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Position Description

Gyedm si ndzox (One who makes camp in Sm’algyax)
Indigenous Leadership Continuum Coordinator

Location: First Alaskans Institute (FAI), Anchorage

Reports to: Indigenous Leadership Continuum Director

FTE / Wage: 1.0 Regular Full-Time Equivalent / $41,000-$54,000 ($20-$26 hourly, DOE)

FSLA Designation: Non-exempt

Core Purpose of this Role

The work of First Alaskans Institute (FAI) for our Native community is rich and varied. To advance our ways of life, we embrace the honor of uplifting and growing the leadership and advocacy of our peoples. The Gyedm si ndzox role supports these aspects of our work by partnering with the Indigenous Leadership Continuum (ILC) Director to implement leadership development programs that catalyze the power of our peoples at all stages of life. 

The Gyedm si ndzox requires adaptability and foresight to coordinate and help steward ILC programs such as our internship, fellowships, and Elder & Youth conference with a good attitude and grounded in love of our peoples. The Gyedm si ndzox embodies the core ILC principle of walking alongside our people to uplift, amplify, and strengthen their inherent and collective responsibility to this place and each other. Critical to this position is a strong foundation in community development, event planning, a high level of efficiency, autonomy, follow-through, and contribution to a dynamic team focused on advancing our Native community.

A strong Gyedm si ndzox loves supporting others, brings good energy and creativity into nurturing a welcoming environment for our community; one who connects well individually and in large groups, shares and is open to knowledge and constructive feedback, models Indigenous values, and is interested in learning and promoting our ways of life. This is an excellent role for a person who enjoys meeting new people, nurturing ongoing relationships, has a keen eye for detail and enjoys administrative responsibilities. 

We look to all members of our team for positive and professional attitudes, as well as a strong work ethic that exemplifies the high expectations of our Native values. Essential to our team approach is finding members who are the right fit and bring the flexibility, capacity, passion, and experience necessary to contribute to the work we are honored to do for our Native community.

All FAI staff members are expected to grow their understanding of and advocacy for our Native peoples, including addressing social justice issues that face our communities, intergenerational trauma and healing, and uplifting our relationships, cultures, and languages. It is imperative that candidates for any of FAI’s positions be aware of and willing to do their own personal work in this area in order to be prepared and ensure their work for FAI is culturally and professionally grounded.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Carries out day-to-day administrative functions of ILC, including regular communication with program participants, applicants, alumni and public;  
• Prepare ILC program forms and materials which include MOAs, applications, invitations, fliers, evaluations and social media posts; 
• Accurately complete and process invoices, payment requests, honorariums, and timesheets;  
• Coordinate, schedule and take detailed notes for ILC meetings;
• Support ILC program recruitment, including engaging in the hiring processes which includes distribution and tracking of HR forms; 
• Coordinate and cohost ILC programs, from planning to hosting orientations, check-ins, and close-outs; securing presenters, venue space, technology, catering, travel and other accommodations; 
• Support the ILC Director in hosting the Statewide Elders & Youth Council and annual conference, leading planning committees and engaging in physical and/or virtual set up/take down of event; 
• Support the preparation for and success of FAI gatherings and events including but not limited to the Smokehouse Gala, Iniqsakar, various summits and other gatherings as directed; 
• Serve as a thought partner and helper to the ILC Director on the development and implementation of ILC strategy and goals;
• Perform varied tasks to ensure smooth functioning of ILC, able to effectively multitask, prioritize, work well under pressure and meet tight deadlines;
• Be organized, friendly, and efficient, especially when answering phone calls, greeting visitors, and handling requests from Trustees, staff, partner organizations, donors, Elders, and community members;
• Perform miscellaneous office duties in a professional and proficient manner; 
• Identify and carry out tasks needed to support the success of our work;
• Set goals and deadlines to achieve efficiencies in work and service support;
• Occasionally travel as necessary to support the work; 
• Be adaptable to a changing work environment in order to best support the collective work of FAI and have endurance to maintain long hours during peak performance times. 
• Identify efficiencies and opportunities to build connections between FAI initiatives to increase impact;
• Co-host FAI trainings, dialogues, and gatherings; and
• Other duties as assigned or necessary to support and sustain success for FAI.

Skills/Knowledge

• Strong written, interpersonal and communication skills with a variety of audiences;
• Strong creative, technical writing, and presentation skills preferred;
• Able to prepare for the needs of our participants to engage fully and well in our spaces;
• Able to think strategically and implement effectively, comfortable and creative with trying new approaches to Indigenize our work and be flexible with organizational needs; 
• Able to engage in sensitive and challenging discussions about inter-generational trauma and healing while still carrying the work forward consistently and in a good way;
• Able to maintain professional social media presence and create ILC content to be shared; 
• Tactful, ethical and trustworthy, exhibits excellent judgment and a positive attitude;
• Autonomous with strong time management skills, must be able to work well both independently and as a member of a team;
• Works with integrity and accountability to track, follow through and complete responsibilities;
• Proficient with standard software such as Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook;
• Basic understanding of budget processes and ability to maintain financial spreadsheets; 
• Open to receiving direction and incorporating feedback to strengthen the work of this position;
• Able to nurture relationships with other FAI staff and supporters, members of the community, alumni network, other organizations and businesses to advance and grow ILC programs; 
• Strong knowledge, appreciation, experience, and commitment to working with and for Alaska Native people and statewide Native organizations;
• Knowledge of political, social organizations and the cultural ways of life of Alaska Native peoples and the communities and cultures we live and work in is preferred; 
• Willing to engage in personal inter-generational healing as it directly impacts the ability to be prepared for and do the work this role requires, and
• Ability to work in and add to an Indigenous environment focused on perpetuating Alaska Native knowledges, identities, ways of life, spirit, languages, as well as other areas of indigenizing and decolonizing our organization and our outcomes through our vision and mission.

Education & Work Experience

Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of two years’ experience working in relevant fields is preferred. Equivalent experience and skills may be substituted for the bachelor’s degree and other requirements as deemed appropriate by FAI to fulfill the requirements of this role.

Equipment and License needs

All FAI staff must have reliable access to a personal cell phone, internet and a valid state driver’s license to effectively work no matter where they are.  

To Apply

Our streamlined application requirements are as follows and constitute a complete* application:

• Letter of Interest
• Current Resume
• Contact Information for 3 professional references
• Professional sample of your work (written or design material, video, etc.)
• Additional information may be requested during the interview process

*Incomplete application packets will not be considered. Please email your complete application packet to [email protected] with the subject “Gyedm si ndzox”.

Applications accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis until position is filled.

FAI is a dynamic organization changing as needed to best address its goals. This job description is representative of duties at a moment in time and is intended as a “living document” updated periodically to reflect changes in job responsibilities and/or emphasis. It is not intended or implied to be an employment contract but is a method of communication to explain responsibilities, advertise the job, identify performance measures and potential training needs. 

Download the position description: Gyedm si ndzox

First Alaskans Institute requires employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of hire.