Tribal Engagement and Outreach Director, U of M Extension (# 364189)

$90,000 - $115,000/Yr

University of Minnesota

Full-time - Mid Level

Hybrid

Educational Services

About the position

The Tribal Engagement and Outreach Director at the University of Minnesota Extension will play a pivotal role in fostering relationships between Tribal Nations, Indigenous communities, and the University. This position requires close collaboration with the Dean of Extension, the Dean's leadership team, and the University's office of Native American Affairs. The Director will be responsible for understanding and cataloging existing Tribal Extension programs, advising Extension leaders on Tribal interests, and ensuring compliance with policies regarding Indigenous research. The role also involves developing culturally grounded training for staff and faculty, promoting authentic relationships with Tribal communities, and engaging in outreach activities to enhance mutual understanding and collaboration. In addition to programming, the Director will focus on reducing barriers to partnerships and will actively participate in committees and meetings that impact relationships with Tribal nations. The position will also support the recruitment and retention of Indigenous employees within Extension, working with stakeholders to create pathways for engagement. The Director will contribute to the advancement of Extension's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives and will promote professional development opportunities centered on Indigenous knowledge and best practices. This role requires travel across Minnesota and occasionally nationally, necessitating overnight stays and adaptability to various work environments. The position is a full-time, annually renewable academic administrative appointment with a salary range of $90,000 to $115,000, depending on qualifications and experience. The desired starting date is October 2024, and the position offers flexible work options.

Responsibilities

• Partner with faculty and staff to understand and catalog existing Tribal Extension programs and support outreach to Tribal Nations.
• Advise Extension senior leaders on Tribal interests regarding research on Indigenous land and communities, ensuring compliance with policies.
• Ensure Extension employees advocate for educational programs related to Native Nations and Indigenous communities.
• Develop culturally grounded training for leaders and staff on working with American Indian communities.
• Provide leadership to develop plans that serve the interests of Extension and tribal communities.
• Promote authentic relationships and communication between Tribal nations and Extension leadership.
• Reduce systematic barriers to create pathways for new partnerships.
• Participate in Tribal engagement activities such as committees and presentations.
• Consult regularly with Extension Dean on topics impacting relationships with Tribal nations.
• Engage in partnerships and grant opportunities with Tribal communities.
• Contribute to advancing Extension's DEI roadmap and U of M strategic priorities.
• Promote professional development opportunities focusing on Indigenous knowledge and best practices.
• Shape the work needed to repair and build indigenous community-to-university relationships.
• Develop pathway programs to recruit and engage Indigenous employees in Extension.
• Support Indigenous employees through orientation and training.

Requirements

• 8 years of related professional work experience.
• Bachelor's degree.
• Experience developing trainings/workshops.
• Knowledge of policies impacting Tribal education, sovereignty, governance, and culture.
• Knowledge of Tribal protocols and government relations, particularly for the eleven federally recognized Tribes in Minnesota.
• Experience building relations with Tribal nations and organizations.
• Experience engaging in community-directed research with Tribal nations or Indigenous communities.
• Strong oral and written communication skills.

Nice-to-haves

• Graduate degree in a relevant field.
• Experience addressing institutional barriers for Indigenous staff in higher education.
• Experience working collaboratively with Tribal governments and University leadership.
• Ability to communicate across cultural lines regarding policy interpretation.
• Collaborative leadership style with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
• Experience developing workshops on Tribal nations and Indigenous communities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft and Google Suite applications.

Benefits

• Comprehensive benefits package including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off.
• Reimbursement for travel and subsistence in accordance with University policy.
• Flexible work environment with hybrid options.