bachelor’s degree or comparable combination of education and experience, with five years or more in the field of Native arts and culture.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:

  • Experience with coordinating events and/or training. Must also be able to work independently, take initiative, and be self-motivated;
  • Excellent planning and project management skills. Demonstrated ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and use good judgment in prioritizing tasks and meeting deadlines.
  • Strong verbal and written communication. Attention to detail.
  • Excellent interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work independently as well as to take direction and provide support to a team. Ability to learn quickly and adapt.
  • Demonstrated faculty with computer technology and social media
  • Commitment and passion for community-based arts practice, especially in the area of Native American arts and/or entrepreneurial skills.
  • A background in one or more artistic disciplines is preferred.
  • An understanding and awareness of the Native arts and culture field is preferred, as well as a broad knowledge of tribal communities and cultures across North America; additional preference is given to specific knowledge and awareness of the community and arts community on the Pine Ridge reservation.
  • Ability to travel throughout the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation and Western South Dakota as needed.
  • Ability to work occasional evenings and weekends as required for special programs and events.
  • Needs to be First Aid/CPR/AED certified, if not currently certified, the organization will provide training
  • Individuals selected for employment must complete a federal background check before employment.
  • A valid South Dakota driver’s license is required.

BENEFITS

First Peoples Fund is proud to offer the following benefits:

Health, Dental, and Vision are provided to full-time employees effective the 1st of the month after hire. These benefits are provided at no cost to the employee. Family coverage is available for cost.

Sick Leave: 48 hours – available at the date of hire and can be used as earned

11 Paid Holidays with 1 Personal Culturally Significant Day

After 180 days Introductory Period

Annual Leave: 70 hours for the first year of employment

401(k) with company match

First Peoples Fund does not sponsor applicants for work visas. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States.

First Peoples Fund participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. First Peoples Fund will only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.

First Peoples Fund is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees regardless of race, color, religion, gender, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, disability, status as a covered veteran, or other military status.