Deputy Director

Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi; Saint Paul (MN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary $110k–$130k

PTO 15 days

Cultural leave 4 days

Holidays 11

401k 3% match

Insurance package

Professional development budget

Flexible work

Job summary

Waḳaƞ Ṭípi Awaƞyaƞkapi seeks a Deputy Director to guide organizational growth, strengthen operations, and nurture a healthy, values-driven workplace. You will partner with the Executive Director, support planning, and work with the Dakota Advisory Council to ensure decisions reflect Dakota priorities and community knowledge.

The ideal candidate brings senior nonprofit leadership experience, a deep commitment to community-guided leadership, and the ability to build systems and culture that

Qualifications

• Minimum seven (7) years of leadership experience in nonprofit, community-based, Tribal, governmental, educational, environmental, cultural, or Indigenous-led organizations, including supervising staff for ≥3 years.
• Working knowledge of Dakota culture, language, history, lifeways, and contemporary issues, with ability to apply this knowledge in leadership and partnerships.
• Proven success in building healthy workplace culture through staff leadership, development, and performance management.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage budgets, systems, and organizational operations.
• Ability to pass a background check.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic people, culture, and operations initiatives.
• Foster a collaborative leadership culture grounded in Dakota values, relational accountability, and shared responsibility.
• Provide organizational leadership, continuity, and decision-making support across the organization.
• Oversee human resources, organizational policies, and internal systems, ensuring compliance with laws and standards.
• Promote collaboration across departments by aligning systems, communication, and priorities.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Staff development

Strategic planning

Community engagement

Job description

We are seeking a Deputy Director who will help shape the next chapter of our organization. This is more than a leadership position—it is an opportunity to help build the systems, culture, and organizational capacity needed to support a thriving team, deepen community relationships, and advance our long-term vision.

Description

Position Summary

The Deputy Director serves as a strategic thought partner to the Executive Director and a key member of the Leadership Team, helping guide the organization's growth, strengthen internal operations, and cultivate a healthy, values-driven workplace culture. This position provides leadership for human resources, organizational development, and operational systems while supporting strategic planning and organizational effectiveness across all departments. Reporting directly to the Executive Director, the Deputy Director works collaboratively with directors, staff, and the Dakota Advisory Council to ensure the organization's work remains grounded in Dakota values, community priorities, and relational accountability. The ideal candidate is an experienced and collaborative leader who inspires trust, develops people, and embraces community-guided leadership. As Wakan Tipi Awanyankapi continues to grow, this role will help build the systems and culture needed to advance our mission while caring for our people and honoring the guidance of the communities we serve.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Organizational Growth

• Partner with the Executive Director to advance strategic people & culture and operations
• priorities.
• Foster a collaborative leadership culture grounded in Dakota values, relational accountability, and shared responsibility.
• Provide organizational leadership, continuity, and decision-making support while helping guide the organization's continued growth.

People & Organizational Culture

• Lead efforts to recruit, develop, and retain a values-aligned team through effective leadership, professional development, and performance management.
• Build a healthy workplace culture that promotes collaboration, wellness, accountability, and continuous learning.
• Coach and support Directors in strengthening leadership practices, communication, and team development.

Community‑Guided Leadership

• Partner with the Dakota Advisory Council to ensure organizational priorities, programs, and policies are guided by Dakota values, perspectives, and community knowledge.
• Cultivate respectful, reciprocal relationships with Dakota community members, Elders, and cultural knowledge holders.
• Strengthen communication between the Advisory Council, Board, staff, and Executive Director to support community-guided decision-making.

Operations & Organizational Excellence

• Strengthen organizational systems, policies, and operational practices that support long-term sustainability and effectiveness.
• Oversee human resources, organizational policies, and internal systems while ensuring compliance with applicable laws and organizational standards.
• Promote collaboration across departments by aligning organizational systems, communication, and shared priorities.

Required & Preferred Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Minimum seven (7) years of leadership experience in nonprofit, community-based, Tribal, governmental, educational, environmental, cultural, or Indigenous-led organizations, including at least three (3) years supervising staff.
• Working knowledge of Dakota culture, language, history, lifeways, and contemporary issues, with the ability to respectfully apply this knowledge in organizational leadership and community partnerships.
• Proven success in building and fostering healthy workplace culture through effective staff leadership, professional development, performance management, and culturally responsive organizational practices.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and manage budgets, systems, and organizational operations.
• Ability to pass a background check.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated long-term relationship and trust-building experience within Dakota communities.
• Experience working with Tribal governments, Indigenous organizations, or community‑led advisory bodies.
• Experience leading programming rooted in land‑based practices, cultural revitalization, or
• Experience with museum, cultural center, interpretive, or public education environments.
• Experience advancing Indigenous approaches to stewardship, cultural interpretation, or
• sacred site protection.
• Experience supporting organizations through growth, capital projects, or major transitions

Organizational Values & Leadership Philosophy

We are seeking a leader who values collaboration over hierarchy, builds relationships before making decisions, approaches challenges with humility and curiosity, and understands that caring for people and place are inseparable.

Waḳaƞ Ṭípi Awaƞyaƞkapi is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• $110,000 – $130,000 annual salary
• 15 days PTO, 4 days paid cultural leave, earned sick & safe time
• 11 paid holidays
• 401k Retirement with 3% match
• Medical, dental, vision, life, short term and long-term disability insurance
• Generous annual professional development budget
• Flexible work arrangements (if applicable)