Director, Dakota Culture & Education Center

Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community (SMSC); Shakopee (MN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community seeks a Director of Hocokata Ti to provide visionary leadership for its cultural center. The role establishes a long-term strategy to preserve, promote, and advance Dakota culture, history, language, and traditions for current and future generations.

The Director develops innovative programs, experiences, and partnerships, maximizing the center's impact while ensuring an exceptional visitor experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Museum studies, Native American Studies, History, Education, Cultural Resource Management or related field.
• Knowledge of Dakota history, culture, traditions, and values required.
• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience in cultural center, educational institution, tribal government, community engagement organization, or related environment.
• Collaborative, innovative, and visionary leaders.
• 7+ years of leadership experience leading teams, budgets, programs and strategic initiatives.
• Experience overseeing exhibits, collections, educational and cultural programs, and visitor experiences.
• Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
• Strong public speaking, presentation, and facilitation skills.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership & Vision: Develop and execute a long-term strategic vision for Hocokata Ti that advances Dakota culture, history, language, and traditions.
• Cultural Preservation & Stewardship: Ensure respectful preservation, interpretation, and presentation of Dakota heritage through exhibits, collections, programs, educational resources, and special events.
• Educational Partnerships & Outreach: Develop and maintain strategic partnerships with K-12 schools, colleges, universities, research institutions, and community organizations; expand opportunities for students, educators, researchers, and academic institutions to engage with Dakota culture.
• Community Engagement & Programming: Lead the development of innovative cultural, educational, and experiential programs that engage Community members, families, team members, and visitors of all ages.
• Operational Leadership: Direct all operational, administrative, and programmatic functions of Hocokata Ti; ensure efficient, effective, and sustainable operations.
• Marketing and Communications: Promote Hocokata Ti's programs, exhibits, events, and educational opportunities; enhance visibility and reputation; represent Hocokata Ti in forums.
• Special Events & Visitor Experience: Establish the vision and strategy for cultural events, community celebrations, educational programs, and special exhibits; monitor visitor feedback and performance metrics to improve services.
• Financial & Resource Management: Develop, administer, and monitor departmental budgets; identify opportunities to maximize resources and improve operational efficiency; monitor financial performance and prepare reports.
• Leadership & Talent Development: Provide leadership, direction, and mentorship to department staff and volunteers; recruit, hire, train, develop, and evaluate team members; build cross-functional relationships to advance initiatives.
• Build strong cross-functional relationships throughout the organization to advance cultural center initiatives.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Museum studies, Native American Studies, History, Education, Cultural Resource Management or related field

Job description

Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community seeks a Director of Hocokata Ti to provide visionary leadership for its cultural center. The role establishes a long-term strategy to preserve, promote, and advance Dakota culture, history, language, and traditions for current and future generations.

The Director develops innovative programs, experiences, and partnerships, maximizing the center's impact while ensuring an exceptional visitor experience.